Introduction

In today's highly digitized and sensitive electrical environments, Power Quality (PQ) has become a critical concern for both electricity providers and consumers. Deviations from an ideal sinusoidal voltage and current waveform—such as sags, swells, transients, harmonics, and interruptions—can lead to significant operational disruptions, equipment damage, data corruption, and financial losses. Modern loads, particularly power electronic-based devices and renewable energy converters, are both sources and victims of power quality disturbances, creating a complex interplay that challenges grid stability and efficiency. Effective Power Quality Monitoring and Solutions are therefore essential for maintaining system reliability, ensuring equipment longevity, optimizing energy consumption, and complying with international standards. Without a thorough understanding of Power Quality Monitoring and Solutions, engineers and facility managers risk experiencing unexplained equipment malfunctions, reduced productivity, and escalating maintenance costs, ultimately compromising their electrical infrastructure's integrity. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Power Quality Monitoring and Solutions.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, maintenance personnel, facility managers, system integrators, and consultants with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to identify, analyze, and mitigate power quality issues. Participants will gain a deep understanding of various power quality phenomena, explore the causes and effects of common disturbances, learn about industry-standard monitoring techniques and equipment, and acquire skills in implementing effective mitigation strategies. The course will delve into topics such as harmonic analysis and filtering, voltage sag/swell mitigation, transient suppression, power factor correction, the impact of distributed generation on power quality, and the application of international PQ standards like IEEE 519 and IEC 61000. By mastering the principles and practical application of Power Quality Monitoring and Solutions, participants will be prepared to diagnose and resolve power quality problems, enhance system reliability, improve energy efficiency, and contribute significantly to the smooth operation of critical electrical systems across diverse industries.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers
• Maintenance Managers and Technicians
• Facility Managers
• Industrial Plant Engineers
• Power System Operators
• Consulting Engineers
• Renewable Energy Developers
• System Integrators
• Quality Control Personnel
• Energy Managers

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of power quality and common disturbances.
• Learn about the causes and effects of various power quality phenomena.
• Acquire skills in identifying and classifying power quality problems.
• Comprehend techniques for utilizing power quality monitoring equipment and software.
• Explore strategies for analyzing harmonic distortion and its impact.
• Understand the importance of voltage sag/swell mitigation techniques.
• Gain insights into power factor correction and its benefits.
• Develop a practical understanding of applying international power quality standards.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Power Quality

• Definition of power quality and its importance in modern electrical systems.
• Characteristics of an ideal power supply (voltage, frequency, waveform).
• Overview of common power quality disturbances: sags, swells, transients, interruptions, harmonics.
• Economic impact of poor power quality: equipment damage, production losses, reduced efficiency.
• Role of sensitive loads and non-linear loads in PQ issues.

Module 2: Voltage Sags, Swells, and Interruptions

• Causes of voltage sags (dips): faults, motor starting, large load switching.
• Causes of voltage swells: sudden load removal, single-phase faults, improper transformer tap settings.
• Characterization and measurement of sags and swells (magnitude, duration).
• Causes of voltage interruptions: utility outages, equipment failures, protection operations.
• Solutions for sags, swells, and interruptions: UPS, DVR, STATCOM, recloser coordination.

Module 3: Transients (Surges and Notches)

• Definition of transients: impulsive and oscillatory.
• Sources of transients: lightning strikes, capacitor switching, load switching, arcing faults.
• Effects of transients on equipment: insulation breakdown, component damage.
• Monitoring transients: high-frequency sampling.
• Mitigation techniques: surge protective devices (SPDs), snubber circuits, shielding.

Module 4: Harmonics and Inter-harmonics

• Definition of harmonics and their generation by non-linear loads (VFDs, rectifiers, LED lighting).
• Harmonic order, total harmonic distortion (THD) for voltage and current.
• Effects of harmonics: overheating, resonance, misoperation of protective devices.
• International standards for harmonics (IEEE Std 519, IEC 61000-3-2/4-7).
• Harmonic analysis techniques and measurement.

Module 5: Power Factor and Reactive Power Management

• Definition of power factor (PF) and its importance.
• Causes of low power factor: inductive loads.
• Effects of low power factor: increased losses, voltage drop, utility penalties.
• Power factor correction methods: capacitor banks (fixed, switched), synchronous condensers.
• Sizing and placement of power factor correction equipment.

Module 6: Power Quality Monitoring and Analysis

• Types of power quality analyzers and their features.
• Placement of monitoring equipment in electrical systems.
• Data acquisition, storage, and retrieval.
• Software tools for PQ data analysis and report generation.
• Interpretation of monitoring results for diagnosis and troubleshooting.

Module 7: Power Quality Solutions and Mitigation Techniques

• Active filters and passive filters for harmonic mitigation.
• Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVR) and Unified Power Quality Conditioners (UPQC).
• Isolation transformers and grounding improvements.
• Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) and their application.
• Energy storage systems (ESS) for PQ improvement.

Module 8: Grid Code Compliance and Future Trends in PQ

• Overview of relevant power quality standards and grid codes (e.g., IEEE 1159, IEC 61000 series).
• Impact of distributed generation (PV, wind) and electric vehicles on power quality.
• Role of smart meters and smart grid technologies in PQ monitoring.
• Emerging challenges and solutions for PQ in future power systems.
• Case studies of real-world power quality problems and their solutions.

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.