Learning Objectives

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

1. Fundamentals of Electrical Faults in Power Systems

• Understand the types of electrical faults:
• Balanced faults (three-phase short circuit).
• Unbalanced faults (line-to-line, line-to-ground, double-line-to-ground faults).
• Open circuit faults (loss of phase, broken conductors).
• Learn about the causes and effects of faults in electrical networks.
• Identify fault currents, voltage drops, and system disturbances.

2. Methods for Fault Current Calculations

• Perform manual and software-based fault current calculations.
• Apply per-unit system analysis for simplifying fault studies.
• Use symmetrical components for unbalanced fault analysis.
• Understand Thevenin’s equivalent circuit for fault calculations.

3. Short-Circuit Current Calculations

• Determine fault current magnitudes using:
• IEC 60909 and IEEE 141 methods.
• Bolted fault and arcing fault current estimation.
• Infinite bus and impedance-based approaches.
• Perform calculations for LV, MV, and HV systems.

4. Fault Analysis for Power System Components

• Analyze faults in:
• Transformers (winding faults, differential protection).
• Generators (stator/rotor faults, excitation failure).
• Cables and overhead lines (ground faults, insulation breakdown).
• Motors (locked rotor conditions, single phasing).
• Determine fault currents at various points in the network.

5. Protection Coordination and Fault Mitigation

• Understand the role of circuit breakers, relays, and fuses in fault protection.
• Set up relay coordination and grading studies.
• Implement selective tripping and backup protection strategies.

6. Arc Flash Calculations and Safety Considerations

• Calculate arc flash incident energy and boundary distances.
• Implement arc flash mitigation techniques (PPE, arc-resistant gear).
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, and OSHA standards.

7. Fault Calculations Using Simulation Software

• Use ETAP, SKM PowerTools, and DigSILENT PowerFactory for fault studies.
• Model busbars, transformers, and loads for system-wide analysis.
• Perform "what-if" analysis for worst-case fault scenarios.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world power system faults and protection failures.
• Participate in hands-on fault calculation exercises.
• Develop a fault protection strategy for an electrical system.

Target Audience

• Electrical engineers and designers
• Power system protection specialists
• Industrial and utility maintenance engineers
• Safety and compliance officers
• Project managers in electrical system design