Power System Blackouts

In 1882 Sir Thomas Edison built the world’s first electricity generating station in New York. The supply of Electricity spread rapidly across the globe in the ensuing years. Today, over a century later, the use of electrical energy has become commonplace.

Industry and the public at large are today heavily dependent on reliable electricity supplies. The economic and social impact of power system black-outs cannot be overstated. Utilities are fully aware of these implications and take all reasonable precautions against such failures. However, the unplanned conditions will always occur and appropriate contingency plans must be carefully prepared and documented.

The delegates will gain an overall appreciation of the applicable standards and working practices for fundamental of energy and power systems, single and three phase power, load flow solutions, short circuits analysis, stability calculations, power systems dynamics and analysis using Computer Programs.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• Gain a deeper knowledge of the Dynamics of Power Systems, including system stability/instability and other causes of network failure
• Understand how steps are taken and the equipment involved to avoid complete network collapse
• Learn the principles of Network Black-start planning and application in practice
• Understand substation and electrical power system equipment’s and components
• Have knowledge on power system control loops (AVR and LFC)
• Learn various aspects of Power System stability
• Have the applicability and selection process of power stability and control

Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for Electrical and Power engineers, Project Engineers, Maintenance Engineers and Supervisors and operating staff of electrical sub stations will find this course very useful for enhancing their knowledge related to electrical systems, components and switchgears

Course Outline

Day one
Fundamentals of Power Systems and Symmetrical Components

• Introduction to phasors
• Single-phase instantaneous power
• Complex power
• Personal computer program
• Balanced three-phase circuits
• Power in three-phase
• Definition of symmetrical components
• Sequence Networks of Impedance loads
• Sequence Networks of Series impedances
• Power in sequence Networks

Day Two
Power Transformers and Transmission lines (Parameters and Steady State Operation)

• Ideal Transformers, The Per – unit Systems,
• Single and Three-phase Transformers,
• Autotransformers,
• Transmission lines design considerations,
• Transmission line parameters (Resistance,
• Inductance and Capacitance),
• Shunt Admittance,
• Parallel circuits three –phase lines,
• Types of transmission lines (Short, Medium and Long),
• Lossless Transmission lines,
• Maximum power-flow,
• Reactive compensation techniques

Day Three
What is Blackout?

• Causes of failures of major sub-station requirements,
• Causes of transformers failures,
• Weakness in specifications,
• Failure due to defective design,
• Failures due to manufacturing deficiencies,
• Failure of HV,
• LV and Tertiary Winding due to Short Circuit and Surge Voltages,
• Failure of circuit breakers,
• Introduction of state-of-theart condition monitoring checks during service
• Induction motors role in irrigating blackout
• Causes of drop out disconnecting links failures.

Day Four
What is Blackout?

• Blackout prevention by loads voltage stabilization
• Pollution measurement
• Blackout prevention measurement
• Thermography
• Cronagraphy
• Ultra-sonic detection
• Blackout causes overview Voltage instability initiating blackouts
• Loss angle test (loss factor test) Failures of instrument transformers and prevention measurements
• Predictive maintenance of electric equipment
• Maintenance scheduling for electrical equipment

Day Five
Power System Controls and Transient Stability

• Generator Voltage Control
• Turbine Governor Control,
• Load Frequency Control,
• Economic Dispatch,
• Swing Equation,
• Synchronous Machine Model,
• Equal area criterion,
• Single and Multi machines stability,
• Design methods for improving transient stability

Course Methodology

A variety of methodologies will be used during the course that includes:

• (30%) Based on Case Studies
• (30%) Techniques
• (30%) Role Play
• (10%) Concepts
• Pre-test and Post-test
• Variety of Learning Methods
• Lectures
• Case Studies and Self Questionaires
• Group Work
• Discussion
• Presentation

Course Fees

This rate includes participant’s manual, Hand-Outs, buffet lunch, coffee/tea on arrival, morning & afternoon of each day.

Course Timings

Daily Course Timings
08:00 - 08:20       Morning Coffee / Tea
08:20 - 10:00       First Session
10:00 - 10:20       Coffee / Tea / Snacks
10:20 - 12:20       Second Session
12:20 - 13:30       Lunch Break & Prayer Break
13:30 - 15:00       Last Session