UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERING
POWER SYSTEMS DYNAMICS AND CONTROL
DP 622
Module: 1
Power System Introduction
Instructor
Dr. Peter Makolo
Module 1
Power System
Introduction
Summary of the Module
Provide fundamental knowledge and overview of the power system
including:
The structure
Components
Functions
Overview of Power Systems
What is a power system
A power system is an interconnected electrical network designed for the
generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to consumers.
It consists of several components that work together to ensure that electrical
energy is generated efficiently, transmitted over long distances with minimal
losses, and delivered safely and reliably to end-users.
Purpose of Power Systems
Primary Function: The main function of a power system is to generate,
transmit, and distribute electrical energy reliably, economically, and safely to
meet the demands of consumers, including residential, commercial, and
industrial sectors.
Critical Role in Society: Power systems support essential services and
technologies, including communication, transportation, healthcare,
manufacturing, and households, making them a cornerstone of modern life.
Overview of Power Systems
Basic Structure of power systems
Generation: Electricity is first produced in power plants, which may use
traditional sources (e.g., coal, natural gas, nuclear) or renewable sources (e.g.,
solar, wind, hydro).
Transmission: High-voltage transmission lines transport electricity over long
distances from generation sites to load centers, where demand is concentrated.
Distribution: After transmission, distribution networks step down voltage
levels to safer levels for local delivery to consumers and end-users.
Overview of Power Systems
Power Generation Types and Sources
Conventional Sources: Includes fossil fuel-based plants (coal, oil, natural gas)
and nuclear plants, which are stable and controllable but raise concerns about
emissions and sustainability.
Renewable Sources: Solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy have seen
significant growth due to their sustainability. However, they pose challenges in
terms of variability and integration into the grid.
Hybrid Systems: These newer systems aim to balance efficiency, reliability, and
emissions, often combining traditional and renewable sources to enhance
flexibility and reduce environmental impacts.
Overview of Power Systems
Key Components of Power Systems
Generators: Produce electric power by converting various forms of energy
(thermal, mechanical, etc.) into electrical energy.
Transformers: Modify voltage levels to facilitate efficient power flow,
particularly for reducing losses in transmission.
Transmission Lines: Conduct high-voltage electricity from generation sites to
distribution centers, maintaining stability and efficiency over long distances.
Switchgear and Protection Devices: Safeguard system stability by isolating
faults, managing power flows, and preventing equipment damage.
Control Systems: Operate across generation, transmission, and distribution
levels to monitor and adjust the system for optimal performance and reliability.
Overview of Power Systems
Power Flow and System Balance
Power Flow: Refers to the distribution of electrical power across a
network, ensuring electricity flows efficiently from generation to
end-users.
Power flow analysis is critical for system planning, stability, and
operation.
Load and Generation Balancing: The system must continuously
balance generation with load demand to maintain steady frequency
and voltage.
Real-time control, load forecasting, and energy management are
crucial for maintaining this balance.
Overview of Power Systems
Challenges in Modern Power Systems
Reliability and Security: As power systems become increasingly
interconnected, ensuring a stable and resilient supply in the face of faults or
cyber threats is crucial.
Renewable Integration: Renewables introduce variability and unpredictability,
requiring advances in grid technology and control systems.
Environmental and Economic Pressures: Power systems are under pressure to
reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and operate cost-effectively, driving a
transition towards smart grids and sustainable energy sources.
Demand Growth and Electrification: Increasing demand, particularly with the
electrification of sectors like transportation, places new requirements on
infrastructure, planning, and control.
Overview of Power Systems
Generation Plants (0.4kV – 30kV)
Produce electrical energy from different forms of
energy such as fossil fuels, nuclear fuels, HP, PV,
Wind Power
Generation facilities must produce enough power
to meet customer demand
Transmission Systems (66kV – 400kV)
Transport bulk power over long distances
They should not overheat, hence jeopardizing
system stability
Distribution Systems (0.4kV – 33kV)
Deliver power from bulk power systems to
customers
Deliver electricity to each customer’s service
entrance
Overview of Power Systems
Distribution Substation
Source - Sub-transmission line
Disconnect Switch/Isolator: What
is the difference between breaker
with the isolator?
A manual switch, does not work
for protection but intentional
isolation
If a transformer fault occurs,
both the primary and secondary
breaker will open to isolate the
transformer from the rest of the
system
Breaker protects a power
transformer that steps voltage
down to distribution levels
Overview of Power Systems
Examples of Power Systems
A modified IEEE 9 bus network
Overview of Power Systems
Examples of Power Systems
An IEEE 14 bus network,
presented using a non-linear
small-signal analysis tool in
Simulink
Overview of Power Systems
Examples of Power Systems
A modified IEEE 39 bus
network, presented with
converter based resources at
different buses
Overview of Power Systems
