Fundamentals of Distribution Circuit Analysis

This 5 day class addresses the principles and methods for analyzing distribution circuits operating under sinusoidal steady state conditions. While an understanding of time differentiation is helpful it is shown that, in steady state, the circuit equations to be solved are algebraic; although the algebra is that of complex numbers. Complex numbers and their use as phaser`s representing sinusoidal time signals is thoroughly explained. The terminal characteristics of resistors, inductors, capacitors and independent sources are explained in the phaser domain. Electric power in ac circuits is far more interesting than in dc circuits where power is simply constant depending on voltage and current level. For ac circuits power concepts include real power, reactive power, complex power, apparent power, power factor angle, and power factor. All of the concepts are defined and demonstrated. The course includes basic principles of circuit analysis including mesh current and node voltage methods. Additional topics include The venin and Norton`s theorems for circuit simplification, power factor correction, per unit notation and calculations, single phase and three phase systems, wye-delta conversions, voltage drop calculations, and short circuit calculations under balanced conditions. Approximately two thirds of the course time is spent on theoretical concepts and one third on solving illustrative problems. This course will allow distribution engineers from all backgrounds to pursue the more advanced topics in the remaining courses.