Power Distribution Training FAQ

Power Distribution Training FAQ Power Distribution Training FAQ The power and utilities industry is growing and changing so fast it’s hard to keep up sometimes. Global energy use is forecasted to grow by one-third by 2040, according the IEA. About 7,000 miles of transmission lines will need to be added, NERC estimated. Renewables are expected reach 50% of generation in the European Union and above 25% in the United States by 2040. There are a variety of employment opportunities in the power and utilities industry, but you’ll need to right knowledge, skills, and training. There are a variety of employment opportunities in the power and utilities industry, but you’ll need to right knowledge, skills, and training. Click To Tweet What is Power Distribution? The electricity that power plants generate is delivered to customers over transmission and distribution power lines. Transformers at substations increase or reduce voltages to adjust to the different stages of the journey from the power plant through long-distance transmission lines to distribution lines that carry electricity to homes and businesses. Electricity generating technology installed by a customer or independent electricity producer connected at the distribution system level of the electric grid is called “distributed generation.” What is an Electric Grid? An electric grid is a web of interconnected circuits producing and transporting electricity from generators (power plants) to customers. Elements of an electric grid include: Power plants (generators) that produce electricity Transmission system that transmits power from generators to the distribution system Distribution system reduces the voltage through substations and then distributes it over lower-voltage wires to customers. Customers access electricity after it has been “stepped down” through a transformer, and a meter measures the electricity used. Who Needs Power Distribution Training? Employers are required to implement the safe work practices and worker training requirements of OSHAs Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Standard, 29 CFR 1910.269. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers need a high school diploma and extensive on-the-job training, which may include classroom and hands-on training. Power plant operators and dispatchers undergo rigorous, long-term training and technical instruction on the job. Years of onsite training and experience are required to become fully qualified and regular training courses are necessary to keep skills up to date. Workers who may need power distribution training include: Technicians Electrical Engineers Mechanical Engineers Power System Operators Operations Managers Project Managers Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers in positions that could affect the power grid may need to be certified through the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s System Operator Certification Program. What Topics Does Power Distribution Training Cover? A power distribution training course would likely cover the operation and protection of distribution systems in three categories: Distribution system training System protection technology Electrical fundamentals What is Distribution System Training? Distribution System Training provides detailed information for seasoned and new distribution system operators to help them be more competent in their field. It discusses the operation and protection of distribution systems that enable them to understand their work better. Courses may include: Power Factor Impedance and Voltage Drop System Layout Overhead Lines Underground Distribution Systems Substations Distributed Generation Transformers What is System Protection Technology Training? A System Protection Technology training series gives an overview of electrical systems protection with particular focus on generators, transformers, bus, motor operation, line, pilot and telecommunications. The courses discuss the function and philosophy of system protection, operation, faults, system stability maintenance, investigation and analysis, and testing and commissioning. Courses may include: Elements of System Protection Protective Relay Types and Applications Monitoring System Conditions Fault Characteristics Generator Protection Protection for System Stability Testing and Commissioning of Protective Equipment What is Electrical Fundamentals Training? An Electrical Fundamentals training series gives an introduction to the theory of electricity and the basic concepts of Ohms Law. It discusses the fundamental characteristics of AC circuits and explores the concept of power and the factors affecting it. Courses may include: Basic Electricity Properties of AC Circuits Power and Power Factor Three Phase Systems What’s the Best Training Option? Online training is a great option for people with other jobs or responsibilities. No matter where you are in the world, you can complete the training required for your career online; all you need is a computer and an internet connection. You learn on your schedule at your pace. Online training gives you the freedom and flexibility to create the training program that works for you. But not all providers are created equal. Determine what education is required for your goals and then research the companies that offer online courses. Things to look for include: Training that meets the requirements Accredited providers Approved courses Experienced, trusted elearning provider Reasonable price Easy-to-use, interactive platform Unlimited customer service in a variety of methods An experienced, trusted provider that has all that and more is 360training.com. Browse the online power and utilities and OSHA training and enroll today. Sources: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_delivery https://sites.google.com/site/massdgic/home/frequently-asked-questions https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/power-plant-operators-distributors-and-dispatchers.htm#tab-4