Chapter 1.
General Information on Electrical Networks: (1 week)
Chapter 2. Modes of Transmission, Allocation, and Distribution of Electrical Energy: (1
week)
Topology and network structure, radial network, looped network, voltage levels.
Chapter 3. Calculation of Electrical Networks: (2 weeks)
Determination of longitudinal characteristics (resistance, inductance), determination of
transverse characteristics (capacitance, conductance), equivalent circuits of power
lines, power balance, conductor cross-section, power flow, fault currents.
Chapter 4. Modeling of Power Lines and Transformers: (2 weeks)
Determination of transformer parameters (winding connection, parallel operation, per-
unit systems, …).
Chapter 5. The Per-Unit System: (1 week)
Chapter 6. Calculation of Balanced Faults: (3 weeks)
Chapter 7. Symmetrical Components: (1 week)
Chapter 8. Calculation of Unbalanced Faults: (4 weeks)
Chapter 1. General Information on Electrical Networks
I. Introduction
The operation of an electrical network consists of producing, transmitting, and distributing the
energy required by the connected loads. This energy must be delivered with stable voltage and
frequency (within acceptable limits) to ensure proper operation of loads and network
equipment. For voltage, a variation of about 5% around the nominal value (sometimes 10%)
is generally tolerated. Furthermore, frequency must not exceed 0.5% of the nominal
frequency. In addition to continuous voltage and frequency control, this chapter will cover the
means of generating electrical energy, the different types of power networks, and the
equipment used in electrical systems.
II. Definition
Electrical networks consist of all the equipment dedicated to generating, transmitting,
distributing, and using electricity from the power plant to the most distant consumers. Their
function is to interconnect production centers, such as hydroelectric and thermal plants, with
consumption centers (cities, factories, etc.). Electrical energy is transmitted at high voltage, or
very high voltage, to minimize Joule losses. A complete and significant electrical distribution
system includes: power generation plants, high-voltage transmission lines, transformer
stations, interconnection and distribution substations, medium-voltage distribution lines, and
transformer substations (cabins) connected to low-voltage utilization lines.
(Figure I.1. Simplified diagram of an electrical network)
III. Electrical Energy Production
The production of electrical energy involves exploiting different energy sources to drive
alternators that generate voltages and currents. Two key elements that make up most power
plants are:
The Turbine: Converts the motion energy of water, steam, or gas into mechanical
energy.
The Alternator: Converts mechanical rotation energy into electrical energy. It
generates sinusoidal, balanced voltages phase-shifted by 120°, with RMS values
between 12–20 kV. The frequency of these voltages is 50–60 Hz, determined by
turbine speed and pole number.
The main types of power plants are:
Fossil fuel power plants (thermal plants burning coal or natural gas).
Nuclear fission plants.
Hydroelectric plants.
Renewable energy plants.
IV. Types of Electrical Networks
Depending on the path of electrical energy from generation to consumption, there are several
types of networks, with three main categories:
Transmission and Interconnection Networks: High-voltage (HV) networks that
carry energy between production plants, distribution points, and major consumption
centers. They include generation plants, lines, and substations.
Sub-Transmission Networks: Medium-voltage (MV) networks between the
transmission grid and the distribution system. They distribute electrical energy and
may be overhead or underground.
Distribution Networks: Low-voltage (LV) networks supplying power directly to
consumers or to MV/LV substations.
V. Equipment Used in Electrical Networks
Electrical networks consist not only of high-voltage (power) equipment but also of auxiliary
functions such as remote control and protection systems.
Power equipment: Transmission lines connecting substations. Within a substation,
busbars connect line and transformer feeders for each voltage level.
Transmission lines: Carry three-phase, balanced electrical power over long distances.
Transmission pylons: Support multiple circuits (each circuit has three phases).
Insulators made of glass or porcelain withstand high voltages. Surge arresters (spark
gaps) protect insulators against lightning strikes by diverting surges.
Shield wire (ground wire): A single conductor attached to pylons, grounded to attract
lightning strikes away from phase conductors. It sometimes includes optical fibers for
communication.
Power transformers: Equipped with on-load tap changers to regulate voltage during
operation. They ensure stable secondary voltage and support voltage regulation across
the network.
Substations: Network nodes where lines and transformers are interconnected.
Substations are categorized as interconnection, sub-transmission, or distribution
substations.
VI. Monitoring and Control Equipment
Operation is managed from regional or national control centers (dispatch centers). These use
remote control systems (e.g., SCADA) to:
Control switching devices (circuit breakers, isolators).
Monitor the position of devices.
Measure key parameters (voltage, current, frequency).
Signal malfunctions (alarms).