Introduction to Power Systems
Power systems are complex networks that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy from sources to end users. Understanding these systems is fundamental to electrical engineering practice.
Figure 1: Power systems overview showing generation, transmission, and distribution
Generation
Power Plants
Coal, Gas, Nuclear, Hydro, Wind, SolarTransformation
Step-up Substations
Increases voltage for transmissionTransmission
High Voltage Lines
138kV - 765kVSub-transmission
Step-down Substations
Reduces to distribution levelDistribution
Medium/Low Voltage
12kV - 480VLoad
End Users
Residential, Commercial, IndustrialKey System Characteristics:
- Alternating current (AC) systems dominate worldwide
- Three-phase systems for efficient power transmission
- Voltage transformation at multiple levels
- Interconnected grids for reliability and economics
- Real-time balance between generation and load
Voltage Levels and Applications
Ultra High Voltage
500kV - 1000kV
Long-distance bulk transmission
High Voltage
138kV - 345kV
Regional transmission
Medium Voltage
12kV - 69kV
Sub-transmission and industrial
Low Voltage
120V - 600V
Distribution and utilization
Power System Components
Generators
Synchronous generators convert mechanical energy to electrical energy:
Where P = Real power, V = Line voltage, I = Line current, cos(φ) = Power factor
Steam Turbine Generator
Hydroelectric Generator
Wind Turbine Generator
Transformers
Transformers change voltage levels while maintaining power balance:
Transformer Efficiency
Large power transformers: 98-99.5% efficient
η = (Output Power / Input Power) × 100%
= (P_out / (P_out + P_losses)) × 100%
= P_out / (P_out + P_cu + P_core) × 100%
Power System Stability
Power system stability refers to the ability of the system to return to normal operation after a disturbance.
Types of Stability:
- Rotor Angle Stability: Maintains synchronism between generators
- Voltage Stability: Maintains acceptable voltage levels
- Frequency Stability: Maintains system frequency within limits
Frequency Deviation Calculation:
Δf = 60.0 - 59.8 = 0.2Hz
Percentage deviation = (0.2/60.0) × 100% = 0.33%
Imbalance ≈ Δf × K (where K = system frequency response coefficient)
For K = 1000 MW/Hz: Imbalance ≈ 0.2 × 1000 = 200MW deficit