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Mike L

Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals is a comprehensive video course where you can learn industry specific knowledge about the distribution power system that you would not have known unless you worked within the utility industry for a number of years.

I have handcrafted this course to allow students to acquire core fundamental knowledge on how the distribution system works as well as how to do simple distribution designs.

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Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals is a comprehensive video course where you can learn industry specific knowledge about the distribution power system that you would not have known unless you worked within the utility industry for a number of years.

I have handcrafted this course to allow students to acquire core fundamental knowledge on how the distribution system works as well as how to do simple distribution designs.

If you are a recent graduate of an engineering program or wanting to switch careers to being a distribution design engineer, you will find this course of great help to get the fundamental knowledge you need to kick start your professional career.

If you are looking for an apprenticeship program to be a power lineman, this course will allow you to show the recruiters how much passion and potential you have to be in the trade. And if you already a journeyman, the design knowledge you learn here will allow you to have an advantage in getting a distribution planner position in the office.

This course can benefit anyone who wanted to work in the utility industry. As long as you have interest working in this industry, be it accounting, IT, supply chain etc, this course can help you to get an advantage at work or getting a job within this industry as it gives you core knowledge of the industry that you would not have otherwise obtain unless you have worked in the industry spanning multiple departments. And knowledge is power.

What is your Path?

I will show you what modules you should take depending on what you want as your goal.

If you are striving to be a designer, I will go over how you can do line designs with lead and structural calculations  by hand.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you will also learn about the niche markets and how it will be relevant in the future of this industry.

So let's get started. Let's start your fulfilling journey and mark an important point of your phenomenal career in this industry.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Power engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Power distribution system
  • Medium voltage
  • Engineering design

Syllabus

Introduction
What if I am not an engineer? Can I still benefit from this course?
General Overview of the Power System
Underground Distribution Fundamentals
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides fundamental knowledge of distribution systems, which is essential for recent engineering graduates or those seeking a career change into distribution design engineering
Offers core industry knowledge applicable to diverse roles like accounting, IT, and supply chain, providing a competitive edge in securing employment within the utility sector
Covers line designs with lead and structural calculations, which is valuable for those aiming to become designers in the power distribution field
Explores niche markets and future technologies, which is relevant for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the evolving utility landscape
Includes topics like grounding, distributed generation, and voltage drop calculation, which are essential for understanding the practical aspects of power distribution systems
Discusses software used in the industry, which is helpful for those looking to gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to industry standards

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals of power distribution engineering

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction and provides core fundamental knowledge about distribution power systems. Many found it particularly beneficial for breaking into the industry or transitioning careers within the utility sector, highlighting its value for both engineers and non-engineers seeking to understand the domain. The content covers a wide range of topics from overhead and underground systems to design basics and career advice. While some reviewers felt certain sections could benefit from more detailed explanations or practical examples, the course is generally seen as a strong starting point for anyone interested in this specialized field.
Well-structured modules and flow.
"The course structure is logical and easy to follow."
"Modules are well organized, making it easy to navigate through topics."
"Good flow from basic concepts to more specific system components."
Valuable insights for career development.
"The sections on job functions and how to break into the industry were incredibly helpful."
"Useful for career transition or advancement within the utility industry."
"Gave me ideas on niche markets and future technologies relevant to my career path."
"Great course for those looking to show potential employers their passion for the trade."
Covers core concepts effectively.
"The fundamentals of distribution power engineering were explained clearly and concisely."
"Gave me a solid foundation in how distribution systems work."
"Core concepts are covered well, giving a good starting point for further learning."
"It really helped solidify my basic understanding of overhead and underground distribution."
Excellent overview for utility industry newcomers.
"This course was exactly what I needed to get a handle on the utility industry and its distribution systems."
"Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into the power distribution field, engineer or not."
"Provided fundamental knowledge about the utility industry that is usually only gained through years of work."
"I'm not an engineer, but this course gave me an advantage in understanding the utility sector."
Some topics need more detail or examples.
"Some topics felt a bit rushed, could use more in-depth explanation."
"Was hoping for more practical design examples or case studies."
"While it covers many topics, some areas could be expanded upon for better understanding."
"Certain calculations or software discussions could use deeper dives."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals with these activities:
Review Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of core electrical engineering principles to better grasp the concepts presented in the course.
Show steps
  • Review basic circuit laws (Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws).
  • Practice solving simple circuit problems.
  • Familiarize yourself with AC and DC circuits.
Review 'Electrical Power Distribution Engineering' by Turan Gonen
Gain a deeper understanding of power distribution engineering principles and practices.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to overhead and underground distribution.
  • Study the sections on grounding and protection.
  • Review the examples and case studies provided.
Develop a Voltage Drop Calculation Spreadsheet
Create a practical tool for calculating voltage drop in distribution circuits, reinforcing your understanding of the underlying principles.
Show steps
  • Research voltage drop calculation methods.
  • Design a spreadsheet with appropriate input fields and formulas.
  • Test the spreadsheet with various scenarios.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Presentation on Distributed Generation
Solidify your understanding of distributed generation by creating a presentation that explains its benefits, challenges, and applications.
Show steps
  • Research different types of distributed generation technologies.
  • Prepare slides outlining the key concepts.
  • Practice your presentation skills.
Design a Simple Distribution System
Apply the knowledge gained from the course to design a basic distribution system for a small community or industrial facility.
Show steps
  • Define the load requirements for the system.
  • Select appropriate conductors and equipment.
  • Calculate voltage drop and losses.
  • Create a single-line diagram of the system.
Follow Tutorials on Power System Analysis Software
Enhance your skills by learning how to use industry-standard software for power system analysis and design.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant software packages (e.g., ETAP, SKM PowerTools).
  • Find online tutorials or training courses.
  • Practice using the software to model and analyze simple distribution systems.
Review 'Electric Power Substations Engineering' by James H. Harlow
Expand your knowledge of the power system by learning about substation engineering.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to substation equipment and protection.
  • Study the sections on grounding and safety.
  • Review the examples and case studies provided.

Career center

Learners who complete Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Distribution Design Engineer
A Distribution Design Engineer focuses on designing and planning the layout of electrical distribution systems. This course helps build a foundation in the fundamentals of power distribution systems. With knowledge of underground and overhead distribution, poles, conductors, cables, and hardware, one can learn to make informed decisions during the design process. The overview of distribution design processes and how to do line designs are also helpful in this career. The course content on voltage drop calculation and underground cable pulling calculations are essential.
Power Distribution Planner
A Power Distribution Planner analyzes electrical load demand and plans the expansion and maintenance of distribution systems. This course is useful to those interested in becoming Power Distribution Planners because it provides insight into distribution system fundamentals and design processes. The course may be especially helpful to those with experience as a journeyman lineman. The calculation modules are also particularly helpful.
Utility Engineer
A Utility Engineer works within utility companies to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity, gas, or water. This course helps build a strong understanding of power distribution systems that are fundamental to the utility industry. The course modules on overhead and underground distribution, poles, conductors, cables, and hardware provide critical knowledge for Utility Engineers. The discussion on future technologies may also be helpful.
Electrical Project Manager
An Electrical Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of electrical engineering projects. This course is useful for Electrical Project Managers because it provides them with a solid foundation in power distribution system fundamentals. The course could help one to communicate effectively with their team and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. The future technologies module may be useful.
Power System Engineer
A Power System Engineer is involved in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical power systems. This course may be useful to them because it introduces the core knowledge of the distribution system and how it operates. Power System Engineers can use what they learn about distributed generation, grounding, and secondary network systems to develop innovative and efficient power solutions. The overview of the power system and discussion of future technologies are relevant.
Power Systems Analyst
A Power Systems Analyst uses software and modeling techniques to analyze the performance and reliability of power systems. This course's content about the design process and calculations may be useful to a Power Systems Analyst. The course also goes over software used in the industry. The discussion on the secondary network system may be useful in analyzing grid performance under different scenarios.
Power Lineman
A Power Lineman installs and maintains electrical power lines. This course provides a lot of fundamental knowledge about power systems. This course may be useful to a Power Lineman by providing insights into how the distribution system works. This course can help one to stand out to recruiters. With the course, one can learn about overhead distribution, poles, conductors, cables, and hardware.
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. The Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals course may assist in a career as an Electrical Engineer as it provides specific knowledge about power distribution. Electrical Engineers will find the course content on conductors, cables, grounding, and voltage drop calculation very relevant. Furthermore, the course goes over industry software and how to break into the industry.
Grid Modernization Engineer
A Grid Modernization Engineer works on upgrading and improving the electrical grid with new technologies and approaches. This course goes over the general overview of the power system and future technologies to watch out for making it useful for a Grid Modernization Engineer. The distributed generation module will be helpful in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. The course may also be useful in its design content.
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer focuses on developing and implementing renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind power. The course provides an understanding of distributed generation, which is increasingly relevant in the renewable energy sector. A Renewable Energy Engineer will also benefit from the overview of the power system and discussion of future technologies. The course may be useful in the way that it covers topics in power systems engineering.
Substation Engineer
A Substation Engineer designs, installs, and maintains electrical substations, which are critical components of the power grid. Although the course focuses on distribution, many of the fundamentals discussed, such as grounding, conductors, and cables, are relevant to substation design. This course may be useful to Substation Engineers, particularly those who want to broaden their understanding of the overall power system.
Electrical Inspector
An Electrical Inspector ensures that electrical installations comply with safety codes and regulations. This course provides a foundation in distribution system knowledge, including overhead and underground systems, grounding, and hardware, which is useful to Electrical Inspectors. The course's insight into the power system will help them to assess the safety and compliance of electrical installations. The course overview of the power system may be especially useful.
Energy Consultant
An Energy Consultant advises clients on how to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs. This course's overview of power systems, distributed generation, and future technologies may be helpful to Energy Consultants, enabling them to provide more informed recommendations to their clients. The course may also be useful in understanding distribution design.
Protection and Control Engineer
A Protection and Control Engineer designs and implements systems that protect electrical power systems from faults and disturbances. The Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals course includes content related to grounding, which is directly relevant to protection system design. This course may also be useful in the way that it covers topics in electrical engineering.
SCADA Engineer
A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Engineer works with systems that monitor and control industrial processes, including power distribution. This course provides a good overview of power distribution systems and their components, which is useful to SCADA Engineers. Gaining a broad perspective of the system may be helpful in designing and implementing effective monitoring and control solutions.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Distribution Power Engineering Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electrical power distribution systems, covering topics such as system planning, design, and operation. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the practical aspects of distribution engineering. This book is commonly used as a textbook in power engineering courses and by industry professionals. It adds depth to the course by providing detailed explanations and real-world examples.
Provides a detailed overview of substation design, equipment, and operation. While not directly focused on distribution, understanding substations is crucial for comprehending the overall power system. This book is more valuable as additional reading to provide a broader context. It is commonly used by industry professionals.

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