COURSE OVERVIEW:

Distribution network design is the critical engineering bridge between bulk transmission and the final energy consumer, requiring a balance of reliability, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. This course provides a comprehensive framework for planning and designing modern distribution systems, focusing on the architectural transition from radial networks to highly interconnected, intelligent grids. Participants will explore the technical nuances of substation placement, feeder routing, and voltage regulation that ensure high-quality power delivery in both urban and rural environments.

The scope of this training addresses the entire planning lifecycle, including load forecasting, contingency analysis, and the integration of distributed energy resources. It covers the engineering requirements for both overhead and underground distribution infrastructure, emphasizing the selection of conductors, transformers, and switching equipment. The curriculum provides a detailed focus on reliability indices—such as SAIDI and SAIFI—teaching participants how to design systems that minimize outage duration and frequency through strategic automation.

Coverage includes the interpretation of power quality standards and the implementation of voltage optimization strategies like Volt-Var control. Attendees will learn to manage the technical challenges of bi-directional power flow and the impact of electric vehicle charging on network capacity. By combining traditional planning principles with modern smart grid technologies, the course equips professionals with the expertise required to design resilient and scalable distribution networks that meet the evolving needs of the energy landscape.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Apply load forecasting techniques to plan for future network growth.
• Design radial, loop, and network distribution system architectures.
• Select optimal locations for distribution substations and feeders.
• Perform voltage drop and power loss calculations for network optimization.
• Calculate short-circuit levels and select appropriate equipment ratings.
• Implement voltage regulation strategies using LTCs and capacitor banks.
• Design effective grounding systems for distribution substations and lines.
• Integrate solar PV and energy storage into the distribution network.
• Evaluate network reliability using SAIDI, SAIFI, and CAIDI indices.
• Design distribution automation schemes, including FDIR and FLISR.
• Manage the technical challenges of harmonic distortion and power quality.
• Create comprehensive distribution master plans and investment strategies.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Distribution Planning Engineers, Network Designers, Utility Managers, and Consultants involved in the expansion and modernization of electrical distribution systems.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.