Introduction

High Voltage (HV) systems form the backbone of modern electrical infrastructure, enabling the efficient transmission and distribution of large blocks of power over long distances. The design of these critical systems involves complex considerations unique to high voltage levels, including stringent insulation requirements, management of electromagnetic phenomena like corona and electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the selection of specialized equipment capable of withstanding extreme electrical, thermal, and mechanical stresses. Concurrently, the protection of High Voltage Systems is paramount, as faults in these networks can lead to catastrophic equipment damage, widespread outages, and severe safety hazards. This necessitates sophisticated protection schemes that rapidly detect, isolate, and clear faults to maintain system stability and reliability. Without a deep understanding of both the intricate Design and Protection of High Voltage Systems, engineers and operators risk significant operational inefficiencies, substantial financial losses from equipment failures, and compromised safety for personnel and the public. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Design and Protection of High Voltage Systems.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, power system protection specialists, utility engineers, substation designers, and consultants with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to confidently design, analyze, and protect High Voltage Systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of HV equipment characteristics, explore advanced insulation coordination techniques, learn about fault analysis for various system configurations, and acquire skills in applying modern protective relaying principles. The course will delve into topics such as overvoltage phenomena, surge arrester application, substation grounding grid design, circuit breaker technologies, advanced relaying schemes (e.g., distance, differential), and the integration of digital protection and automation systems. By mastering the principles and practical application of Design and Protection of High Voltage Systems, participants will be prepared to ensure the safe, reliable, and economical operation of critical power infrastructure, from transmission lines and substations to large industrial power networks.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Utility, Industrial, Consulting)
• Power System Protection Engineers
• Substation Design Engineers
• Transmission and Distribution Engineers
• System Study Engineers
• Project Engineers for HV Installations
• Field Service and Commissioning Engineers
• Asset Management Professionals for Power Grids
• Graduate Students in Power Systems
• Senior Technicians involved in HV operations

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of high voltage system design.
• Learn about various high voltage equipment and their characteristics.
• Acquire skills in performing insulation coordination for HV systems.
• Comprehend techniques for analyzing overvoltage phenomena (lightning, switching).
• Explore strategies for designing and applying substation grounding grids.
• Understand the importance of protective relaying in HV systems.
• Gain insights into various fault types and their impact on HV networks.
• Develop a practical understanding of modern protection schemes and their settings.

Course Content

Module 1: Fundamentals of High Voltage Systems

• Definition and classification of high voltage levels (HV, EHV, UHV).
• Overview of typical HV system components: lines, cables, transformers, switchgear.
• Challenges in HV design: insulation, corona, electromagnetic fields.
• Economic and technical advantages of HV transmission.
• Safety considerations in HV environments.

Module 2: High Voltage Equipment Characteristics and Selection

• Power transformers: types, insulation, cooling, testing.
• Circuit breakers: operating principles, interrupting media (SF6, vacuum, air).
• Disconnectors and earthing switches.
• Instrument transformers: CTs and PTs (VTs) for measurement and protection.
• Insulators: types, materials, pollution performance.

Module 3: Overvoltage Phenomena and Insulation Coordination

• Types of overvoltages: lightning, switching, power frequency.
• Characteristics of lightning impulses and switching surges.
• Principles of insulation coordination: BIL, SIL, statistical approach.
• Role of surge arresters: types, selection, and placement.
• Protecting HV equipment from transient overvoltages.

Module 4: High Voltage Substation Design Principles

• Substation configurations: busbar schemes (single bus, double bus, ring bus, breaker-and-a-half).
• Layout and clearances for HV substations.
• Earthing (grounding) grid design for safety and fault current dissipation (IEEE Std 80).
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in substations.
• Site selection and environmental considerations for HV substations.

Module 5: Principles of Power System Protection

• Objectives of protection: reliability, selectivity, speed, sensitivity, security.
• Fault types and their characteristics in HV systems.
• Zones of protection and overlapping zones.
• Basic components of a protection system: CTs, PTs, relays, circuit breakers.
• Introduction to protective relaying philosophies.

Module 6: Advanced Protective Relaying Schemes

• Overcurrent protection: directional and non-directional.
• Distance protection: impedance characteristics, zones, scheme types.
• Differential protection for transformers, generators, and busbars.
• Ground fault protection in HV networks.
• Pilot schemes (e.g., carrier current, fiber optic) for line protection.

Module 7: Setting and Coordination of Protective Relays

• Relay characteristic curves and time-current coordination.
• Setting calculations for various relay types.
• Coordination of primary and backup protection.
• Impact of distributed generation on relay coordination.
• Using relay coordination software tools.

Module 8: Digital Protection and Automation in HV Systems

• Evolution from electromechanical to digital and numerical relays.
• Advantages of numerical relays: flexibility, communication, self-monitoring.
• Substation automation and SCADA systems.
• IEC 61850 standard for substation communication.
• Fault analysis using digital relay event records and oscillography.

 Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.