Power Systems Operations and Management

Distribution Systems Operations (DSO)

Duration: 3 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide knowledge and technical skills for new and experienced distribution systems operators to comprehend concepts and techniques of power systems operations management and the use of SCADA systems in distribution systems operations.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge in the operation of equipment.
• Carry out operations on distribution systems using SCADA systems effectively.
• Demonstrate competency in dealing with customer complaints.
• Identify faults and locations without difficulty.
• Dispatch and control repair crews efficiently.

Course Outline

• Feeder Layouts
• Substation Designs
• Operating Voltages
• Equipment and Conductor Capacities
• Overhead and Underground Systems
• Communications Systems and Control
• Distribution Transformers
• Voltage Regulation
• Capacitor Applications
• Guidelines for Senior Authorization
• Power Quality Considerations
• Reliability Analysis
• Switching and Isolating Devices
• Normal and Emergency Operations
• SCADA/Automation/Control in Distribution

Target Group

Distribution personnel in control centers, Operation and Maintenance, Planning, Design and other suitably qualified personnel.

High Voltage Regulations (HVR)

Duration: 2 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide technical skills and best practice concepts and techniques of power systems operations management aimed at promoting safe and reliable operation of electricity distribution systems.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Read and understand electrical schematic diagrams
• Demonstrate knowledge in the operation of equipment related to high voltage regulation.
• Perform switchings on 11kV and 33kV switchgear
• Apply safe operational procedures including safety rules and safety documents.
• Apply skills acquired in switching schedules and practice to operate switchgear correctly.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical problems in distribution systems.

Course Outline

• Power systems overview
• Safe working procedures and safety rules in substations
• Basic electrical schematic diagrams
• Switchgear types and their principles
• Application of switchgear
• Specification of switchgear
• Switchgear operation and maintenance
• Power systems stability and reliability
• Switchgear diagnostic techniques
• Field (substation) practice
• Switching competence practice

Target Group

Suitably qualified personnel engaged in distribution systems operations and maintenance.

Hydropower Plant Operations (HPO)

Duration: 13 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide Course participants with technical theory and practice in order to enable them comprehend the principles of operations of a large hydro power station. The program includes practical demonstrations in the Kafue Gorge power station for the course participants to be acquainted with actual equipment and procedures and an optional practical training on ordinary shift work.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Assist the control room staff in operational duties outside the control room.
• Take rounds through the plant according to instructions.
• Read instruments, gauges and observe and report abnormal conditions
• Assist the shift engineer and the control engineer in switchings, operation of equipment which cannot be remotely controlled from the control room.

Course Outline

• Mathematics
• Mechanical Principles
• Electrical Theory
• Electrical Machine Principles
• Hydro Power Technology
• Power Station Auxiliary Equipment
• Oil Hydraulics
• Local Power Supply
• Hydro Power Plant Operations
• Basic Maintenance
• Safety in Hydro Power Plants
• Supervisory Management

Target Group

Hydro power plant operators and other suitably qualified personnel.

Hydropower Turbine Dynamics and Operations (HTDO)

Duration: 2 Weeks

Course Objectives

The course is designed to give a background of turbine and design and general understanding. This is built up to details of turbine selection, operation and maintenance.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Master the science of forces involved in the operations of turbines.
• Troubleshoot and solve problems on turbine systems.
• Operate and maintain turbines
• Describe the way parts of turbines work as a system.
• Discuss the structural and functional features of different turbines.

Course Outline

• Introduction to turbine dynamics and operations
• Types of turbines and their classification
• Theory of turbine operation
• Turbine design
• Francis turbine
• Pelton wheel
• Kaplan turbine
• Turbine operational considerations
• Turbine control and regulation
• Turbine maintenance

Target Group

Engineers, technologists and other suitably qualified personnel charged with the responsibility of procuring, operating and maintaining turbines.

MV Switchgear Operations and Maintenance (MVSOM)

Duration: 2 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide participants with modern concepts and practical techniques involved in MV switchgear operations and maintenance; demonstrate principles and safe working practices in the operation and maintenance of switchgear including safe isolation from live power systems. The course involves practice, tours to designated power stations, and substations.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Apply their knowledge, skills and values (competences) so developed during training to new and demanding industrial situations.
• Apply skills acquired in switching schedules and practice to operate switchgear correctly.
• Apply skills acquired in switchgear maintenance to ensure effective operation of power systems.
• Apply skills acquired in the improvement of services provided by the distribution departments in power utilities.

Course Outline

• Electrical Power System
• Types of MV Switchgear
• Switchgear Rating & Specifications
• Switchgear Operations
• Auto Reclosing
• Switching Schedules
• Switchgear Maintenance
• Switchgear Diagnostic Techniques
• Switching Competence Practice
• Safe Working Procedures and Safety Rules
• Asset Management

Target Group

Engineers, Technicians, Technologists and other suitably qualified personnel engaged in MV Switchgear Operations and Maintenance.

Operations Management (OM)

Duration: 2 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide with esposure to the latest developments in operations management and engineering technology to enhance awareness of the extent to which equipment failure affects safety and the environment. The relationship between operation and maintenance, maintenance and product quality, achieve high plant availability and containment of costs will be handled. The course includes tours to designated plants and departmental planning units in utilities.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Apply best practices of operations management in organizational, supervisory and managerial context
• Apply systems thinking, strategizing and planning
• Apply lean strategies in maximizing business output through enhanced resource and process efficiency.
• Apply best practices for efficient and effective operations, services and maintenance processes.

Course Outline

• Understanding Operations: Operations Management: Trends and Issues, and Operations Strategy
• Designing Operations: Process and Capacity Analysis, Design of Manufacturing Processes, Design of Service Systems, The Product Development Process, Project Management, and Total Quality Management
• Operations and the Value Chain: Supply Chain Management, Facilities Location, Sourcing and Supply Management, and Inventory Planning and Control
• Planning and Control of Operations: Demand Forecasting, Aggregate Production Planning, Resources Planning, Scheduling of Operations, Lean Management, Six-Sigma Quality Control, and Maintenance Management

Target Group

Chief Executive Officers, Senior Managers, Managers, Engineers, and other suitably qualified personnel involved in operation and maintenance of industrial plants and equipment.

Power Plant Operations and Control (PPOC)

Duration: 3 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide Course participants with technical theory and practice in order to enable them comprehend the principles of operations of Hydropower Plants using simulators as a mimic of control room operations. The program includes practical demonstrations in the Kafue Gorge power station for the course participants to be acquainted with actual equipment and procedures.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Operate plants under normal, abnormal and emergency situations.
• Accurately read, interpret, record and react to the information from instrument readings, events and instructions.

Course Outline

• Computer appreciation
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's)
• Personal Computers - Hardware and software
• Safety in Operations and interlocks
• Operational practice on conventional and Computerized simulators
• Normal start/stop sequence including synchronization
• Emergency shutdown
• Abnormal conditions (Trips and Alarms)
• Auxiliary supplies and changeover procedures
• Joint mode/Unit mode operation
• Operational limits
• Switchyard - operation (earth switches, isolators, circuit breakers)
• Waterways and water management and abnormal conditions

Target Group

Holders of KGRTC Plant Operators Certificate, Technicians, Technologists, Engineers and other suitably qualified personnel.

Power Systems Operations (PSO)

Duration: 3 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide Course participants with technical theory and practice in order to enable them comprehend the principles of operations of the power system and causes of faults and principles of protection. The program includes practical demonstrations in the Kafue Gorge power station, study trips to regional and national control centers.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Operate an interconnected power system more efficiently.
• Carry out fault current calculations and advise in equipment rating in the power system.
• Timely react to normal, abnormal and emergency situations in order to improve upon the power system reliability.

Course Outline

• Synchronous Machines
• Transformers and reactors in Power Systems
• Electric Power Transmission and Tariffs
• Power system steady state conditions
• Power System stability
• Voltage stability
• Demand Side Management
• Power balance and Frequency control
• Over-voltages and fault currents
• Interconnected system operation
• Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP)
• Disturbances and collapses in power systems
• Switching operations
• Safety

Target Group

Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Technologists, Technicians and suitably qualified personnel.

Shift Charge Operations (SCO)

Duration: 10 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide Course participants with a broader understanding of the principles of operation of turbines, generators, transformers and transmission lines and an appreciation of power system reliability factors, in particular in generating stations

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Supervise and distribute work during a shift
• Take responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of the hydro power plant during a shift
• Ensure safe and proper switching is carried out.

Course Outline

• Water Hydraulics and Turbines
• Oil hydraulics & governors
• Electrical machines & local power supply
• Power station control
• Power system operations
• Electrical diagram reading
• Switchyards & Switchgear equipment
• Safety in hydropower plants
• Maintenance
• Supervisory management

Target Group

Power plant and Power System Operations Supervisors and other suitably qualified personnel.

Substation Operations and Maintenance (SOM)

Duration: 3 Weeks

Course Objectives

To provide Course participants with technical theory and practice in order to enable them comprehend the principles of operations of substations and the general maintenance of substations. Course participants learn the basic construction of a substation, including electrical equipment rigging and installation, cable tray and conduit installation, cable controls & panel wiring, as well as a wide variety of installation procedures for electrical components and protection equipment. The program includes a lot of practicals at the Kafue Gorge power station for the course participants to be acquainted with actual equipment and procedures.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Effectively operate the equipment in a substation
• Maintain, trouble-shoot and man a substation
• Plan and routinely maintain a substation.

Course Outline

• Safety procedures in substation
• Construction of substations
• Installation procedures for electrical components and protection equipment in substations
• Substation relays
• Substation maintenance
• Substation operations, substation automation systems and interfaces
• Substation communication systems

Target Group

Substation personnel, Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Technologists and qualified practicing Technicians.

Switchgear Operations and Maintenance (SgOM)

Duration: 3 Weeks

Course Objectives

The course takes the participants from an overview of breakers and swithgears. It then focuses on issues of safety, measurement and protection and general operations and maintenance.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Apply the knowledge, skills and values to new and demanding industrial situations.
• Apply skills acquired in switching schedules and practice to operate switch gear correctly.
• Apply skills acquired in switchgear maintenance to ensure effective operation of power systems.
• Apply skills acquired in the improvement of services provided by the distribution departments in power utilities.

Course Outline

• Generation overview
• Types of circuit breakers
• Operation mechanisms
• Auto re-closers
• Switchgear location
• Factors affecting circuit breaker selection
• Switchgear
• Switchgear ancilliaries
• Switchgear measurement and protection
• DC supply equipment for switchgear
• Principles of switchgear maintenance
• Effective switchgear maintenance program
• Diagnostic techniques
• Safety in operation and maintenance of circuit breakers and switchgear

Target Group

Engineers, Technologists, Technicians and other suitably qualified personnel.

Thermal Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (TPPOM)

Duration: 4 Weeks

Course Objectives

The course lays out thermal power plant operation and maintenance techniques from fundamentals. It builds knowledge in different areas of the whole range of operational processes.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training programme, course participants shall be able to:

• Know the systems and equipment of Thermal Power Plants.
• Acquire knowledge in the theory and design and operation of Thermal Power Plants
• Acquire skills and knowledge to apply in operating Thermal Plant schemes for producing power.
• Accurately read, interpret, record and react to the information from instrument readings, events and instructions.
• Accurately read, interpret, record and react to the information from instrument readings, events and instructions.
• Operate plants under normal, abnormal and emergency situations
• Appreciate the importance of safety and pollution control in Thermal Power Plants.

Course Outline

• Steam generation
• Turbines and diesel engines
• Fuels and fuel handling
• Safety, health, environment and pollution control
• Plant electric systems
• Plant instrumentation operation and control
• Maintenance routines in thermal power plants

Target Group

Technologists, technicians and suitably qualified personnel.