ECE 4314 - Electric Energy Distribution Systems
Course Description
Fundamentals of electric power distribution systems. Load characteristics. Modeling of distribution system components (line segments, voltage regulators, and transformers). Distribution flow analysis. Capacitor placement. Symmetrical components and calculation of fault currents. Protection of distribution feeders. Automation/control technologies to enhance reliability, resilience, and security.
Why take this course?
In addition to wide-area transmission grids, power utility companies own and operate distribution systems to serve customers. Power engineers at utility companies plan, design, operate, protect, and maintain distribution networks. There is a great need for distribution system engineers in the U.S. due to the shortage of the related workforce. Recent developments in smart grid and renewable energy provide new technologies for monitoring, control, operation, resilience, and cyber security of distribution systems. This course will provide new concepts that are important for the future distribution system engineers. All subjects in the analysis of distribution systems in this course involve concepts and calculations of AC circuits.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between distribution systems and transmission systems.
- Model load characteristics across a feeder.
- Solve the equivalent circuit for distribution lines.
- Apply voltage regulation techniques in feeder design.
- Solve the equivalent circuit for three-phase transformers.
- Analyze distribution feeders through power flow and capacitor placement.
- Calculate fault currents.
- Determine proper protective devices.
- Determine reliability indices.
- Evaluate distribution system performance with automation and control