Pterra conducts training in power technology subjects, not as a primary line, but in response to a perceived need. Occasionally, work in analytical consulting leads to knowledge and skills that clients and associates desire to acquire. And we are more than happy to oblige, if only to break the stream of days spent talking to computers (instead of people). Plus there is something strangely attractive in speaking to minds that are just exploring this lifetime field, electric power. We hope that most will stay on and help the industry. And we hope that some new insight will consolidate our own understanding of how electrons move. This is not to say that these courses are aimed for Gen X’ers alone. But a noticeable percentage who attend do come from that demo.

So, upcoming power technology courses for Generation X (and those who seek a refresher, shift in focus or broader horizons):

• Pterra’s Power Flow and Dynamic Simulation Analysis and Applications Course with the following schedules: November 14-18, 2011 in Charlotte, NC and January 9-13, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Focused on the basics of power flows, used in steady-state analysis of transmission and distribution networks, and dynamic simulation, used in the study of transient and voltage stability, this Applications course provides attendees with some theoretical background and a lot of practical applications. It is non-software specific, meaning that participants can use any of a number of different commercial software that are widely used, for the hands-on exercises. (Pterra, not being a software company, does not provide these products.)
• ASPEN OneLiner Class for Protection Engineers, September 13-15, 2011, Albany, NY. Focused on use of the ASPEN OneLiner software to perform short circuit and relay coordination studies. Course material is intended for users of all levels. Includes hands-on training on System Modeling, Short Circuit Studies and Protective Equipment Study.
• Fundamentals of PSCAD ® and Applications Training Course, Sept. 20-22, 2011, Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Focuses on fundamental phenomena applicable to the study of electromagnetic transients in electrical networks including AC transients, insulation coordination, fault and protection, transformer saturation, wind energy, FACTS, distributed generation, and power quality.
• Fundamentals & Steady State Analysis and Applications Using PSLF, September 12-15, 2011 in Schenectady, NY and March 19-22, 2012, in Phoenix, AZ. PSLF is a commercial package offered by General Electric for conducting steady-state analysis, among others.

For the non-Pterra courses, Pterra neither endorses nor represents them. These are included in the list just because they would be good courses to take. This is not exhaustive but enough to hopefully give the casual reader an idea of what’s available. And we might actually meet you at these courses.

On a tangential topic, there is a noticeable gap in power engineer ages. Like two weights on a dumbbell, today’s engineers are either older than 50 or younger than 40. There are not that many transitionals (between 40-50 years old) to conduct basic power systems activities, such as maintaining safety and reliability, and train the incoming generation as well. So, for baby boomers, such as the writer of this article, conducting trainings are a fact of life. But we can only teach what we already know. Prediction: in ten or so years, when more Gen X’ers take responsibility for power systems, many new ideas will revolutionize how we analyze, design, plan and operate power systems. That will be a brave, new world.