Aim
The aim of this unit is to extend learners’ understanding of the distribution of electrical power andhelp them to meet the energy deployment needs of the future.
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Unit abstract
Energy, either from traditional fossil fuels or sustainable alternative energy sources, needs to beconverted into an appropriate format to allow for efficient reliable transmission and distribution tothe various users, at acceptable quantities, to meet their requirements.The dissemination of electrical energy is a problem of ever-growing complexity as ourdependency grows on its use and consistency of availability. Our communications, transport andcommercial operational systems, to name but a few, would all come to an abrupt halt, should itfail to deliver. Historically, ‘heavy current’ engineers have focused broadly on thermal/current,voltage and system operation constraints. Now with environmental concerns increasing,aesthetic issues, maximising use of existing systems through upgrades, preventive and faultmanagement and reduction of energy loss throughout the transmission and distribution systemall need to be taken into account.This unit develops an understanding of transmission and distribution topics and focuses on theuse of overhead lines and cables within power systems. The origin and propagation of surges andtransients are analysed. The subject matter of power system faults is, for simplicity, limited toanalysing symmetrical faults and logically relates to aspects of power system protectionschemes. The synchronisation, operation and use of synchronous machines are alsoinvestigated