Solar
Utilities
Utility Interconnection
Utility-Scale
Electrical Distribution
Electric Utility Distribution Equipment
About this course
Working on solar PV or community solar projects that connect directly to utility distribution? Or are you just starting a job and need to get up to speed quickly on distribution systems?
Be more effective in working on projects with small utility-scale solar, battery storage or community solar that connect directly to utility distribution.
Be more effective in working on projects with small utility-scale solar, battery storage or community solar that connect directly to utility distribution.
You might be asking:
What's a pad-mount distribution transformer?
Why does my project need a fuse or a recloser where it connects to the utility system?
What's the difference between a three-phase line and a single-phase line?
If you are new to a job with a distribution utility, municipal, or co-operative, or work with a Solar PV organization such as a developer, design/engineering, or community solar provider that works with Solar PV farms connected to utility distribution, this course provides a solid background in utility distribution equipment.
This course is heavy on visuals and makes the material easy to understand, through:
- Photos
- Diagrams
- Videos
28 different types of the most common distribution equipment are discussed, including:
- Transformers
- Conductors
- Reclosers
- Voltage regulators
- Fuses
- And more.
To give context to the distribution discussions, an overview of the following is provided:
- Generation
- Transmission
- Substations
The course goes through the process of laying out a distribution feeder, from the substation down to residential meters in the fictitious town of TaylorTown, and also discusses:
- Three-phase and single-phase lines
- Voltage regulation
- Short-circuits and protection
- Feeder switching
You will also learn common distribution terms/nomenclature, and the typical values of voltage, current, and power throughout a distribution system.
This is an introductory level course - students are not required to have any prior utility power system knowledge, and no math is required.
The course requires approximately four hours to complete, and assignments include videos, lectures and quizzes to reinforce comprehension.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the function of basic utility distribution equipment to colleagues
- Converse with utility personnel meaningfully in discussions involving solar PV and battery storage connections
- Specify basic equipment requirements for connecting to distribution systems
Course outline
9 modules
4 - 5 hours to complete
3:10 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 8 assignments
Electric Utility Distribution Equipment
Module 1 • 8 assignments
Electric Utility Distribution Equipment
- Two-Minute Overview of Course (02:16 minutes) Preview
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Introduction - Learning Objectives and Assignments (04:42 minutes)
- Course Presentation Materials (.pdf)
- Distribution Feeder Diagram (.pdf)
- Safety Tips - Downed Power Lines
- Totally optional: iPhone App for taking this class (50 seconds)
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Generation Transmission Overview
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Generation Transmission Overview
- Generation Transmission (23:44 minutes)
- Transmission Switching
- Generation Transmission
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Basic Distribution System Concepts
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Basic Distribution System Concepts
- Basic Distribution System Concepts (25:35 minutes)
- Short-Circuit Faults on Distribution
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Substation and Basic Equipment
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Substation and Basic Equipment
- Substation and Basic Equipment (34:48 minutes)
- Distribution Concepts and Substations
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Feeder Main / Backbone
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Feeder Main / Backbone
- Feeder Main / Backbone (35:34 minutes)
- Three Phase Equipment
Module 6 • 3 assignments
Underground Equipment
Module 6 • 3 assignments
Underground Equipment
- Underground Equipment (15:33 minutes) Preview
- Replacing a Pad Mounted Residential Transformer
- Underground Equipment
Module 7 • 4 assignments
Single-Phase Overhead and Secondary Service Equipment
Module 7 • 4 assignments
Single-Phase Overhead and Secondary Service Equipment
- Single-Phase Overhead and Secondary Service Equipment (17:33 minutes)
- Changing a Line Fuse
- Distribution Systems Review - A Different Perspective
- Single Phase Overhead and Service Entrance
Module 8 • 2 assignments
Overview of Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Systems
Module 8 • 2 assignments
Overview of Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Systems
- Watch: Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Systems (30:15 minutes)
- Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Feeders (.pdf)
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 0.5 IEEE CEUs
Instructor
Tim Taylor
Founder, 60 Hertz Learning
Tim has spent over 35 years in electric generation, transmission, and distribution. He recognizes the urgency to act on climate change. His primary focus is collaborating with stakeholders to understand the complexities of generation and storage interconnections to the electric grid. This encompasses the technical considerations, interconnection procedures and...
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This 8 module course is delivered entirely online. The lecture video and other materials are available any time. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes please visit our HeatSpring for Teams page to get a group discount.