Distribution Systems

Recommended basic knowledge

There are no special requirements applied to this subject because it belongs to the first term. However, students should preferably possess knowledge of three-phase systems and phasors, differential equations, matrix algebra, computer programming, and a basic understanding of electrical machines and transformers.

Academic methodology 

The objectives of the course have been customized to help students learn to locate relevant information, to evaluate and organize this information, to develop a critical reflection and constructive dialogue. The teaching methodologies follow a temporal sequence that enables students to acquire theoretical knowledge in the main themes of the subject. The course promotes active and collaborative learning that enables the students to develop the interpersonal skills and attitudes required in a world that is increasingly pluralistic and complex.

The class practice and laboratory work are designed to involve most of the concepts and to obtain a wider knowledge. This approach ensures that students perform activities based on the concept of laboratory to demonstrate and ensure full understanding of the objectives of knowledge,  theories previously learned in classes. Students have weekly voluntary support through instructor’s office hours.

The numbers of hours assigned to this subject are divided in “Presential work” and “Non-presential work”. The “Presential work” hours are divided in lectures, class practice, laboratory, group tutoring and evaluation sessions. Concepts stated in lectures must be applied to solve different types of problems or developing computer projects in practical classes. The group tutoring sessions will be used to discuss about the theoretical concepts explained in lectures or their application in computer laboratory.

Competences and Learning Outcomes

This course provides students with skills related to the operation distribution systems as well as a comprehensive view of all the problems and tasks involved. The course also provides students with an understanding of the technologies used in electrical distribution systems. The students will be able to recognize the problems which may occur during the operation of distribution systems and propose solutions to correct those problems in order to improved electricity service with better continuity and quality of supply.
The laboratory will be of a problem solving nature and will involve the solution of network problems using computer simulation and analysis software. This subject is related with the “Power Systems” subject in the same term. This package of two subjects provides to the students a wide overview of how the power systems works, how they are operated and how must be designed and protected.

Competences and learning outcomes that the students are intended to reach through the oriented work in the subject:

• Project, design and management in the scope of the course topics.

• Writing, communicating and presenting scientific documents to specialists, within the scope of the contents of the distribution systems subject.

• Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.

• Know the characteristics and behaviour of an electric distribution system.

• Manage, design, implement and maintain electrical distribution systems.

• Design and conduct experiments and to analyse and interpret data.

• Practical and experimental verification of monitoring and controlling electrical energy conversion systems, including safety operation of electric systems.

• Technical-economical-environmental regulations and directives in different scopes (local, regional, national, European, …), which are applied to power systems.

• Technical design aspects that depend on strategic, socio-politic, economic and environmental concerns.

Contents of the subject:

1. Main Concepts of Electric Distribution Systems

• Introduction
• Duties of Distribution System Planners
• Factors Affecting the Planning Process
• Planning Objectives
• Solutions for Meeting Demand Forecasts
• Structure of Distribution Networks

2. Load Demand Forecasting

• Important Factors for Forecasts
• Forecasting Methodology
• Spatial Load Forecasting (SLF)
• End-Use Modelling
• Spatial Load Forecast Methods

3. Earthing of Electric Distribution Systems

• Earthing Electric Equipment
• System Earthing
• MV Earthing Systems
• Earthing Systems in LV Distribution Networks

4. Short-Circuit Studies

• Introduction
• Short-Circuit Analysis
• Symmetrical Three-Phase Short Circuit
• Unsymmetrical Short Circuits
• Case Study

5. Protection of Electric Distribution Systems

• Types of Relay Construction
• Overcurrent Protection
• Reclosers, Sectionalizers, and Fuses
• Directional Protection
• Differential Protection
• Thermal Protection
• Overvoltage Protection

6. Distribution Switchgears

• Need for Switchgear
• Switchgear Layout
• Dimensioning of Switchgear Installations
• MV Switchgear Devices
• LV Switchgear Devices
• Safety and Security of Installations

7. Power Quality

• Power Quality Problems
• Cost of Power Quality
• Solutions of Power Quality Problems
• Voltage Quality
• Methods of Voltage Drop Reduction
• Voltage Sag Calculations
• Harmonics Effect Mitigation

8. Distribution systems reliability assessment

• Interruption Causes
• Component Modelling
• System Modelling and Analysis
• Aging Infrastructure
• Case Study

9. Demand Side Management and Energy Efficiency

• Demand Side Management (DSM)
• International Experience with DSM
• Expected Benefits of Managing Demand
• Energy Efficiency
• Economic Benefits of Energy Efficiency

10. SCADA Systems

• SCADA Components and Systems Architectures
• SCADA Applications
• Smart Grid Concept

11. Distributed Generation

• Power Systems and Distributed Generation
• Performance of Distributed Generators
• Case Study

NAO