Switchgear (and circuit breakers) are critical components in electrical distribution systems and their operation significantly affects the overall performance of the system. This course discusses the application, installation, maintenance, and testing issues related to medium and high voltage switchgear circuit breakers.
Low voltage switchgear is covered including its theory and standards. You will gain a solid understanding of the issues associated with the use of these critical items with an emphasis on safety. The focus is on medium voltage (referred today as high voltage) switchgear which represents most of the switchgear installed on electrical distribution systems, particularly air blast, oil, SF6 and vacuum circuit breakers.
Case studies covering the main manufacturers’ equipment illustrate the important practical principles. Other power system protection components are covered as well to ensure that switchgear is understood in the correct context.
The course will develop and enhance your understanding of what is involved in the maintenance of these essential components of power systems, through the tips and tricks learnt and developed by some of the world's best electrical engineers.
YOU WILL LEARN
- The fundamentals of operating switchgear and circuit breakers
- How to select the appropriate type and rating of circuit breakers and switchgear
- The operation of switchgear components (CTs, VTs, relays and cable terminations)
- How to manage power transformer breakdowns to reduce disruption
COURSE BENEFITS
- Online electrical course
- Lectured recordings
- Study at your own pace
- Includes one (1) engineering eBook
- Highly affordable
- Certificate of Completion
COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION AND APPLICATIONS OF SWITCHGEAR
- 1.1 Single Line Diagrams
- 1.2 Circuit breakers and switchgear
- 1.3 Forms of high voltage (HV) switchgear
CIRCUIT BREAKER DESIGN
- 2.1 Basic circuit breaker design
- 2.2 Auto re-closing
- 2.3 Different types of circuit breakers: Oil
- 2.4 Different types of circuit breakers: Air Blast
- 2.5 Different types of circuit breakers: SF6
- 2.6 Different types of circuit breakers: Vacuum Interrupter
- 2.7 Operating Mechanisms Practical: Virtual Lab Example – Arc over levels
SWITCHGEAR SPECIFICATIONS
- 3.1 Standards and factors affecting circuit breaker selection
- 3.2 Special service conditions & Ratings
- 3.3 Stored energy operation & Locking and interlocking devices
- 3.4 Degrees of protection
- 3.5 Gas leakage rates
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
- 4.1 Testing for internal fault & Basics of Protection
- 4.2 Safety in the Context of HV Switchgear
- 4.3 Switching for safety, policies, and PPE
- Practical: Virtual Lab Example – Circuit Breaker Bus Fault scenario