Overview
This course explains the principles behind the operation of circuit breakers for electric power transmission and distribution, including discussing the different types of switchgear elements and assemblies found in a substation switchyard. Students will also learn the different technologies used in circuit breakers, the reasons for circuit breaker failures, and tools and formulas to estimate the transient recovery voltage (TRV) when clearing a short-circuit fault. Emphasis is placed on the importance of specific switching conditions and network interaction for fault current interruption and load switching. Other topics covered in this short course include correctly selecting and specifying circuit breakers, why testing and condition monitoring of switchgear is essential, and the current monitoring tools available.
Evolve with QUTeX
With a balance of theoretical and practical examples, this course creates a shared learning environment for engineers to develop their High Voltage circuit breaker knowledge. This course is delivered via intensive face-to-face delivery of core content with PowerPoint slides, notes, and further readings, providing students with a basic explanation of High Voltage circuit breakers within the context of the power network. Participants will examine real-world examples, engage in related exercises, and be actively involved in follow-up class discussions. By using a collaborative approach, this course sets a foundation for participants to be active in discussions with peers and university/industry experts.
Who should participate?
This course is designed to advance the knowledge of engineers working within the power sector, developing their understanding of High Voltage circuit breakers within the context of the power network. While there are no pre‐requisites, it is a requirement that you have a sound knowledge of electrical engineering principals, working knowledge of power systems, and a basic understanding of High Voltage switchgear.
Your expert facilitator Dr Jose Lopez-Roldan
Dr Jose Lopez-Roldan received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Barcelona in 1993 and 1997 respectively. During his Ph.D. studies, he was a visiting-researcher at the R&D centers of Ontario-Hydro (Toronto), Schneider-Electric (Grenoble) and EDF (Paris) . He worked at VA TECH-Reyrolle in the UK from 1996 to 2000 as a senior engineer engaged in the development of Gas Insulated Switchgear. He joined Pauwels in Belgium in 2000 as R&D Project Manager in the Transformer Division and from 2002 to 2006 was the engineering manager of the Substations Division. From 2006 to 2016 he worked as Principal Consultant in Gas Insulated Switchgear for Powerlink Queensland in Australia. From 2016 to 2017 he was Research Manager of G&W Electric in the USA doing R&D in high voltage switchgear. Since 2018 he works as high voltage switchgear specialist in the Substation Standards department in Energy Queensland in Australia. Jose has co-authored more than 50 papers on HV switchgear, substations and electrical insulation. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers of Australia, senior member of the IEEE and member of several international working groups of CIGRE. He was 2016 National Professional Electrical Engineer of the Year of Engineers of Australia. He was from 2011 to 2018 Adjunct Professor of the Queensland University of Technology where he lectures in High Voltage Switchgear and Condition Monitoring of HV plant.
Learn more about Dr Jose Lopez-RoldanCore concepts
This course discusses;
- The different types of switchgear elements and assemblies (disconnectors, earth-switches, GIS, and Metalclad switchgear) found in a substation switchyard;
- The various technologies used in circuit breakers (oil, air, SF6, and vacuum);
- The mechanisms of current interruption through the extinction of an electric arc at current zero;
- The importance of the specific switching conditions and network interaction for fault current interruption and load switching;
- An analysis of the stresses produced in both the breaker and the network during breaker operation;
- The tools to estimate the transient recovery voltage (TRV) when clearing a short-circuit fault, including formulas and mitigation methods. These tools are not limited to interruptions to high currents but also includes frequent switching of low currents to energize and de-energize capacitor and reactor banks that might provoke intolerable transients in the system;
- Testing and condition monitoring of switchgear to check it can handle network stresses, insulation levels, mechanical forces, and ambient conditions; and
- Why condition monitoring is essential to guarantee the long-term behaviour of the switchgear and the current monitoring tools available.
On completion of this course participants will;
- Understand the fundamentals in circuit breaker and switchgear operation;
- Understand the reasons for circuit breaker failures and how to avoid these failures by selecting appropriate risk mitigation techniques;
- Apply tools to select and specify circuit breakers correctly;
- Discuss the operation of circuit breakers, their application, duties, and influence on network conditions; and
- Determine mitigation methods of switching stresses and apply switchgear ratings and Australian standards.
This course does not discuss in detail each applicable circuit breaker standard; instead, this course explains the concepts behind the standards to foster a greater understanding.
Details
Where and when
This offering will be delivered face-to-face at:
QUT Executive Education Centre,
B Block, QUT Gardens Point,
2 George St, Brisbane QLD 4000
Register your interest to be kept up-to-date on unit developments.
Certification
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon successful completion of the unit assignment. You will also receive a copy of your marked assignment with results. Assignments are generally due 8 weeks after completion of the face to face component. Exact dates will be advised.
Cost
| Registration type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Early Bird registration (closes 4 weeks prior to course commencement) | $1,620 (GST exclusive) |
| Standard registration (closes 1 week prior to course commencement) | $1,800 (GST exclusive) |
| QUT Alumni registration | $1,350 (GST exclusive) |
| Group registration (5 or more from the same organisation) | $1,620 (GST exclusive) per person |
More details
Get future fit. Fast.
Each PESTC unit is a stand-alone professional development short course, with practical knowledge that you can learn today and use tomorrow. Explore each topic below:
- EEP203: Condition Monitoring of High Voltage Plant
- EEP204: Power System Load Flow
- EEP205: Power System Fault Calculations
- EEP211: Basic Power System Protection
- EEP212: Advanced Power System Protection
- EEP216: Overhead Line Design – Electrical
- EEP217: Overhead Line Design – Mechanical
- EEP219: Power and Distribution Transformers
- EEP241: Distance Protection
- EEP244: Circuit Breakers – Switchgear
- EEP245: Introduction to Substation Design
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