Course Description

This course is an all-encompassing course about one of the main areas of electrical engineering: power systems. Power system analysis is the core of power engineering and its understanding is therefore essential for a career in this field. In this course you will learn about single-phase and three-phase power, synchronous generators, power transformers, the per-unit system, transmission lines, power flow (load flow), short circuits (faults), and stability of power systems. The course is divided into the following sections:

Course Introduction: 

We will begin in section 1 by giving an introduction to the course, introducing the instructor, and defining the course objectives.

Power in Single-Phase AC Circuits:

In section 2, we will start discussing the analysis of power systems, starting from power analysis in single-phase circuits. We will also be discussing the power triangle, complex power, and power flow, which are all key concepts needed to understand more complex topics in power system analysis.

Power in Three-Phase AC Circuits:

Section 3 is where we get to the core of a power system analysis, i.e., three-phase circuits. We will discuss the types of arrangements of power system loads (e.g., delta or wye connected loads) and will introduce the concept of per-phase analysis of balanced loads.

Generator Models: 

In section 4, we will introduce the synchronous generator, which is where all the power in power systems comes from. We'll begin by defining the circuit model of the synchronous generator so that we can analyze its performance. We will then continue to discuss key concepts, such as voltage regulation and the power angle, and will end with several examples.

Transformer Models:

In section 5, we will introduce the power transformer (also called electrical transformer). Transformers allow power systems to operate at different voltage levels and are an essential part of any power system. We will begin by defining the equivalent circuit model of a power transformer, and will then move on to discuss the approximate and simplified circuits. We will also solve several examples along the way.

The Per-Unit System: 

In section 6, we will introduce the per-unit system. The per-unit system is a technique used extensively in power system analysis and is therefore essential that it is understood. This technique allows for the analysis of a power system, which may have components operating at different voltage levels, into one continuous circuit. We will solve several examples to illustrate how the per-unit system can help with the analysis of power systems.

Transmission Line Models:

In section 7, we will discuss the different transmission line models depending on their length, as well as why these models are good approximations of real-life characteristics.

Power Flow (Load Flow) Analysis: 

In section 8, we will introduce the concept of power flow. Also referred to as load flow, power flow is the analysis of how apparent, real, and reactive power flows between parts of a power system, from generation to the loads. Two different methods will be covered, which are the most widely used methods in power system analysis: the Gauss-Seidel method and the Newton-Raphson method. Several examples will be solved to help explain how these methods are used for power flow analysis.

Short Circuit Analysis of Balanced Faults: 

In section 9, we will introduce short circuits. Also referred to as faults, short circuits are undesired occurrences in power systems when conductors are shorted between each other, to ground, or a combination of these. This is the basis for the field of protection and control which is widely important for the safe and reliable operation of power systems. To introduce how short circuits (faults) affect power systems, we will begin by discussing balanced (i.e., three-phase) short circuits. We will also introduce the concept of the short circuit capacity and the bus impedance matrix.

Short Circuit Analysis of Unbalanced Faults: 

In section 10, we will continue discussing short circuits (faults), but will discuss the more complex analysis of unbalanced faults (e.g., single-line-to-ground, line-to-line, and line-to-line-to-ground faults). To do this, we will introduce the technique of symmetrical components, which allows us to analyze unbalanced power systems more easily.

Introduction to Power System Stability: 

In section 11, we will introduce the concept of power system stability at a high level. We will begin by defining steady-state and transient stability and discussing the differences between them. We will also introduce important fundamental concepts, such as the swing equation and the power angle curve.

Steady-State Stability: 

In section 12, we will thoroughly discuss steady-state stability. Steady-state stability is the ability of a power system to remain stable after a small disturbance in the system occurs. These small disturbances can be normal operating occurrences, such as load changes in the system and it is therefore critical that a power system is able to withstand these small changes and remain stable. We will discuss several key concepts, such as the synchronizing power, damping ratio, damping power, among others, to aid our understanding of steady-state stability.

In each section, several examples are solved to illustrate how to analyze real-world power systems.

By learning about power system analysis, you will be able to advance your career in power engineering.

See you in the course!

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