15 Topics
10 Days
Programme Overview
Training Description
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for;
1. Distribution System Planners
2. Power Systems Engineers
3. Grid Operators and Dispatchers
4. Utility Asset Managers
5. Renewable Energy Project Developers
6. Electrical Engineers
7. Government Regulators
8. Technical Consultants
9. Researchers in Power Systems
10. Graduate Students in Energy
Session Objectives
- Master the foundational principles of modern distribution network planning.
- Understand the core components and architecture of a distribution system.
- Learn about the impact of distributed energy resources (DERs) on grid operations.
- Grasp the complexities of distribution system load flow analysis.
- Develop proficiency in designing and implementing smart grid technologies.
- Explore best practices in managing and optimizing grid operations.
- Learn about robust approaches to ensuring network reliability and quality of service.
- Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and policy considerations in planning.
- Develop skills in using software tools for distribution system analysis.
- Formulate strategies for building a resilient and sustainable power system.
About the Course
The electricity distribution network is no longer a passive system for delivering power from central stations to consumers. With the rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and battery storage, it is evolving into an active, two-way grid that requires sophisticated planning and operational strategies. This paradigm shift presents new challenges, including voltage rise, bidirectional power flow, and the need for enhanced control and automation. A modern distribution system requires a new generation of engineers and planners equipped with the skills to manage this complexity, ensure reliability, and unlock the full potential of distributed clean energy.
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and practical understanding of how to plan and operate today’s complex distribution networks. Participants will learn about the latest modeling tools, the impact of distributed generation, and the advanced technologies that enable a smarter, more resilient grid. From load forecasting in a dynamic environment to designing robust protection schemes and managing real-time operations, the program covers the full lifecycle of a modern distribution system. It emphasizes actionable insights and a holistic perspective on transforming traditional networks into a flexible, efficient, and future-ready grid that can seamlessly integrate the technologies of tomorrow.
Curriculum & Topics
15 Topics | 10 Days
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Subtopic 1.1:
The evolution of the distribution network
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Subtopic 1.2:
Key components: substations, feeders, transformers
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Subtopic 1.3:
Network configurations: radial, loop, and network
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Subtopic 1.4:
Single-phase and three-phase systems
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Subtopic 1.5:
The role of a Distribution System Operator (DSO)
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Subtopic 2.1:
Methodologies for short- and long-term load forecasting
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Subtopic 2.2:
The impact of distributed generation on load profiles
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Subtopic 2.3:
Modeling electric vehicle (EV) charging
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Subtopic 2.4:
Data sources for forecasting (e.g., smart meters)
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Subtopic 2.5:
Dealing with uncertainty in demand forecasting
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Subtopic 3.1:
The rise of DERs: solar PV, energy storage, microgrids
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Subtopic 3.2:
The technical challenges of DER integration (e.g., voltage rise)
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Subtopic 3.3:
Reverse power flow and its management
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Subtopic 3.4:
Hosting capacity analysis
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Subtopic 3.5:
The role of smart inverters
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Subtopic 4.1:
Principles of distribution network planning
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Subtopic 4.2:
Planning for a low-carbon future
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Subtopic 4.3:
Capacity planning and augmentation
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Subtopic 4.4:
Integrating new technologies into planning
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Subtopic 4.5:
The importance of a clear and focused research question
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Subtopic 5.1:
Principles of distribution load flow analysis
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Subtopic 5.2:
Using software tools for analysis (e.g., OpenDSS, PSS/E)
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Subtopic 5.3:
Modeling different types of loads and generators
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Subtopic 5.4:
Addressing losses and voltage drop
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Subtopic 5.5:
The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan
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Subtopic 6.1:
The concept of a smart distribution network
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Subtopic 6.2:
Real-time monitoring and control (SCADA)
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Subtopic 6.3:
The role of sensors and communication networks
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Subtopic 6.4:
The Internet of Things (IoT) in the distribution grid
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Subtopic 6.5:
Automated fault detection, isolation, and service restoration (FDIR)
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Subtopic 7.1:
The role of a distribution control center
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Subtopic 7.2:
Managing real-time grid conditions
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Subtopic 7.3:
Outage management and restoration
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Subtopic 7.4:
The impact of DERs on operational procedures
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Subtopic 7.5:
The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard
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Subtopic 8.1:
Key metrics for power quality (e.g., voltage flicker, harmonics)
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Subtopic 8.2:
Assessing system reliability and its metrics (e.g., SAIDI, SAIFI)
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Subtopic 8.3:
Power quality mitigation techniques
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Subtopic 8.4:
Designing for enhanced reliability
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Subtopic 8.5:
The role of a clear and consistent reporting style
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Subtopic 9.1:
The principles of overcurrent protection
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Subtopic 9.2:
Fuses, circuit breakers, and reclosers
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Subtopic 9.3:
Coordinated protection schemes
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Subtopic 9.4:
The challenge of bidirectional power flow
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Subtopic 9.5:
Arc flash and other safety considerations
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Subtopic 10.1:
The role of battery storage in distribution
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Subtopic 10.2:
Sizing and placing energy storage systems
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Subtopic 10.3:
Using storage for peak shaving and voltage support
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Subtopic 10.4:
The economics of energy storage
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Subtopic 10.5:
The role of a "data story map"
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Subtopic 11.1:
The impact of EV charging on distribution grids
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Subtopic 11.2:
Managed vs. unmanaged charging
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Subtopic 11.3:
The concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
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Subtopic 11.4:
Modeling EV load profiles
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Subtopic 11.5:
Planning for mass EV adoption
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Subtopic 12.1:
The process of interconnecting DERs to the grid
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Subtopic 12.2:
Technical and regulatory requirements
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Subtopic 12.3:
Interconnection studies and their importance
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Subtopic 12.4:
Managing the interconnection queue
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Subtopic 12.5:
The role of a program's theory of change
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Subtopic 13.1:
The principles of asset management
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Subtopic 13.2:
Using data analytics for predictive maintenance
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Subtopic 13.3:
The lifecycle of distribution equipment
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Subtopic 13.4:
Planning for asset replacement and upgrades
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Subtopic 13.5:
The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
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Subtopic 14.1:
The economics of distribution network investments
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Subtopic 14.2:
The role of regulation in driving modernization
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Subtopic 14.3:
Performance-based ratemaking
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Subtopic 14.4:
New business models for DSOs
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Subtopic 14.5:
The importance of a clear and compelling KPI
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Subtopic 15.1:
Identifying cybersecurity threats
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Subtopic 15.2:
Best practices for securing the grid
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Subtopic 15.3:
Protecting communication networks and data
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Subtopic 15.4:
The role of different stakeholders in security
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Subtopic 15.5:
The future of grid security
