Underground Distribution System Design

The course introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical underground distribution systems and design. Based on previous working experience and education, and knowledge from the first two courses in the microcredential: Fundamentals of Distribution Design and Overhead Distribution Design, it provides an overview of electrical underground distribution systems and develops concepts of underground distribution design. Topics include components, design considerations, standards, cables, cable pull calculations, vaults, trenches, transformers, grounding, loads (residential, commercial, industrial), applications, and safety and economical considerations. Software tools will be used for modeling and simulation throughout this course.​ 

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

• Identify components of an underground distribution system 
• Explain the requirements of an underground distribution system (design considerations)
• Discuss the economical, environmental, and technical aspects of different underground distribution systems
• Explain the process for underground distribution system design
• Identify standards relevant to underground distribution design
• Identify vault and/or trench specifications
• Select cable characteristics, such as configuration, size, designation, material, insulation, shields, and conduit type for different applications
• Implement the cable pull calculation
• Select transformers for underground distribution systems
• Explain different methods of grounding for underground distribution systems
• Describe load types and load requirements
• Design a simple underground distribution system
• Analyze a simple underground distribution system using available software
• Discuss safety issues relevant to underground distribution design

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. 

• Electrical Utility Distribution Design Fundamentals
• Overhead Distribution System Design