Master lecture series: Transients in power systems

This course deals with the rapid phenomena in power systems caused by switching actions and atmospheric discharges. Some of the topics covered are circuit breakers, arc-circuit interaction, short-line fault, interruption of small inductive capacitive currents, travelling waves, atmospheric discharges, simulation of transients, circuit breaker testing.

The subject deals with power system transients. It is divided in a few sections of which the goals are to introduce the students in the basic concepts of switching transients and transient analysis as well as travelling wave phenomena. The subject also deals with the current interruption phenomena and circuit breakers as well as circuit breaker testing and insulation coordination. Additional material on Ferroresonance and surge arrester selections is being studied as a supplement to this project. All results are validated by computer simulations in Electromagnetic Transient Program (EMTP), which is used as a tool for detailed analysis of different cases like switching small inductive and capacitive currents, arc interruption, thermal and dielectric breakdown of the circuit breakers, travelling wave phenomena. Each chapter is also supported by several simplified examples (which are solvable on the blackboard)

After following this course, the student:

• is able to model power system components for transient analysis by means of lumped elements;
• understoand the current interrupion proces;
• has gained insight in the testing of switchgear in the High Power Lab.

Herewith, the application of symmetrical components to system faults play an important role. The influence of a lightning stroke on the power system. Special switching actions and the origin of TRV's will be understood as well. Different solutions for lightining protection are learnt and how lightning propagates toward lines is also discussed.

This master lecture series is open to participants PAO Techniek en Management. Regular students of the TU will attend the lecture series too. The lectures will be taught in English.