Course:
Certificate in Three Phase Power and Plant Distribution
Guided Learning Hours: 24
Pre-requisite:
Basic knowledge in Electricity or Electronics
Abstract
This course presents an introduction to how Three Phase Power is defined and applied to
transformers and other loads. The learner will understand the construction of voltage
transformers and how they step up and step down voltages. Common delta and star connections
will also be discussed and the operating principles of Buck-Boost transformers and
Autotransformers will be introduced. Learning will take place through a combination of lectures
and laboratory sessions
Target Audience
Electricians, engineers, technicians, technical and maintenance personnel
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, learners will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Identify the various types of electrical loads
Understand single phase and three phase power
Understand how transformers work
Demonstrate how to make various transformer connections
Course Content
1. Identify the various types of electrical loads
Resistive: Definition of resistive load, resistance, sinusoidal voltage and current; power
factor; resistance to current flow in typical conductor (wire) used in electrical
distribution; measurement of resistance; common symbols; relationship between
resistance and current flow; phase relationship between current flow and applied voltage
in resistive circuits.
Inductive: Definition of inductive load and inductance; coils and magnetic fields; effect of
inductance on current flow in electric circuits; real and reactive power; impedance; unit
of measurement; common symbols; relationship between inductance and current flow;
inductive reactance; phase relationship between current flow and applied voltage in
inductive circuit.
Capacitive: Definition of capacitive load and capacitance; applying a voltage to a
capacitor; reactive power associated with capacitance; unit of measurement; capacitive
reactance; common symbols; phase relationship between current flow and applied
voltage in capacitive circuit.
2. Understand single phase and three phase power
Generation: Diesel generators and turbines; low, medium, high voltage; transmission and
distribution voltage; transmission line and switchgear; rotating magnetic field; paralleling
of generators.
Distribution: Common utilization voltages; residential, commercial and industrial
electrical distribution systems; circuit breakers, load centre, panel boards and
switchboards; single phase verses three phase distribution; electrical power
measurement; symbols and conventions; line, neutral, ground; electrical conductors
(wires and cables); cable color code.
3. Understand how transformers work
Transformers: Magnetic field and magnetic coupling; induction; transformer windings
and core construction; core and winding material; voltage transformation; step-up and
step-down; oil filled, dry type, cast coil transformers; ideal and practical transformer;
transformer taps; definition of impedance; BIL and kVA ratings; paralleling of
transformers for increased capacity.
4. Demonstrate how to make various transformer connections
Star and Delta connections and how they are used; advantages and disadvantages of Star
and Delta connections; open delta connection; 1-1 isolation transformer connection;
autotransformer connection; Buck-Boost transformer connections – 1 phase and 3
phase.
Assessment Criteria
In order to achieve Learning Outcome…
The Learner must…
1. Identify the various types of electrical
loads
1.1 Understand
the
basic
electrical
parameters: resistance, inductance,
capacitance
1.2 Be able to apply Ohms Law to AC circuit
1.3 Understand resistive and reactive loads
1.4 Be able to describe impedance and
power factor
1.5 Differentiate between Distribution and
Motor loads
2.1 Explain what is meant by ‘3 phase
power’ and be able to differentiate it
from 1 phase power
2.2 Describe how generators work
2.3 List the parameters that define how
transformers are selected
2.4 Describe how to apply 3 phase power to
loads for efficiency
2.5 Identify the naming conventions used
for 3 phase systems
2.6 Solve basic mathematical problems
involving 3 phase supply
2.7 Be able to measure 3 phase power
2.8 Explain what is meant by balanced and
unbalanced 3 phase supply and the
difference between 3 wire and 4 wire
systems
3.1 Describe the principle of magnetic
coupling and how it is used in
transformer construction to convert
from one voltage to another.
3.2 List the basic materials used in the
manufacture of transformers
3.3 Explain how transformers are wound and
how windings define Step-up, Stepdown, variable and isolating features
3.4 Specify what is an ideal transformer and
understand how to use the ideal
transformer equation
3.5 Be able to differentiate between
2. Understand single phase and three phase
power
3. Understand how transformers work
3.6
4. Demonstrate how to make various
transformer connections
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
different types of transformers
Describe the parameters used to specify
a transformer
Be able to connect transformers in Star
(Wye) or Delta
Understand the configuration of the
windings and the phase angle difference
between them (Vector Group)
Determine when to use Y-Δ, Δ-Y, Δ-Δ and
Y-Y connections
Define MVA, Impedance, IC, BIL, Taps
and other basic parameters that specify a
transformer
Explain non-isolating transformers and
identify their uses
Demonstrate how to connect ‘isolating
transformer’ windings in a non-isolating
configuration
Explain how autotransformers and buckboost transformers work and when to
apply them
Be able to size buck-boost transformers
(1 phase and 3 phase configuration)
Describe the various services offered by
TTEC (voltage, kVA . . .)
Describe a typical power system from
generation to distribution
Essential Learning Resources:
Learners will need access to a wide range of publications relating to three phase power and a
suitably equipped laboratory for practical training.
Textbooks and Manuals
1. Understanding 3 Phase Power and Plant Distribution
- Industrial Text and Video Co. Publication