ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS A FIRST COURSE

Abstract

Role of Electric Power Systems in Sustainability: It is estimated that in the United States, approximately forty percent of the energy used is first converted into electricity. This percentage would grow to sixty to seventy percent if we begin to use electricity for transportation by means of high-speed trains, and electric and electric-hybrid vehicles. Of course, generating electricity by using renewables and using it efficiently are both extremely important for sustainability. However, the electricity is often generated in areas remote to where it is used, and therefore how efficiently, and reliably, it is delivered is equally important for sustainability. Lately there is a great deal of emphasis on smart grid whose definition remains somewhat vague. Nonetheless, we can all agree that it in a broad sense, it is to deliver electricity reliably and efficiently, to allow efficient end-use and to facilitate the integration of electricity harnessed from renewables such as solar and wind, and storage. To derive the benefits which a smart grid may potentially offer, a thorough understanding of how electric power networks operate is extremely important, and that is the purpose of this textbook. The subject of Electric Power Systems encompasses a large and complex set of topics. The novel aspect of this textbook is a balanced approach in presenting as many topics as possible ono a fundamental basis for a single-semester course. These topics include how electricity is generated, and how it is used by various loads, and the network and various apparatus in between. Students see the big picture and learn the fundamentals at the same time. Sequencing of these topics is considered carefully to avoid repetition and to retain student interest. However, instructors can rearrange the order for the most part, based on their own experiences and preferences. In a fast-paced course such as this, student learning can be significantly enhanced by computer simulations. Therefore, simulation exercises and examples are included throughout this textbook using state-of-the-art simulation packages such as MATLAB, Simulink, PowerWorld and PSCAD-EMTDC.