Course Description
The Power Systems course provides a comprehensive understanding of electric power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization — covering the principles, technologies and practices behind the reliable and efficient operation of a modern grid.
The full course is written up as a free, chapter-by-chapter online textbook: 39 chapters across 8 parts, from three-phase power and the per-unit system through transmission line performance, load flow, fault analysis and stability, to economic dispatch, load-frequency control, protective relaying, HVDC and FACTS, and power quality with renewable integration.
Topics Covered
Introduction to Power Systems
Structure, components, single line diagrams, per-unit systems.
Transmission Lines
Inductance, capacitance, short/medium/long line models, Ferranti effect.
System Analysis
Y-bus, Z-bus, symmetrical components, sequence networks.
Load Flow
Bus classification, Gauss-Seidel, Newton-Raphson methods.
Fault Analysis
Symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults, fault current computation.
System Stability
Swing equation, power-angle relationship, equal-area criterion, critical clearing.
Economic Operation
Load characteristics and tariffs, economic dispatch, unit commitment.
Frequency & Voltage Control
Governor droop, load-frequency control and AGC, reactive power and tap-changing.
Protection & Switchgear
Circuit breakers and RRRV, IDMT grading, differential and distance relaying.
Substations & Insulation
Busbar layouts, neutral earthing, earthing grids, BIL and insulation coordination.
HVDC, FACTS & Power Quality
Converter bridges, series and shunt compensation, harmonics, renewable integration.
Recommended Textbooks
Power System Analysis and Design
Comprehensive coverage of power system fundamentals with practical design orientation.
Core TextPower System Analysis
Clear explanations with numerous solved examples and MATLAB applications.
Modern Power System Analysis
Focuses on computational methods and recent developments.
Elements of Power System Analysis
The classical treatment of line parameters, per-unit and symmetrical components.
Electrical Power Systems
Broad Indian-syllabus coverage including protection, switchgear and HVDC.
Prerequisites
Electrical circuits, electromagnetism, and basic electrical machines. Three-phase circuit analysis required.