Inflection Point Engineering Electrical Engineering Curriculum

Power System

Module from the Electrical Engineering Curriculum curriculum.

Module 1 - Power System Design · Learning Objectives · 1. Read a one-line and identify voltage classes (LV <600V, MV 2.4-35kV, HV >35kV) · 2. Apply N+1 redundancy for critical process electrical loads · 3. Select voltage level by horsepower and motor loading · 4. Compute fault current contribution from utility, generators, and motors · 5. Coordinate protective devices (TCC curves) · Typical Voltage Selection by Motor Size

HP Range Voltage Reason Starter Wire Cost Notes
<1 120V or 24V Fractional HP DOL Cheap Control circuits
1-50 208V or 480V Utility service DOL Moderate Standard small pumps
50-250 480V 3-phase Economic DOL or soft start Moderate Most refinery pumps
250-600 480V or 4.16kV Starting kVA DOL or reduced voltage Higher Above 250 HP consider MV
600-2500 4.16kV MV for moderate loads Reduced voltage High Large pumps, fans
2500-10000 4.16kV or 13.8kV Utility-class MV Reduced voltage Very high Compressors, boilers
>10000 13.8kV or higher Efficient transmission Reduced voltage Highest Large compressors

Source: Electrical_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Power System