Electrical Power

Unit code:
QCF Level:

Credit value:

15

Aim
This unit will develop learners understanding of electrical power systems and power distribution
and the advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy sources.

Unit abstract
Our modern world increasingly relies upon electrical power to supply our industries,
commercial centres and homes with a convenient, flexible and reliable source of energy.
To meet the client's expectations, electrical energy must be provided at a reasonable cost and
transmitted to the point of need, at the appropriate voltage and current levels. The client's
utilisation of the energy source needs to be appropriate, without undue complexity, to facilitate
energy generation and transmission.
This unit takes the learner through the complex process of analysing three-phase systems with
consideration being given to harmonics and their effects. The methods of power distribution
through the National Grid are then discussed with final economic considerations taken into
account to enhance generation, transmission and distribution, with acceptable costs to clients.
Throughout their working careers, modern engineers will have to consider new technologies and
be able to evaluate the options available to maker appropriate selections. With our global
resources of fossil energy reserves decreasing and concerns over protecting the environment
growing, alternative sources of energy are considered. Evaluative considerations will be made to
inform the engineer of the issues associated with this topic, which may need to be considered far
more at local and regional levels. Additionally, self-generation of electrical energy is now
possible for a broad range of users throughout the world, utilising local environmental facilities.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
1 Be able to analyse three-phase systems
2 Know the sources and effects of harmonics in power systems
3 Understand methods of power distribution
4 Understand the economics of components, power systems and alternative energy

IMPORTANT: NOT TO BE USED FOR TEACHING OR ASSESSMENT - THIS IS A PRE-ACCREDITATION DRAFT

Unit 63:

Be able to analyse three-phase systems

Fault free three-phase systems: use of j-notation (complex numbers) in the analysis of unfaulted three-phase systems eg phase sequence, balanced star supply, balanced delta supply,
4 wire and 3 wire balanced star loads, unbalanced 4 wire star loads, balanced delta loads,
unbalanced delta loads
Measurement of power: methods of determining power in three-phase balanced and
unbalanced systems eg Blondels theorem, integrated three-phase wattmeters, real power,
reactive power, apparent power
Faulted three-phase systems: connection errors and faults eg loss of neutral, loss of one line,
reversed supply phase, unbalanced supply voltages, reversed phase sequence
Three-phase transformers: construction eg three single-phase transformers, shell and core
type; connections eg terminal marking BS 171, phasor diagrams, star, delta, zig-zag, clock
number and group, parallel operation
Characteristics: methods of operation of a three-phase induction motor; starting methods;
current; torque and control techniques; torque speed characteristics of motor and load;
steady state; operating point
Load dynamics: eg dynamic stability, crawling, inertia, friction, acceleration time

Know the sources and effects of harmonics in power systems

Harmonics: pitch; wave theory; natural frequencies, harmonic series; resonance
Sources of harmonics: transformer magnetising current; direct current power supply units;
general non-linear loads
Effects of harmonic: increased root-mean-square currents; zero sequence; triple-n neutral
currents in star systems; triple-n currents trapped in delta transformers; overheating in
neutral; overheating in motors and transformers; failure of power factor correction
capacitors; harmonic resonance; skin effect losses
Mitigation of harmonics: methods of mitigation such as oversized neutral, de-rating, circuit
separation, K factor and factor K, isolation transformers, passive and active filters, total
harmonic distortion, standards G5/4

Understand methods of power distribution

Topology: system integrity; radial feeders; parallel feeders; open and closed rings; interconnector
Operating parameters: load distribution eg radial, ring, parallel feeders, voltage and current
profiles, permissible, voltage drop, power losses, power efficiency

Understand the economics of components, power systems and alternative energy

Economics: economic considerations eg power factor correction, energy tariffs, Kelvins
law, compact fluorescent lighting; comparisons of single and three-phase systems; high and
low efficiency motors
Alternative energy: geothermal; solar; wind; water; biomass eg liquid biofuel, solid
biomass, biogas
Evaluation: cost (capital, operating); efficiency; energy storage; environmental impact;
feasibility on large and small scale

IMPORTANT: NOT TO BE USED FOR TEACHING OR ASSESSMENT - THIS IS A PRE-ACCREDITATION DRAFT

Unit content

Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria for pass

On successful completion of
this unit a learner will:

The learner can:

LO1 Be able to analyse threephase systems

1.1 solve problems involving fault free three-phase

systems
1.2 measure power in three-phase systems
1.3 solve problems involving faulted three-phase systems
1.4 describe three-phase transformers
1.5 describe the characteristics of a three-phase induction
motor
1.6 assess the effect of load dynamics

LO2 Know the sources and

effects of harmonics in
power systems

2.1 identify typical sources of harmonics in a power

system
2.2 describe the effects of harmonics in power systems
2.3 evaluate at least four different methods of mitigation of
harmonics

LO3 Understand methods of

power distribution

3.1 compare different power system topologies

3.2 analyse the operating parameters of a radial and a ring
distribution system

LO4 Understand the economics

of components, power
systems and alternative
energy

4.1 compare the economics of single-phase and threephase distribution

4.2 compare and evaluate the different forms of alternative
energies

IMPORTANT: NOT TO BE USED FOR TEACHING OR ASSESSMENT - THIS IS A PRE-ACCREDITATION DRAFT

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Links
This unit may be linked with Unit 1: Analytical Methods for Engineers and Unit 5: Electrical
and Electronic Principles. Unit 35: Further Analytical Methods for Engineers would support
the use of j-notation (complex numbers) required in learning outcome 1.

Essential requirements
Sufficient laboratory and test equipment (eg three-phase supply, transformer and loads, threephase induction motor and starters, power analyser, etc) should be available to support a range
of practical investigations.
Appropriate software packages, for example a circuit simulator and spreadsheet package, should
be used wherever possible to model and confirm (not replace) experimental results and also to
enable the verification of solutions to problems.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Delivery of this unit would benefit from visits to a power station or wind farm or the attendance
of guest speaker(s) with relevant experience of power generation and transmission.

IMPORTANT: NOT TO BE USED FOR TEACHING OR ASSESSMENT - THIS IS A PRE-ACCREDITATION DRAFT

Guidance