Aspects of Underground Power Cable Systems Course

Joint Course Presented by Electrical Consulting Engineers, P.C. at Pterra, LLC’s Training Facility

Description

Utilities, architect-engineers, developers and industrials are often faced with considering an underground cable option either as a portion of an otherwise overhead line, to connect nearby substations, as entry to an already congested substation, or in urban setting where underground transmission or distribution is the only alternative. The student attending this course will gain an overall understanding of the major cable system types including extruded, self-contained fluid-filled and pipe-type, as well as an understanding about elements of design, manufacturing, installation and operation of underground transmission and distribution cables. More often, transmission cable systems are engineered on a case-by-case basis, so much of the 3-day course focuses on transmission with relevant references to distribution voltage cables. The instructor will discuss topics that are relevant for both voltage classes.
 

Attendees

This course will be of interest to those wanting to gain an understanding about underground cable systems, components and applications. A student taking this course should be generally familiar with power systems; a background in electrical, mechanical or civil engineering will be helpful in understanding some concepts.

Ratings

To ensure the quality and timeliness of our courses, Pterra asks participants to provide feedback and to rate each course.  This allows to adjust to the changing needs of the industry.  Assessment ratings are made on a scale of 5 with highest being 5.0.  Ratings are applied to individual topics, individual speakers and instructors, and aspects of course presentation such as materials, notes and interaction. 

Format

This 18-hour course will be presented over three days in a classroom setting using lectures, in-class discussions and illustrative problems. Questions and interaction among students are encouraged. Concepts are presented using theoretical background along with practical experience. Each student will receive a notebook containing copies of the instructor’s presentation material along with additional material deemed relevant. Students may wish to bring portable computers or hand calculators to class, but these are not required.

Students taking this course will receive 18 professional development hours (PDH) and 1.8 continuing education units (CEUs). Students completing the course will receive a course certificate. Pterra, LLC offers CEUs accredited with the New York State Department of Education.    

Expected Learning Outcomes

After taking this course, the student should be able to do the following:

• Identify and characterize the major cable system types and components
• List the major design calculations required for a new cable system
• Describe the types of tests that are required in the manufacture and installation of a cable system
   

Outline

Day 1: 

• Introductions, Summary of Course Goals
• System Types and Historical Perspective
• Transmission vs. Distribution
• Cable System Planning, Selection and Characteristics
• Cable System Components
  • Cable Construction
  • Terminations
  • Splices/Joints
  • Other Accessories
    • Link Boxes
    • Bonding Cables
    • Pressurization Plants

Day 2:

• General Design Considerations
  • Power Transfer Requirements and Rating Criteria
  • Cable System Type
  • Route Selection & Rights-of-Way
• Summary of Design Calculations
  • Ampacity & Soil Effects
  • Pulling Tension
  • Impedances
  • Induced Voltages and Currents
  • Magnetic Fields
• • Manufacturing Considerations
  • Laminate Cables (Pipe-Type, Self-Contained)
  • Extruded Dielectric (XLPE, EPR)

Day 3:

• • Installation and Civil Design Considerations
  • Open Trench
  • Trenchless Technology
  • Transitions to Other Equipment
• • Testing, Standards & Specifications
  • Prequalification Tests
  • Factory Acceptance Tests
    • Routine
    • Sample
  • Commissioning Tests
  • Fault Location Tests
  • Standards and Specifications
• Cable Project Types
  • Fully Engineered
  • Design-Build
  • EPC
• Operation & Maintenance
• Repair
• Project Photos – Time Permitting

Location

The course will be held at Pterra's Training Facility in Albany, New York, located 5 minutes from Albany International Airport on Wolf Road.  Over 20 hotels and restaurants within 10 minutes make this an accessible location.  Also, the location is within a day's driving distance from anywhere in the Northeast US and eastern Canada.

The course is also available for presentation at sponsored venues. Please contact Pterra for more information.

Further Information 

For more information, please contact info@pterra.us.