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Substation Design Course

Live Online
In-person
12 hours

This comprehensive 12-hour, two-day live online Substation Design course teaches engineers and electricians how to plan, design, and maintain reliable high-voltage substations. Learn grounding, protection systems, and layout principles that follow IEEE, NFPA, and NEC standards for ensuring safety and optimal performance.

 

Substation Design Course for Reliable and Safe Power Systems

This substation design course provides the essential framework for engineers, designers, and maintenance professionals who are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of high-voltage substations. These facilities are the backbone of the power system, linking generation, transmission, and distribution networks. A well-designed substation ensures reliability, operational flexibility, and personnel safety—key factors in preventing costly outages and minimizing hazards.

Modern design principles integrate grounding and bonding systems, protective relays, insulation coordination, and fault current analysis to comply with standards such as IEEE C37, the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and OSHA electrical safety requirements. Beyond meeting compliance, effective design practices support system resilience, enabling utilities and industries to adapt to increasing energy demands, the integration of renewable sources, and automation technologies.

Participants gain a practical understanding of the types of substations, electrical layouts, substation components, substation engineering, control systems, bus configurations, and physical security requirements for substation equipment that define today’s substations. Through expert instruction and case-based learning, this course equips professionals to make informed design decisions that enhance performance, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term electrical reliability.

 

What You Will Learn

Participants in the Substation Design course will gain a thorough understanding of the engineering principles and technical skills required to design and operate modern substations. Key learning outcomes include:

  • Mastering the technical aspects of engineering and understanding how they fit into broader electric power networks.

  • Learning how to specify and select appropriate equipment for different operational needs.

  • Developing expertise in substation design layouts that maximize efficiency and safety.

  • Understanding protective relaying, automation, and control systems used in substations.

  • Gaining insights into the integration of advanced technologies, such as digital subs and SCADA systems, to enhance grid reliability.

  • Becoming familiar with industry standards, codes, and best practices that govern engineering and electrical utilities.

  • Acquiring practical knowledge of power systems analysis, troubleshooting, and maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and performance of subs.

By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to contribute to the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations, making them valuable assets to the utility industry and other sectors that rely on electric power infrastructure.

 

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to electrical fundamentals and their role in power systems.

  • Detailed study of equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protective relays.

  • Best practices in the design and layout of subs.

  • Electrical grounding and protection schemes.

  • The role of substation design in ensuring grid reliability.

  • Integrating automation and modern technology into distribution systems.

  • Maintenance strategies and safety considerations.

Live online course schedule

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Who should attend

This Substation Design course is ideal for professionals working in electrical engineering and the utility industry who are responsible for the design, implementation, or management. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Engineers and designers are responsible for designing and developing substations.

  • Professionals involved in the planning and operation of electrical utilities.

  • Technicians and consultants who oversee equipment and maintenance.

  • Project managers and planners working on power systems and infrastructure projects.

 

What you will get

1
1.2 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits
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2
Substation Design Course Certificate
Training Certificate
3
100-page Arc Flash/Electrical Safety Handbook (Value $20)
Electrical Safety Handbook
4
Free magazine subscription (Value $25)
Free Magazine Subscription
5
$50 coupon toward any future Electricity Forum event
Coupon
6
Course presentations in PDF format
Course Presentation

Substation Design Course Outline

 

DAY ONE

 

Section 1: Basic Design Parameters – Single Line Diagram

Objective: Understand the key design considerations, including environmental and regulatory factors.

Single Line Diagram (SLD) Overview

  • Introduction to SLD, its role in substation design, and interpreting SLDs for various configurations.

Design Influencing Factors

  • Environmental considerations: Altitude, wind, ambient temperature, and seismic areas.
  • Site-specific requirements and constraints.
  • Impact of these factors on equipment choice and configuration.

Industry Standards and Practices

  • Overview of domestic and international standards for substation design (e.g., IEEE, IEC).
  • Understanding how these standards guide the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of substation designs.

Substation Configuration Variations

  • Why subs are configured differently based on their function, environmental factors, and grid requirements.
  • Case studies highlighting different configurations for similar functions.

 

Section 2: Power Transformers

Objective: Explore transformer types, applications, and their role in substations.

Overview of Transformer Types

  • Step-up vs. Step-down Transformers and Their Specific Roles in Distribution Systems.
  • Autotransformers and Their Application in Voltage Regulation.

Cooling Methods for Transformers

  • Understanding ONAN, ONAF, OFAF, and OFWF cooling methods and how they impact transformer ratings and performance.
  • The role of cooling in extending transformer life and ensuring operational efficiency.

Transformer Configurations and Components

  • Discussion of transformer winding configurations: Delta-Wye, Wye-Wye, etc.
  • Components: core, windings, tap changers, bushings, cooling fans, and radiators.
  • General arrangement of a power transformer.

 

Section 3: Switchgear

Objective: Understand the function and types of switchgear used in subs.

Introduction to Switchgear

  • Definition and purpose of switchgear in electrical engineering and substation design.
  • Difference between Low Voltage (LV), Medium Voltage (MV), and High Voltage (HV) switchgear.

Types of Switchgear and Their Applications

  • Overview of LV switchgear and typical industry applications.
  • Explanation of components such as circuit breakers, fuses, isolators, and relays.

Safety Features

  • Discussion of the critical safety features employed in switchgear, including arc flash protection, grounding, and interlocks.

 

Section 4: Lightning Protection Systems

Objective: Learn about lightning protection systems and their importance in substations.

Introduction to Lightning Protection

  • Overview of how lightning strikes affect power systems and the role of protection systems in mitigating risk.

Components of a Lightning Protection System

  • Components such as lightning rods, surge arresters, ground wires, and grounding systems.
  • Design considerations to protect equipment from high-voltage surges caused by lightning.

Best Practices for Lightning Protection

  • International standards and best practices for designing effective lightning protection systems.

 

DAY TWO

 

Section 5: Control System Components

Objective: Gain familiarity with control system components.

Standard Components and Applications

  • Overview of critical components, including push buttons (PB), TNC control switches, selector switches, time delay relays, and indicating lamps.
  • Discussion of terminal blocks and their role in wiring and control.

Applications and Functions

  • How these control components are integrated into operations for safe and efficient performance.
  • Real-world examples of control system setups.

 

Section 6: Substation AC/DC Auxiliary Power Systems

Objective: Understand the role of auxiliary power systems and how they are configured.

Introduction to AC/DC Aux Power Systems

  • Overview of the auxiliary systems required for the proper functioning of a sub.

Classification of Loads

  • Categorization of loads into vital, essential, and non-essential.
  • How to prioritize and supply these loads based on their importance.

AC and DC Power Distribution

  • Basics of AC and DC auxiliary power systems, including distribution methods and load management.

Auxiliary Transformer Sizing

  • Practical case study on transformer sizing, considering factors like load requirements, system capacity, and redundancy.

 

Section 7: Substations and the Smart Grid

Objective: Learn about the role of subs in modern smart grid technology and challenges in connectivity.

Smart Grid Overview

  • Definition of the smart grid and its significance in modern electrical utilities.

Integration of Substations into the Smart Grid

  • How substations are connected to smart grids for enhanced monitoring, control, and performance.
  • Role of digital subs and automated systems in supporting smart grids.

Challenges in Connectivity and Performance

  • Key issues related to integrating subs with smart grids, including communication protocols, cybersecurity, and data management.

Solutions for Improved Performance

  • Best practices for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of smart grid-connected subs.

 

COURSE TIMETABLE

Both days:
Start: 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Finish: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time

 

 

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Live online course registration fees & CEU credits

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What you will get

1
1.2 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits
EIC Logo
2
Substation Design Course Certificate
Training Certificate
3
100-page Arc Flash/Electrical Safety Handbook (Value $20)
Electrical Safety Handbook
4
Free magazine subscription (Value $25)
Free Magazine Subscription
5
$50 coupon toward any future Electricity Forum event
Coupon
6
Course presentations in PDF format
Course Presentation

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Earn Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Credits

  • Successful completion of this course qualifies delegates to receive a certificate of course completion with indicated CEUs.
  • CEUs are granted by the Engineering Institute of Canada.
  • One CEU is equivalent to 10 professional development hours of instruction.
  • This course earns 0.6 CEUs.
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2

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3

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Use the coupon code when you sign up for the Advanced Electrical Safety Training course to save $50 off the regular price.

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Register 3, Get 1 Free

Register 3 delegates at the full price of $249 each and get the 4th registration free! Perfect for companies, safety departments, and teams looking to train multiple employees at once.

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3rd $249
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