ATP-EMTP-Based Approach to Teaching Insulation Coordination in the Electrical Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

The paper presents a simulation model of the three final spans and one 110/35/10 kV/kV/kV distribution transformer substation (TS) bay. In order to demonstrate the insulation coordination procedure to students, we used this model to provide simulations of backflash and propagation of travelling waves to substation components. For this purpose, we used ATP-EMTP (Alternative Transients Program) software, which, owing to its user-friendly graphical user interface, can be effectively used for both scientific and educational purposes. Aiming for the modernisation of the Insulation Coordination curriculum, we are proposing modified problem-based learning which combines a classical approach with true problem-based learning (PBL). The pedagogical method and ATP-EMTP simulation model presented in this paper are primarily focused on undergraduate students (the four-year programme), but can also be appropriate at higher levels of education.