04-22-2014 - Dispatcher Training Webinar - Online, Live

Module 1 – Electrical Fundamentals:

In Electrical Fundamentals, students will begin by reviewing basic definitions, concepts, and formulas for voltage, current, power, and energy.  Generation of single phase and 3-phase AC power systems is discussed along with delta and wye connections and electrical load phase relationships (lead and lag).

Various types of power generation and the power plants that support them are presented as well as power transmission methodologies, equipment, conductors, shielding, and insulators.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to define and describe the following terms and concepts:

• Voltage, Current, Power & Energy
• Electrical Load phase relationships (lead and lag)
• Ohm"s Law review
• Power equation review
• 3-Phase Delta and Wye connections
• Power Factor
• Voltage Drop and Limits
• Power Generation (fossil, nuclear, hydro, solar & wind)
• Transmission Concepts
• Conductor types and sizes

Module 2 – Substation Equipment:

Utility substations serve as nodes of power grids where system voltages and currents are stepped up or down depending on need for transport or delivery service to consumers. This module explains all the types of major high voltage equipment used in substations to perform their system functions.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to describe the following types of substation equipment:

• Transformers
• Regulators and by-pass switches
• Load Tap Changers (LTC)
• Circuit Breakers
• Reclosers
• Disconnect Switches
• Lightning Arrestors
• Electrical Bus Distribution Configurations
• Capacitor and Reactor Banks
• Control building equipment

Module 3 – Distribution and Consumption:

The concepts of various overhead and underground power distribution feeder networks are presented.  Students learn about the principles of power delivery, consumption and the various types of meters and panels used in single and 3-Phase applications.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to describe and discuss the following types of distribution networks and power consumption concepts and equipment:

• Wye & Delta Distribution Lines
• Radial, Loop, and Network Configurations
• Distribution Transformers 1-Phase and 3-Phase
• Open-WYE, Open-Delta Transformer Banks
• Underground Equipment (cables, hardware, switches, risers)
• Load Balance
• Distribution Fuses & Sectionalizers
• Residential and Industrial services
• Basic Metering (1-Phase and 3-Phase Panels)
• Loads and Connections

Module 4 – Protection and Telecommunications:

The automatic clearing of power system faults on transmission lines, substation equipment, distribution facilities, etc. are controlled through system protective relays.  The various types of relays, their operations, and results are explained in this module.  The student gets an appreciation of how system protection helps maintain reliability, clearing electrical problems on the system and how protective relays interface with system control centers.  A brief discussion of how telecommunications is used to provide monitoring and control is also introduced in this module.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to define and describe the following protection principals and types of telecommunications technologies present in the power industry:

• Power Faults, Fault current paths & Fault Locators
• Distribution Protection Schemes
• Breakers, Reclosers and Fuse Links
• Relay Control Circuits with CT"s and PT"s
• Differential Relays (Transformer and Bus)
• Transmission Protection Overview
• Coordination Principles
• Telecommunications (Fiber, Microwave, Power Line Carrier)

Module 5 – Electrical Safety:

Electrical safety is a key component in electric operations.  This module discusses how electrical safety is viewed and applied in electric utilities.  The same concepts apply to home electrical safety.  This module provides the needed knowledge basics to working safely around high and low voltage electrical systems.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is discussed in great depth.  Particular emphasis is placed on the why and how electrical grounding principles apply to safe operations.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to describe the following safety issues, requirements and considerations:

• Ground Potential Rise
• Conduction vs. Isolation Safety
• Touch & Step Potential
• Accidental Energization Scenarios
• Electrical Grounding Theory
• Single Point Grounding
• Dual Point With Personal Ground
• Trucks and Vehicles Grounding vs. Barricading
• Underground Procedures
• Grounding Equipment Testing
• Arc-Flash
• Personal Protection Equipment

Module 6 – Dispatch and Energy Control:

The U.S. electric power grid system is highly interconnected through an extensive system of transmission and distribution lines that are controlled at various control centers.  This includes an in-depth look at Smart Grid concepts and operations.  This module explains how this interdependency is structured through NERC and system reliability is monitored and controlled through SCADA on a 24/7 basis.  More safety concepts are introduced with the discussion of proper switching and tagging procedures.  Also presented is the role, responsibilities and operations of Dispatch Centers.

Module Objectives:

At the conclusion of this module, students will be able to describe the following topics:

• Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• System Analysis Monitoring and Control
• Distribution Switching
• Switching orders and approvals
• Coordination & Communications
• Dispatch & Service Centers
• Emergency Situations
• Outage Management
• Distribution Automation