Power Distribution Network Course

Lesson 1 • Distribution Network Topology

Covers radial, ring, and meshed network configurations and their trade-offs. Connects topology choice to reliability and cost outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Safety Framework

Outlines safety standards, utility regulations, and grid codes governing distribution networks. Frames compliance requirements referenced throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Key Distribution Equipment

Identifies transformers, switchgear, cables, and overhead lines as core hardware. Provides equipment context needed for protection and planning chapters.

Lesson 4 • Voltage and Current Fundamentals

Reviews AC circuit theory, phasors, and power factor as applied to distribution. Ensures mathematical readiness for load flow and fault analysis.

Lesson 1 • Tap Changers and Voltage Control

Explains on-load and off-load tap changers and their role in voltage regulation. Links tap changer operation to voltage quality management.

Lesson 2 • Transformer Ratings and Selection

Explains kVA ratings, impedance, cooling classes, and loading guidelines. Connects rating knowledge to practical sizing for distribution feeders.

Lesson 3 • Substation Layout and Design

Examines primary and secondary substation configurations, bus arrangements, and equipment placement. Builds spatial and functional design skills.

Lesson 4 • Substation Protection Schemes

Introduces differential, overcurrent, and earth fault protection applied at substations. Prepares students for the dedicated protection chapter ahead.

Lesson 1 • Long-Term Demand Growth Projection

Uses trend analysis, economic indicators, and scenario planning for multi-year forecasts. Supports capital investment and network expansion planning.

Lesson 2 • Peak Demand Management Strategies

Examines demand response, load shifting, and storage to reduce peak network stress. Links demand management to deferral of capital expenditure.

Lesson 3 • Demand Measurement and Data Collection

Covers metering technologies, interval data recording, and data quality assurance. Provides the data foundation required for accurate forecasting.

Lesson 4 • Short-Term Load Forecasting Methods

Applies statistical and machine-learning techniques to predict daily and weekly demand. Connects forecast accuracy to operational scheduling decisions.

Lesson 1 • Newton-Raphson and Gauss-Seidel Methods

Compares iterative solution algorithms for transmission and distribution networks. Builds computational skill for applying standard load flow solvers.

Lesson 2 • Voltage Profile Assessment

Evaluates voltage magnitude and angle along feeders against regulatory limits. Identifies voltage violation zones requiring corrective action.

Lesson 3 • Reactive Power and Voltage Control

Examines capacitor bank placement, voltage regulators, and reactive compensation to improve voltage. Links reactive control to power factor correction outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Backward-Forward Sweep Method

Applies the radial-network-specific sweep algorithm for efficient distribution load flow. Connects the method to practical feeder analysis tools.

Lesson 1 • Equipment Duty and Rating Verification

Compares calculated fault currents against switchgear and transformer withstand ratings. Ensures equipment specifications meet short-circuit duty requirements.

Lesson 2 • Symmetrical Fault Calculations

Applies Thevenin equivalent and per-unit methods to calculate three-phase fault currents. Builds the baseline fault current values used in equipment rating.

Lesson 3 • Symmetrical Component Theory

Introduces positive, negative, and zero sequence networks for unbalanced fault analysis. Provides the analytical tool required for asymmetrical fault calculations.

Lesson 4 • Fault Types and Causes

Classifies three-phase, line-to-line, line-to-ground, and double line-to-ground faults. Establishes fault taxonomy used throughout protection design.

Lesson 1 • Protection Philosophy and Objectives

Defines sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and reliability as the four protection criteria. Frames all subsequent relay and device selection decisions.

Lesson 2 • Earth Fault and Ground Protection

Examines residual current, restricted earth fault, and directional earth fault schemes. Addresses the most frequent fault type on distribution networks.

Lesson 3 • Automatic Reclosing and Fault Location

Covers reclosing sequences, dead-time settings, and impedance-based fault location methods. Reduces sustained outages and accelerates restoration.

Lesson 4 • Overcurrent Protection Devices

Covers fuses, reclosers, sectionalizers, and overcurrent relays used on distribution feeders. Connects device characteristics to feeder protection coordination.

Lesson 1 • Voltage Management with High DER Penetration

Applies smart inverter functions, coordinated voltage control, and energy storage to manage voltage with high DER levels. Links control strategies to power quality outcomes.

Lesson 2 • DER Technologies and Characteristics

Profiles solar PV, small wind, battery storage, and combined heat and power as distribution-connected resources. Establishes technical parameters used in impact studies.

Lesson 3 • Hosting Capacity Analysis

Applies power flow and voltage analysis to determine maximum DER penetration without violations. Connects hosting capacity results to interconnection approval decisions.

Lesson 4 • Reverse Power Flow and Protection Impacts

Examines how bidirectional power flow affects overcurrent coordination and fault current levels. Identifies protection scheme modifications needed for high DER penetration.

Lesson 1 • Risk-Based Asset Replacement Strategy

Combines probability of failure, consequence of failure, and cost to prioritize asset replacement. Produces a defensible capital investment plan for aging infrastructure.

Lesson 2 • Distribution Planning Principles

Defines planning horizons, reliability criteria, and load growth assumptions used in network expansion studies. Establishes the planning framework applied throughout this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Reliability Indices and Performance Metrics

Applies SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, and MAIFI to measure and benchmark distribution reliability. Links performance metrics to regulatory reporting and investment justification.

Lesson 4 • Network Expansion and Reinforcement Options

Evaluates new feeders, substation upgrades, reconductoring, and non-wire alternatives for capacity expansion. Connects option analysis to cost-benefit decision making.

Lesson 5 • Asset Condition Assessment

Uses inspection data, diagnostic testing, and condition scoring to evaluate asset health. Provides the condition data needed for risk-based replacement decisions.