Coursera

Electric Power Systems (Coursera)

Offered by University at Buffalo, The State University of New York,

This course familiarizes you with standards and policies of the electric utility industry, and provides you with basic vocabulary used in the business. It introduces the electric power system, from generation of the electricity all the way to the wall plug. You will learn about the segments of the system, and common components like power cables and transformers.

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This course is for individuals considering a career in the energy field (who have a high school diploma, at minimum, and basic knowledge of mathematics), and existing energy sector employees with less than three years of experience who have not completed similar training and would benefit from a course of foundational industry concepts.

The course is a combination of online lectures, videos, readings and discussions.
This is the first course in the Energy Production, Distribution & Safety specialization that explores various facets of the power sector, and features a culminating project involving creation of a roadmap to achieve a self-established, energy-related professional goal.
Course 1 of 4 in the Energy Production, Distribution & Safety Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Basic Electricity
Electricity is a term that covers all the phenomena caused either by static electric charge or by the movement of charge (current) and the electrical and magnetic fields associated with that.
This module looks at: Nature and Effects of Electricity; Basic Electrical Properties and Simple Circuits.

WEEK 2
Generation, Transmission, & Distribution
Electrical energy is transmitted and distributed via overhead lines and underground cables operating at different voltage levels. It is necessary to mesh networks to ensure dependable supply for consumers even if individual transmission paths fail.
This module focuses on: Substations & Transformers; Generation; Transmission & Subtransmission and Distribution.

WEEK 3
System Design & Switching
Circuit breakers are complicated electromechanical devices and must be serviced regularly. So that work on them can be perform safely, switches are installed before and after them.

WEEK 4
Renewable Energy & Smart Grid Technologies
Our nation’s electric power infrastructure that has served us so well for so long – also known as “the grid” – is rapidly running up against its limitations.
This module looks at Smart Grid Risks; Smart Grid, Utilities & Customers; Smart Grid & the Environment and Renewable Energy.

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