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Stephen Brooks

The aim of this course is to introduce all of the basic principles associated with these complex systems. 

The course will go into detail for the following key topics :-

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The aim of this course is to introduce all of the basic principles associated with these complex systems. 

The course will go into detail for the following key topics :-

  • Show how a substation DC systems operated and how the battery is sized

  • Look at the key elements of a circuit breaker protection scheme

  • Introduce the principles behind circuit breaker failure protection and show what action needs to be taken.

  • See how circuit breakers can be re-closed after a fault and outline the systems involved

  • Introduce the principles behind synchronising, show what parameters need to be checked and how the systems operate.

  • Go into detail on the main features of transformers, including vector groups, tapchangers, cooling systems, controls / alarms & protection systems

  • Introduce the basic principles and systems associated with SCADA systems

By the end of the course the student will be able to identify all of  the key components of a protection & control system shown above and understand  how all of these components fit together to create a fully integrated  system.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand all of the key elements & principles of an electrical protection system
  • Draw what an electrical protection system looks like
  • Explain how a differential relay operates
  • Understand the operation of no load and off load tapchangers
  • Know what alarms a transformer generates
  • Understand the difference between onan, onaf and ofaf transformer cooling systems
  • Know how to size a battery
  • Be able to draw a basic dc system for a substation
  • Know what circuit breaker failure is
  • Understand how a circuit breaker auto-reclosure system works
  • Know how to synchronise a circuit breaker
  • Understand how a substation scada system operates
  • Know the difference between star and delta windings on a transformer
  • Understand how the transformer vector group affects the system
  • Show more
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Syllabus

This first section will introduce all of the basic principles of electrical protection systems.

Electrical protection is a key element in all electrical systems, and ensures that the electrical network can operate safely and efficiently.

This second protection course will introduce you to some more protection systems, with a focus on breaker protections, transformer protection & SCADA systems.

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The circuit breaker is critical for clearing faults on the electrical system, but sometimes things go wrong and the circuit breaker fails to clear the fault.

In this section we will look at how we detect this critical situation and what actions we need to take to ensure that the electrical system is protected from collapse.

Most substations use DC to supply the protection and control systems, so that when the main AC supply fails we can continue to monitor and control the electrical network.

In this section we will look at all of the DC systems that you will come across inside a typical transmission level substation.

By the end of the section you will know the basic architecture of a DC system, understand how the batteries are sized and operated and how the DC system is protected from earth faults.

Circuit breakers are a critical device in the electrical network as they switch power around the system, and operate quickly and securely to clear any faults on the system as they occur.

By the end of this section you will understand all about circuit breaker auxiliary switches and know what protection systems we use to ensure that the circuit breaker is operating as it should.

When a fault occurs on the system we trip the circuit breaker and clear it from the system. For certain types of faults and electrical systems we sometimes want to reclose the circuit breaker to get the customers connected again.

This principle is called auto-reclosure and in this section we will see how this can be achieved safely and in a controlled way

By the end of this section you will understand the sequence of events that occur during a fault, and see how timers are used to auto-reclose the circuit breaker to ensure that the customers are reconnected as quickly as possible.

When we close circuit breaker we have to ensure that the two systems we are connecting have similar parameters otherwise the circuit breaker may get damaged.

To do this we use synchronising equipment.

By the end of the this section you will understand all of the parameters that we check before closing the circuit breaker, and what equipment's and circuits we use to ensure that the circuit breaker is closed safely.

Transformers are the most expensive device that we use on the electrical network and looking after them is one of main goals when we design protection systems.

This is the first of five modules associated with transformers in this course, and we start by looking at some of the basic design features of transformers.

By the end of this section you will understand all about transformer winding types and vector groups

Transformer's are complex devices and in this section we will look in detail at how they are constructed, and what monitoring and control devices we use to ensure that they are operating correctly.

By the end of this module you will know what the inside of a transformer looks like, what effect the operation of the cooling system has on the transformer rating and what devices you will typically find on a transformer.

Transformer tapchanger's are used to alter the voltage on the network, in this section we will look at the main types of tapchanger's that we use and see how they are controlled.

By the end of this section you will understand the differences between no load and on load tapchanger's and appreciate the different control circuits that we use to operate them.

Biased Transformer differential protection is the main relay that we use to protect transformers.

By the end of this section you will understand how this relay operates and why the bias curve is so important in its operation.

In this final section on transformers we move from the theoretical side of transformer protection and start looking at how make the physical connections.

By the end of this section you will understand how we connect the current transformer when we are applying transformer differential protection relays on star and delta connected windings.

SCADA systems are used on most modern substations, to provide control and monitoring functions.

By the end of this section you will understand the architecture of the SCADA systems we use on transmission substations, see what signals are received from and are sent to the SCADA system, and understand how we connect the SCADA system to the primary plant and other substation equipment's.

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores SCADA systems, which are essential for monitoring and controlling electrical substations in real-time, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of the power grid
Details transformer protection, including differential protection and vector groups, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and reliability of power distribution networks
Examines circuit breaker auto-reclosure systems, which are used to quickly restore power after temporary faults, improving system reliability and minimizing downtime for customers
Discusses substation DC systems and battery sizing, which are crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of protection and control systems during AC power failures
Requires familiarity with electrical protection systems, so learners may benefit from introductory courses on electrical engineering or power systems before taking this course
Covers synchronizing equipment for circuit breakers, which is essential for safely connecting different parts of the electrical grid and preventing damage to equipment

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Reviews summary

Deep dive electrical control & protection

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and practical look at electrical control and protection systems, particularly focusing on circuit breakers, transformers, and substation DC/SCADA systems. Many appreciate the detailed explanations of complex topics like differential protection and vector groups, finding the content directly applicable to their work. While the course offers a strong foundation, some suggest certain sections, such as SCADA, could benefit from more depth. Overall, it's considered a highly valuable resource for professionals in the field.
Builds a solid base for further study.
"This course is a great follow-up to Part 1 and solidifies understanding of key protection principles."
"It provides a strong foundation for anyone working with or studying electrical power systems."
"Helped cement my understanding of how different system components interact."
Clear and easy-to-understand teaching.
"The instructor's ability to break down complex topics into understandable parts is a major strength of this course."
"I appreciated the clear and concise way the material was presented throughout the modules."
"Explanations were easy to grasp even for challenging subjects."
Directly applicable to professional work.
"This course provided practical insights that I could immediately apply in my job working with substation systems."
"The knowledge gained about synchronizing circuit breakers is directly relevant to my daily tasks."
"It helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field."
Covers complex topics in electrical systems.
"The explanations provided on transformer vector groups and differential protection were incredibly detailed and easy to follow."
"I found the course material to be very thorough, especially the sections on circuit breaker failure and auto-reclosure systems."
"The deep dive into substation DC systems was excellent and covered sizing and protection effectively."
"Explains complex principles well."
SCADA coverage could be more extensive.
"While the SCADA introduction was useful, I felt this section could have gone into more depth on modern systems and configurations."
"The SCADA module felt a bit basic compared to the detailed coverage of other topics like transformers."
"Wish there was more material on advanced SCADA system architecture and integration."

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 Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2 with these activities:
Review Basic Electrical Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts. A solid grasp of these principles is essential for understanding protection systems and circuit breaker operation.
Browse courses on Ohm's Law
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous electrical courses.
  • Work through practice problems on circuit analysis.
  • Watch introductory videos on electrical theory.
Read 'Protective Relaying: Principles and Applications' by J. Lewis Blackburn
Gain a deeper understanding of protective relaying principles. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter covered in the course.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to circuit breaker protection and transformer protection.
  • Take notes on key concepts and relay types.
  • Work through the example problems in the book.
Follow tutorials on SCADA system configuration
Learn practical skills in configuring SCADA systems. This will enhance your understanding of how these systems operate in substations.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials on SCADA system configuration.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to configure a virtual SCADA system.
  • Experiment with different settings and configurations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice sizing substation batteries
Reinforce your ability to calculate battery sizes for substation DC systems. This is a critical skill for ensuring reliable protection and control.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on battery sizing.
  • Calculate the required battery capacity for different substation loads.
  • Compare your answers with the solutions.
Create a diagram of a typical substation DC system
Solidify your understanding of DC systems by creating a visual representation. This will help you remember the key components and their interconnections.
Show steps
  • Research the components of a typical substation DC system.
  • Draw a diagram showing the battery, charger, distribution panel, and loads.
  • Label all of the components clearly.
Review 'Electrical Power Transformer Engineering' by James H. Harlow
Deepen your knowledge of transformer design and operation. This book provides detailed information on the topics covered in the transformer modules.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on transformer construction, cooling systems, and tap changers.
  • Take notes on the different types of cooling systems and tap changers.
  • Review the diagrams and illustrations in the book.
Design a protection scheme for a transformer
Apply your knowledge of transformer protection to a practical design project. This will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts and principles involved.
Show steps
  • Select a transformer and determine its characteristics.
  • Choose appropriate protection relays for the transformer.
  • Design the protection scheme, including CT connections and relay settings.
  • Document your design and justify your choices.

Career center

Learners who complete Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Relay Technician
A relay technician specializes in the installation, testing, and maintenance of protective relays used in electrical power systems. A course that introduces basic principles associated with complex systems may be useful for explaining how a relay system operates. The in-depth coverage of circuit breaker protection schemes and transformer protection systems is particularly valuable. A relay techician will also be responsible for understanding the concepts of circuit breaker failure protection and auto-reclosure, which align perfectly with the described course content. The technician should also be familiar with SCADA systems.
Protection and Control Technician
A protection and control technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots electrical protection systems vital for power grid reliability. This course introduces fundamental principles associated with complex electrical systems, perfectly aligning with the responsibilities of a protection and control technician. This course may be useful for understanding the operation of DC systems within substations, which is crucial for maintaining protection and control functions during AC power failures. A protection and control technician will especially benefit from the sections on circuit breaker protection schemes, transformer features, and SCADA systems, all essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical networks.
Substation Engineer
A substation engineer designs, develops, and oversees the construction and maintenance of electrical substations. This course may be useful for understanding the basic principles of electrical protection systems. Key topics like substation DC systems and battery sizing directly apply to substation design considerations. The examination of circuit breaker protection, auto-reclosure systems, and synchronizing equipment is important for a substation engineer to be successful. The course content on transformers, including vector groups and cooling systems, provides vital knowledge for substation equipment selection and maintenance strategies. Finally, the introduction to SCADA systems offers a crucial understanding of substation monitoring and control.
SCADA System Specialist
A SCADA system specialist designs, implements, and maintains Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems used to monitor and control industrial processes. This course is closely aligned with the responsibilities of a SCADA system specialist, especially the section on SCADA systems. The course provides a fundamental understanding of SCADA architecture and its integration with primary plant equipment. Furthermore, gaining familiarity with electrical protection systems, circuit breakers, and transformers will equip the specialist with a broader understanding of the systems they are monitoring and controlling. Therefore, this course will likely prove useful.
Commissioning Engineer
A commissioning engineer oversees the testing and startup of new electrical equipment and systems to ensure they operate according to specifications. This course can be useful for a commissioning engineer needing to understand protection and control systems. The detailed exploration of circuit breaker protection schemes, transformer features, and SCADA systems is useful for verifying the proper operation of these components during commissioning. The knowledge gained may also allow engineers to address any issues that arise during the commissioning process in a safe and efficient manner.
Grid Modernization Engineer
A grid modernization engineer works to improve the reliability, efficiency, and security of electrical grids using advanced technologies. This course discussing electrical protection systems can be useful for a grid modernization engineer working on advanced grid solutions. Understanding the operation of circuit breaker failure protection systems and auto-reclosure systems is valuable for promoting grid resilience. The knowledge of transformer design and SCADA systems is also relevant for implementing smart grid technologies. Therefore, the material is probably applicable.
Electrical Maintenance Technician
An electrical maintenance technician maintains and repairs electrical equipment and systems in industrial or commercial settings. This course enhances an electrical maintenance technician's knowledge of electrical protection systems and components. This individual will benefit from understanding DC systems, circuit breakers, transformers, tapchangers, cooling systems, and SCADA systems. The course provides a practical understanding of how these components function together. This course, therefore, could be very helpful for someone in this line of work.
Electrical Design Engineer
An electrical design engineer creates and develops electrical systems and components for various applications, including power distribution and control systems. This course on electrical protection can enhance an electrical design engineer's ability to incorporate protection features into their designs. Understanding circuit breaker functionality, transformer characteristics, and SCADA integration can improve the safety and reliability of electrical designs. Furthermore, the course knowledge of DC systems and auto-reclosure schemes may be useful for designing backup power and fault recovery systems.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment and systems. This course may be useful for gaining a foundational understanding of electrical protection systems. A solid grasp of circuit breaker protection, transformer characteristics, and SCADA systems can enhance an electrical engineer's capabilities in designing and maintaining electrical infrastructure. Knowledge of DC systems and battery sizing is important for electrical engineers working on backup power solutions and grid stability. Auto-reclosure systems and synchronizing equipment are also relevant for engineers involved in power grid operations. The overview of vector groups is also useful.
Power Systems Consultant
A power systems consultant provides expert advice and guidance to utilities, industrial clients, and government agencies on power system planning, design, and operation. This course can enhance a power systems consultant's knowledge base by consolidating information about electrical protection systems. The topics related to circuit breaker technology, transformer design, and SCADA systems are relevant for providing informed recommendations on grid infrastructure projects. Therefore, this course will likely be useful.
Power System Analyst
A power system analyst uses software tools to model and analyze the behavior of power systems under various operating conditions. This course on electrical protection systems can enhance a power system analyst's understanding of the underlying protection schemes and their impact on system stability. Learning about circuit breaker failure protection, auto-reclosure systems, and transformer protection schemes can improve the analyst's ability to model and simulate system responses to faults and disturbances. The knowledge of SCADA systems is also valuable for understanding data acquisition and control aspects of power system operation.
Power Quality Engineer
A power quality engineer investigates and resolves power quality problems, such as voltage sags, harmonics, and transients, that can affect sensitive equipment. This course teaching the basic principles associated with electrical protection can be useful for understanding how protection systems respond to power quality disturbances. The course materials discussing circuit breaker operation and transformer characteristics is valuable for identifying and mitigating power quality issues in electrical networks. The discussion of SCADA systems may be valuable for real-time monitoring of power quality parameters.
Power Systems Operator
A power system operator monitors and controls the flow of electricity across a power grid. The function of a power system operator may align with the basic principles discussed in this course. For example, understanding circuit breaker failure protection and auto-reclosure systems is crucial for responding to grid disturbances effectively. The course material detailing transformer features, tap changers, and protection systems offers valuable insights into the operation of grid components. Finally, understanding SCADA systems is essential for real-time grid monitoring and control. The course, therefore, can provide someone in this role with information that may be useful.
Electrical Inspector
An electrical inspector examines electrical installations and systems to ensure compliance with safety codes and regulations. Electrical inspectors may find this course covering electrical protection systems beneficial for understanding key components and principles. The sections on circuit breakers, transformers, and DC systems provide valuable insights into the safety aspects of electrical installations. The information should be helpful for inspectors.
Energy Storage System Engineer
An energy storage system engineer focuses on designing and implementing energy storage solutions, such as battery systems, for grid-scale applications. A course that covers the basic principles of electrical protection and control systems may be useful for this role. The topics related to substation DC systems and battery sizing are useful. An energy storage system engineer will find the discussion of circuit breaker protection and SCADA systems relevant to integrating energy storage into the grid. Therefore, a professional is the field may want to consult this material.

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 Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2.
Provides a comprehensive overview of transformer design, operation, and maintenance. It covers various aspects of transformers, including winding configurations, cooling systems, tap changers, and protection schemes. It valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of transformer technology. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

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