This course will focus on the process of insulation coordination in electrical power systems, leveraging PSCAD software for modeling, simulation, and analysis. Participants will learn how to assess insulation levels, simulate overvoltage events, and design systems that ensure electrical equipment is protected against electrical stress. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to perform insulation coordination studies and develop effective protection strategies for power systems.

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles of insulation coordination in electrical power systems.
2. Learn how to use PSCAD for modeling power systems and simulating overvoltage conditions.
3. Understand the concept of overvoltage phenomena, such as lightning strikes, switching surges, and fault conditions.
4. Be able to analyze insulation levels and evaluate the effectiveness of protection systems.
5. Design a power system with proper insulation coordination to ensure protection of equipment.

• Power Systems Engineers
• Electrical Engineers involved in system design and protection
• Engineers working with insulation coordination or surge protection
• Graduate Engineers in electrical engineering programs
• Researchers and practitioners interested in improving system reliability

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of power systems, electrical circuits, and overvoltage protection concepts
• Familiarity with PSCAD software or similar simulation tools (though not required, some prior experience with simulation tools is beneficial)

Course Materials:

• Lecture slides, notes, and tutorial materials
• Reading materials on insulation coordination standards (IEC, IEEE guidelines)
• Case study examples and practical application documents

Teaching Methodology:

• 40% Lecturing and 60% hands-on
• Lectures: Each session will combine theoretical explanations with real-world examples.
• Hands-on Practice: Participants will engage in simulations and practical exercises using PSCAD to reinforce theoretical concepts.
• Case Studies: Practical case studies will provide insight into how insulation coordination is applied to real-world power systems.
• Q&A and Discussions: Each session will include time for questions, problem-solving, and group discussions.

Resources Needed:

• Computer with PSCAD software installed
• Stable internet connection for online sessions
• Projector and screen for in-class presentations (if conducted in person)
• Instructor-led materials (slides, visual aids)

Introduction to Insulation Coordination & PSCAD Overview

• Introduction to Insulation Coordination
• Understanding insulation coordination and its importance in power systems
• Overview of overvoltage phenomena: lightning, switching surges, faults
• Principles of selecting insulation levels for equipment and devices
• Role of insulation coordination in preventing damage to equipment
• Basics of Overvoltage Phenomena
• Lightning strikes and direct strokes
• Switching surges (including transformer energization)
• System faults and voltage transients
• Standards and guidelines (e.g., IEC, IEEE) for insulation coordination
• Introduction to PSCAD Software for Insulation Coordination
• Overview of PSCAD environment for modeling power systems
• Basic simulation setup and running simulations
• Key tools and features in PSCAD relevant to insulation coordination
• Temporary Overvoltage (TOV)
• Ferranti effect
• -Load rejection
• Fault (LG, LLG)
• -Fault (LG) with load rejection
• Slow Front Overvoltage (SFO)
• Cable/ Transmission line energization
• Transformer energization and de-energization

• Fast front transient study
• Shielding failure (direct stroke)
• Back flashover
• Very Fast Transient Overvoltage (VFTO)
• Modelling a GIS substation for VFTO study
• Modelling disconnector switch
• Simulating cases with trapped charge
• Ferro resonance
• Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV)
• Modelling of breakers

Modeling Power Systems in PSCAD for Insulation Coordination

• Building a Basic Power System Model
• Modeling transmission lines, transformers, and circuit breakers in PSCAD
• Representing equipment insulation ratings (e.g., dielectric strength)
• Incorporating overvoltage protection devices (e.g., surge arresters) in the model
• Simulating Lightning Strikes and Overvoltages
• Modeling lightning strikes and their impact on power systems
• Simulating lightning-induced overvoltages in PSCAD
• Assessing the impact of overvoltage on system components
• Simulating Switching Surges and Fault-Induced Overvoltages
• Modeling transformer switching and fault scenarios
• Simulation of voltage transients due to system switching operations
• Analyzing the behavior of surge arresters and protection devices under overvoltage conditions

Overvoltage Protection and Insulation Levels

• Understanding Protection Devices
• Surge arresters, lightning arresters, and their role in protection
• Selection criteria for protection devices based on system voltage levels
• PSCAD implementation of surge protection devices
• Insulation Coordination Studies
• Determining insulation levels for transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines
• Analysis of insulation coordination based on overvoltage simulations
• Comparing insulation coordination across various fault and surge scenarios

• Using PSCAD for Insulation Coordination Evaluation
• Running simulations to evaluate the effects of overvoltage on equipment insulation
• Analyzing voltage stress and the risk of insulation failure
• Understanding the concept of the insulation coordination curve

Advanced Modeling Techniques for Insulation Coordination

• Modeling Complex Power Systems in PSCAD
• Modeling a more complex power network (e.g., substation-level models)
• Integrating multiple overvoltage protection devices in a system
• Handling different types of electrical loads in coordination studies
• Dynamic Simulations and Time-Dependent Analysis
• Understanding the importance of dynamic simulations in overvoltage studies
• Running time-dependent simulations for accurate overvoltage assessment
• Evaluating the transient response of equipment under overvoltage conditions

Practical Applications and Case Studies

• Case Study 1: Insulation Coordination for a Substation
• Practical example of insulation coordination for a real-world substation design
• Simulation of lightning surges and fault conditions in the substation model
• Design and validation of insulation coordination measures
• Case Study 2: Insulation Coordination for a Transmission Line Network
• Modeling overvoltage behavior in a transmission network
• Analysis of insulation coordination for different transmission line configurations
• Evaluation of protection strategies based on simulation results

• Related International Standards:
• IEC 60071-1 - Insulation co-ordination - Part 1: Definitions, principles, and rules.
• IEC 60071-2- Insulation co-ordination – Part 2: Application guidelines.
• IEC 60071-4 – Insulation co-ordination — Part 4: Computational guide to insulation co-ordination and modelling of electrical networks.
• IEEE Std 1313.2 - IEEE Guide for the Application of Insulation Coordination.
• IEEE Std C62.82.1- IEEE Standard for Insulation Coordination—Definitions, Principles, and Rules.
• IEEE Std 1243- IEEE Guide for Improving the Lightning Performance of Transmission Lines.
• IEEE Std C62.22- IEEE Guide for the Application of Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters for Alternating-Current Systems.
• IEC 60099-5 - Surge arresters - Part 5: Selection and application recommendations.

A RECTUS attendance certificate will be awarded to all participants who complete at least 80% of the total course duration.