Course Information: 3 credits. TADP 541-Electrical Distribution System Design: Distribution System concepts, overhead distribution line design, structural loading, conductor sag/tension characteristics, overhead line design techniques, power calculations, transformers explained and transformer connections.

The student will acquire the subject matter expertise and appreciation for the design of an Overhead Electrical Distribution System.  In addition, the students will develop a skill set that includes knowledge of the mechanical and electrical aspects of overhead line design, three phase power as well as understanding the theory of transformers and transformer connections. The students will also be given opportunities to apply this new found knowledge in a classroom environment to improve their understanding, retention and application of the material.  

Course Description/Objectives:  This course will be offered over eight weeks.  Within the weeks will be assignments and discussion board questions to answer.  Please begin with Week Zero and familiarize yourself with the Blackboard environment.  

The course will be conducted by Mark Miller. Mark is a distribution engineer with more than 29 years of professional engineering experience in designing distribution systems.  He uses his extensive experience of real world design experience, to offer students a comprehensive introduction to the topics.

The course begins with a one-week overview of the course objectives and an introduction to common overhead distribution system components.

In week 2 Students will learn about wood structures and alternative structures such as steel, concrete and fiberglass. The student will gain an appreciation for the ANSI standards wood pole suppliers must adhere to and the loading capabilities of different class poles.  

In week three Mark will discuss both mechanical and electrical properties of bare overhead conductors and the calculations that must be understood to properly select the appropriate conductor for the intended use. A significant amount of time will be spent on understanding the ruling span concept as well as understanding the differences between the catenary curve and the parabolic curve. The student will learn three different techniques to identify existing conductor sags.

In week 4 the Student will learn critical mathematical calculations that are common to any overhead line design. Calculations such as transverse loading, conductor clearances, pole buckling and guying will be discussed in detail.  

In week 5 the students will be given the opportunity to use the calculations learned in week 4 in a real world example.

In week 6 Mark will cover common single and three phase calculations. The Students will be introduced to the power triangle and leading/lagging power factor calculations. The student will also gain insight as to why the square root of 3 (1.73) always seems to be hanging around power calculations.

Week 7 will focus on transformer connections both single phase and three phase connections for both open and closed banks.

Week 8: Final

At the completion of this course, students will be able to design a simple 3ph-4wire overhead power line and properly size a transformer bank for the intended load.