Electrical Utility Distribution Design Fundamentals

The course introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical power system distribution design. Based on the student’s previous working experience and education, it provides an overview of electrical distribution systems and develops concepts of distribution design. Topics include introduction to the power industry, basics of distribution design, single phase and three phase power, protection and metering, voltage levels and regulation, transformers, capacitors, reactors, safety and environmental issues related to distribution design, permits, tariffs and rate schedules. Software tools will be used for modeling and simulation throughout this course.​ 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 

• Describe the electrical power grid and the components (loads, sources, and lines)
• Explain framework and philosophy of distribution design for electrical utilities
• Identify the stakeholders (customer, utility, city) involved in distribution design
• Explain tariffs and rate schedules
• Discuss conductors, insulators, and line configurations (taps, radial, loop) 
• Describe single phase and three phase power circuits 
• Assess power, voltage drop, power factor
• Identify distribution circuits (three-phase and single-phase) and components (transformers and fuses)
• Explain voltage levels and regulation (capacitors and reactors)
• Apply methods to calculate short circuit
• Discuss concepts of protection
• Identify safety and environmental issues

The Distribution Design for Electrical Utilities microcredential was created to meet the increasing need for distribution design specialists. This microcredential will provide students with the industry-specific knowledge needed to start a career in electrical utility distribution design. These courses will provide critical skills related to the design of equipment, which will allow Canada to move towards the electrification of transportation and inclusion of small wind and solar resources in the grid. 

• Overhead Distribution System Design
• Underground Distribution System Design