SGST 9210

Advance Power System Analysis

Module 1
Introduction to Power Systems

Ali Palizban
Winter 2025

0
SGST 9210 Advance Power System Analysis
• Instructor:
– Ali Palizban, PhD, PEng
– Program Head, MEng in Smart Grid Systems and
Technologies
– Over 25 years of industry experience in electrical and
control systems design and implementation
Email: Ali_Palizban@[Link]
Office: SW3 Room 2905
Telephone: 604- 451 – 6924
Office hours: by appointment

1
 Course Content
• This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the
fundamentals of interconnected power systems design, operation
and control.
• The course starts with an introduction to power systems and a
review of single‐phase and three‐phase AC circuits.
• The main elements of power systems, such as transformers,
generators, and distribution and transmission lines, will be
discussed
• Power flow analysis of active and reactive power will be studied.
• Symmetrical components and their application in unbalanced
power systems and fault‐analysis will be presented.
Power system operation, control and stability will be studied.

2
 Course Learning Outcomes
• Develop models for single‐phase and three‐phase power
transformers and select appropriate winding configurations
for various applications
• Develop models of three‐phase power generators with
different winding configurations to determine their operating
limits as well as voltage and frequency control schemes
• Develop models of transmission and distribution lines to
analyze their operation under different conditions
• Execute simulations of power systems and perform power
flow studies using industry‐standard software as well as
analytical methods for power flow calculation

3
 Course Learning Outcomes
• Apply concepts of demand management, outage planning,
load forecasting, and generator load sharing
• Study systems for the control of generator load, power, voltage and
frequency to achieve specific functions such as synchronization
• Evaluate voltage, transient and small‐signal power system stability issues
through the application of contingency analysis
• Overview of an interconnection and impact study for the addition of loads
or generation to a power system, including aspects related to operation
and planning through the application of appropriate standards
• Perform an analysis of power quality issues and suggest solutions to
mitigate them, such as the use of switched capacitor banks or other power
factor correction equipment
• Develop leadership and collaboration skills

4
 Course Evaluation
• Labs and Projects 25%
• Quizzes 15%
– Quizzes are from the assignments
• Midterm 25%
• Final (covers all chapters) 35%

5
 Learning Resources
Reference Textbook:
•Textbook: Power System Analysis and Design, 6th Edition, By D. Glover;
S. Sarma; J. Overbye
•Power System Analysis, Hadi Saadat
•Power System Analysis and Design Tools: PowerWorld, PSCAD,
MATLAB, SIMULINK and SimPowerSystem. These tools will be provided
in the Lab

Additional References:
•Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems, 5th edition – Wildi; (6th
Edition (or newer, if available preferred)
•IEEE Brown Book, IEEE Std 399-1997 IEEE Recommended Practice for
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Analysis

6
 Power Systems
• Largest and most complex artificial
system (or machine) on earth
• Every power system has three major
subsystems:
– generation: source of power, ideally with a
specified voltage and frequency
– load: consumes power, ideally with a
constant resistive value
– transmission and distribution system,
transmits power, ideally as a perfect
conductor

7
A Simplified Power System

Source [Link]

8
 AC System 9

 Challenges

 Reactive Power (due to transmission line characteristics, machine

and transformer impedances)

 Harmonics (higher core losses cause heating in transformers and

machines)

 Higher frequency interference (Telephone, Electromagnetic

interference (EMI))
 AC System (Cont’d) 10

 Advantages

 Generation and load can be far from each other.

 Voltage and current can be level up/down with the transformer

 A rotating magnetic field can produced with a three-phase system.

 7

AC System – Frequency Selection

 Why 50/60 Hz Frequency?

 Lower frequency causes flicker and will be noticed by

human eyes

 Higher Frequency:
Increases the iron losses

Higher inductive reactance

Lower capacitive reactance

Increase the possibility of EMI

11
 8

Power System Structure

Power Distribution
Transmission
Generation System
System (Loads)
(Power Plant)

12
 10

Power Generation (Power Plant)

 A Power Plant is a power generation facility that
converts other energy sources (mechanical and solar)
to electricity. The prime energy sources can be
common fuel (coal, natural gas, nuclear power),
renewable (water (hydroelectricity), wind, and solar).

13
Source:[Link]
 11

Coal‐Fired Power Plant (Steam Turbine)

Source: Wikimedia Commons [Online].

Available: [Link]
[Link]/1280px-Coal_fired_power_plant_diagram.[Link] 14
 12

Coal‐Fired Power Plant (Steam Turbine)

 Coal-fired power plants, also called coal-fired power
stations, are facilities that use coal as a fuel source to
produce steam and generate electricity.

 The process involves burning coal in a boiler to heat

water and create high-pressure steam, which then
drives a turbine connected to a generator.

 Coal-fired power plants are one of the most common

types of electricity generation in the world, but they also
emit large amounts of greenhouse gases and air
pollutants that contribute to climate change and health
problems.)
15
Fossil Fuelled (coal) Thermal Power Plant

16
Steam Turbine

Mounting of a steam turbine

produced by Siemens 17
Thermal(steam) Power Plants

Hot steam

Saturated steam
Cold water
Fuel + Air

water

[Link]
 14

Coal‐Fired Power Plant (Steam Turbine)

 Disadvantages:
 Causes air pollution and contributes to global warming by
releasing significant Sulphur and greenhouse gases

 Require significant amount of water and cooling systems

(environmental and logistical challenges)

 Complex installation procedures

 High initial cost

 Slow start capability

 Noise and vibration 19

 Natural Gas Power Plant 20

 Natural gas power plants use natural gas as their fuel

source to produce electricity. They have different designs
and functions depending on their applications.

 Some natural gas power plants are combined cycle gas

turbines that use both a gas turbine and a steam turbine to
increase efficiency.

 Others are simple cycle gas turbines that only use a gas
turbine and are more flexible and responsive.

 Some natural gas power plants are co-generation plants

that produce both electricity and heat for industrial or
residential use.
 Natural Gas Power Plant 21

 Advantages:

 More efficient and flexible than coal and nuclear plants

 More electricity with less fuel

 Less greenhouse gases and air pollutants than coal plants

 Fast start capability and dispatch faster

 Cheap and quick to build

 Natural Gas Power Plant 22

 Disadvantages:

 Produces significant carbon dioxide and methane, and contributes

to global warming, although less than coal plants

 Safety risks such as explosions and leaks

 Community concern about pipeline construction and noise

pollution
 Nuclear Power Plant 23

A boiling water nuclear power plant

Source: [Link]
 Nuclear Power Plant 24

 Nuclear power plants are a type of power plant that uses the
process of nuclear fission to generate electricity.

 Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus

splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of
energy.

 Nuclear power plants use this energy to heat water and produce
steam, which then drives turbines that generate electricity.

 Nuclear power plants are considered a low-carbon source of

energy, as they do not emit greenhouse gases during operation.
However, they also pose some environmental and safety risks,
such as radioactive waste disposal, nuclear accidents, and
nuclear proliferation.
 Nuclear Power Plant 25

 Advantages:

 Do not emit greenhouse gases or air pollutants, which contribute

to climate change

 Have a high energy density, meaning they can produce a lot of

electricity from a small amount of fuel.

 More reliable against electrical events

 Nuclear Power Plant 26

 Disadvantages:

 Plants produce radioactive waste, which is hazardous and difficult

to dispose of safely

 Expensive to build and maintain

 Require a lot of security and regulation

 Risk of accidents, attacks, and natural disasters that can danger

human lives
 Hydroelectric Power Plant 27

Source:[Link]
 Hydro Power Plant

28
[Link]
 Hydro Turbine and Geneartoer

[Link] 29
 Hydroelectric Power Plant 30

 A hydro power plant facility is a renewable type of power

plant that uses the energy of falling or flowing water to
generate electricity.

 The water is stored in a reservoir or dam and then released

through a turbine, which spins a generator to produce
electric power.

 Hydroelectric facilities can provide clean, renewable and

reliable energy, but they also have environmental and social
impacts, such as affecting water quality, wildlife habitats and
downstream communities.
 Hydroelectric Power Plant 31

 Advantages:

 Renewable and clean sources of energy (do not emit greenhouse

gases)

 Reliable and flexible

 Cost-effective and long-lasting, low cost for operating and

maintenance

 Fast start capability

 Hydroelectric Power Plant 32

 Disadvantages:

 Environmental and social impacts, meaning they can alter the

natural flow and quality of water, affect aquatic ecosystems and
wildlife, and displace local communities.

 Vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change (earthquakes,

landslides, and reduced water availability)

 Expensive and complex to build (require large upfront capital,

extensive planning and technical expertise)
 Wind Power Plant 33

 Wind turbines are devices that harness the kinetic energy of

the wind and transform it into electrical energy.

 They consist of blades that rotate around a hub, a generator

that converts the mechanical energy into electricity, and a
tower that supports the structure.

 Wind turbines can vary in size, design, and power output,

depending on the location and purpose of the installation.

 Wind power is a renewable and clean source of energy that

does not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants.
 Gas Turbine

• A gas turbine power plant is a thermal power plant that uses a

combustion engine to convert natural gas or other liquid fuels
into electricity. The engine's main components are:
• Compressor: Draws in air, pressurizes it, and feeds it into the
combustion chamber
• Combustion system: Injects fuel into the combustion chamber,
where it mixes with the air and burns at high temperatures
• Turbine: Spins as the hot combustion gas expands through it,
driving the compressor and an electric generator

34
Gas Turbine

[Link] 35
Combined Cycle, Gas turbine and steam power Plant

Source: Effect of Compression Ratio on Performance of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine, International Journal of Energy
Engineering. 2012; 2(1): 9-14
36
 Geo Thermal, Steam Power Plant

37
[Link]/europe/dieret/Geothermal/[Link]
Power systems objectives
V

• Availability/Reliability
• Voltage Stability
• Frequency Stability
• Power Quality (perfect 120V, 60Hz sinewave)
• Meeting load (power) demand at all
times
38
 Power System functions
• Power System provides a vital service to the
society
• Electric power is somewhat like the air we
breathe: We think about it only when it is
missing
• It should be operated with achieving:
– Highest reliability standards
• Reliability is critical
– Lowest operation cost
– Minimum environmental impacts
39
 PS Characteristics
• Voltage sources (generating plants) are
nonideal
• Loads vary continuously
• Transmission and distribution systems have
resistance, inductance, capacitance, and
power flow limitations
• A simple system has no redundancy, so the
power system will not work if any component
fails.
40
 41

Power system operation

 To provide sufficient electrical energy to meet
the load demand at any point in time
 To keep the frequency of the grid at 60 Hz,
irrespective of load variation
 Maintain the voltage at loads terminals within
the acceptable limits (1 0.05 pu)
 To operate the power system safely
 42

Electricity Generation by Fuel Type (2018) in Canada

kW.h

Assuming $0.15 / kW.h (average)

Equivalent to about 100 billion dollar/ year

[Link]/en/data-analysis/Canada-energy-future/[Link]
 43

US Electric Power Industry net generation

Total US generation 4,009 TW.h

kW.h
4,009
Assuming $0.15 / kW.h (average)

Equivalent to about 600 billion dollar/year

 44

Canada’s plan to reach Net-Zero

 Canada is determined on a transformative journey

to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050
 Needs to invest in generating substantial wind,
solar energy, and energy storage
 Needs massive investment in modernizing
Canada’s power systems with smart grid
technologies
45
 46

Source: [Link]/by-the-numbers/
 47

47
Global Warming is related to CO2 emissions

Value was about

280 ppm in 1800,
384 in 2007
Rate of increase
is about 3ppm
per year
 Renewable Energy growth

In 2012 the share of renewable sources in the global

energy balance was 3.7% [Fortov and Popel 2014].

In Germany, one of the world’s leaders in

environmentally friendly energy technology, the
share of renewable energy sources reached 22.9% in
2012 and is expected to get 30% by 2020 and 80% by
2050 [Yildiz 2014].

48
 Vertical Monopolies
 Within a particular geographic market, the
electric utility had an exclusive franchise
Generation In return for this exclusive
franchise, the utility had the
obligation to serve all
Transmission
existing and future customers
at rates determined jointly
Distribution by utility and regulators
Customer Service It was a “cost plus” business

Source: J. Overbye notes, Cengage Learning

49
 Vertical Monopolies
 Within its service territory each utility was the
only game in town
 Neighboring utilities functioned more as
colleagues than competitors
 Utilities gradually interconnected their systems so
by 1970 transmission lines crisscrossed North
America, with voltages up to 765 kV
 Economies of scale keep resulted in decreasing
rates, so most every one was happy
Source: J. Overbye notes, Cengage Learning
50
 Utility Restructuring
 Driven by significant regional variations in
electric rates
 Goal of competition is to reduce rates
through the introduction of competition
 Eventual goal is to allow consumers to
choose their electricity supplier

Source: J. Overbye notes 51

 August 14th, 2003 Blackout

Source: J. Overbye notes, Cengage Learning 52

 Watch these Videos (Three Gorges Dam)

20,000 MW Capacity
[Link]

Completed and fully functional as of July 4, 2012.

53
Site C Project

1100 MW Capacity
5,100 giga-Watt-hour energy per year

[Link]

54
 55
Source: Hydropower plant with a storage reservoir /Source: ©VERBUND
56
 Solar Power Plant 58

 A solar power plant is a facility that converts sunlight into

electricity. Solar power plants use different technologies to
capture and convert solar energy, such as photovoltaic
(PV) panels, solar thermal collectors, or concentrated
solar power (CSP) systems.

 PV panels directly convert the light into electric current,

while solar thermal collectors use the heat to produce
steam that drives a turbine. CSP systems use mirrors or
lenses to concentrate the sunlight onto a receiver, where
it is converted into heat or electricity.

 Solar power plants can be grid-connected or off-grid,

depending on the availability and reliability of the local
power network.
 Solar Power Plant 59

Advantages:
 Renewable and does not produce greenhouse gas
emissions or other pollutants.

 Widely available in many regions of the world

 Do not produce air pollution, noise pollution, or water

pollution

 Low impact on land use and wildlife habitats

 Create jobs and economic benefits for local

communities
 Solar Power Plant 60

Disadvantages:

 Variable, depending on the weather, the time of

day, and the season, which can affect the
reliability and stability of the grid.

 Need backup sources or storage systems to

ensure a continuous supply of electricity

 Require large areas of land and high upfront

costs for installation and maintenance
 PV Electrical System

Battery Battery
Management Storage
System

MPPT is Maximum Power Point Tracking

61
 Wind Power Plant 62

Advantages:

 Renewable and does not produce greenhouse

gas emissions or other pollutants.

 Widely available in many regions of the world

 Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance

energy security and diversity

 Create jobs and economic benefits for local

communities
 Wind Power Plant 63

Disadvantages:
 Variable, depending on the wind speed and direction,
which can affect the reliability and stability of the grid.

 Negative impacts on wildlife, especially birds and

bats

 Cause noise and visual pollution, which may affect

the quality of life and property values of nearby
residents.

 Require large areas of land and high upfront costs for

installation and maintenance
How to extract maximum wind power

Transformer

64
 The Largest Wind Turbines
• China’s MySE 16.0‐242 wind turbine, which it claims is
the largest in the world.
• Rotor diameter: 260 meters (853 ft)
• Blade length: 123 meters (406 ft)
• Hub diameter: 14 meters (46 ft)
• Generator weight: 385 tons (385,000 kg)
• Location: Pingtan, Fujian Province, China
• Generating capacity: 16 megawatts
• Connection to the power grid: July 18, 2023

• ([Link]

66
Wind turbine blades [Link]/wiki/Cost_of_electricity_by_source

67
Wind Generation

68
 Generation power, load and frequency balance in a power system

60 Hz

62 Hz 58 Hz

Total power generation P Load

Total loads + lines losses

60 Hz
60 Hz
62 Hz 58 Hz
62 Hz 58 Hz

P Load

P
Load

69
 Generator Frequency and Voltage Control
Remote Control Centre

Speed Governor P

Steam or water flow 

Pm

DC supply
 BC Hydro Transmission System

BC Hydro Transmission System

([Link]

BC Hydro's transmission system operates at voltages ranging from 69 kV to 500 kV

Transmission system
BC’s high-voltage transmission system consists of:
Over 18,000 km of lines and underwater submarine cables
100,000 wood poles
22,000 steel towers
292 substations
Most of the generation (electricity production) comes from facilities in the northern and southern Interior of
BC, while most of the load (electricity consumption) is in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
70 - 80% of the province's electricity is consumed in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

71
Transmission System (Cont’d) 72

Source: [Link]
 Transmission System (Cont’d) 73

 The voltage at the generator station is relatively low,

between 2.3 kV and 30 kV.

 The station transformer steps up the voltage to a higher

voltage, between 115 kV and 765 kV, which is suitable for
transporting large amounts of power at the transmission
level.

 When the electricity reaches the destination, a large

transformer steps down the voltage from over 100 kV to
below 69 kV for the retail consumers.

 Distribution transformers reduce the voltage further to a

standard voltage, 120 V or 240 V, for homes and
businesses.
 Transmission System- Conductors 74

Overhead and underground conductors are

two types of transmission lines that are used
to deliver electric power from generation
plants to substations and consumers.

Overhead conductors are bare wires that are

suspended in the air by towers or poles,
while underground conductors are insulated
cables that are buried in trenches or ducts.
Transmission System- Conductors (Cont’d) 75

Factors for transmission line conductor:

 Voltage Level

 Power Demand

 Land Availability

 Urbanization

 Public Safety and Environmental Impact

 Transmission System- Conductors (Cont’d) 76

 Current Capability: Overhead conductors have higher current carrying capacity

than underground conductors with the same conductor material and area
because they have better cooling conditions due to air circulation.

 Voltage Level: overhead conductors are more suitable for extra high voltage
(EHV and UHV) power transmission, ranging from 380 kV to 800 kV and
beyond, while underground conductors are more commonly used for less than
150 kV.

 Initial Cost: Underground conductors have higher initial costs than overhead
conductors because they require more expensive materials, such as insulation,
as well as more complex installation procedures.

 Maintenance Cost: underground conductors have lower maintenance costs

than overhead conductors because they are less exposed to environmental
impacts, such as wind, storms, lightning, corrosion and pollution. Overhead
conductors have higher maintenance costs because they are more vulnerable to
external faults and damages, such as bird strikes, tree contacts, ice accretion
and vandalism.
 Transmission System- HVDC 77

 HVDC transmission system is a technology that uses

direct current (DC) to transmit electric power over
long distances, in contrast with the more common
alternating current (AC) transmission systems.

 Advancements in the field of power electronics led to

the application of High Voltage DC transmission.

HVDC technology diagram showing converters

Image credit: The Brattle Group
 Transmission System- HVDC (Cont’d) 78

 The HVDC transmission system consists of

several components, such as converter
stations, converter units, converter valves,
converter transformers, filters, reactive power
sources and smoothing reactors.

HVDC transmission systems can be used for

overhead transmission lines, underground
cables or submarine cables, depending on
the application and the environment.
 Transmission System- HVDC (Cont’d) 79

 Only two conductors are required for DC as

compared to three for AC and hence simpler
and shorter transmission structures are
possible resulting in lower cost of the DC
line.

The practical power transfer capacity of an

AC line will be lower than that determined by
the thermal capacity of conductors and the
insulation level
 Transmission System- HVDC (Cont’d) 80

 Advantages

 Lower cost (less conductor)

 Higher efficiency (The practical power transfer capacity of an AC

line will be lower than that determined by the thermal capacity of
conductors and the insulation level)

 Better stability and controllability

 Ability to connect unsynchronized or different frequency AC systems

 Cables can be worked at a higher voltage gradient

 Does not require an auxiliary device for the reactive power

compensation

 Less corona loss and radio interference

 Transmission System- HVDC (Cont’d) 81

 Disadvantages

 Converters are expensive

 Converters require much reactive power

 Lack of HV DC circuit breakers

 Transmission System- HVDC (Cont’d) 82

 Applications
 For cables crossing bodies of water wider than 20 mi
(32 km)

 For interconnecting AC systems having different

frequencies or where asynchronous operation is
desired.

 For transmitting large amounts of power over long

distances by overhead lines.

 In congested urban areas or elsewhere it is difficult to

acquire the right of way for overhead lines and where
the lengths involved make AC cables impractical.
 Transmission System- ISOs and RTOs 83

 A transmission operator is an entity that coordinates,

controls, and monitors the electric power transmission
system in a region.

 In North America, there are several transmission

operators that operate across multiple states or
provinces. Some of them are regional transmission
organizations (RTOs), which are regulated by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and
have greater responsibility for the transmission
network. Others are independent system operators
(ISOs), which are also formed at the recommendation
of FERC and administer the wholesale electricity
markets and reliability planning.
 Transmission System- ISOs and RTOs (Cont’d) 84

 A regional transmission organization (RTO) in the United States is

an electric power transmission system operator that coordinates,
controls, and monitors a multi-state electric grid.

 An independent system operator (ISO) is a similar organization

that operates within a single state or a smaller region. Both RTOs
and ISOs are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) and are responsible for ensuring the reliability
and efficiency of the electricity market.

 Manitoba joined the Midcontinent Independent System Operator

(MISO) in 2015, becoming the first and only Canadian province that
is a member of a U.S.-based RTO.

 Ontario and Alberta function as Electric System Operators (ESO),

an organization essentially equal to a U.S.-based ISO.
 Transmission System- ISOs and RTOs (Cont’d) 85

 Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) – ISO

 California Independent System Operator (CAISO) – ISO

 Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) – ISO

 Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) – RTO

 ISO New England (ISO-NE) – RTO

 New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) – ISO

 Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) – ISO

 PJM Interconnection (PJM) – RTO

 Transmission System- NERC 86

 The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a nonprofit

organization that ensures the reliability and security of the bulk power
system in North America. It covers the interconnected power systems of
Canada, the United States, and a portion of Mexico.

 NERC develops and enforces standards for power system operation,

monitors and assesses resource adequacy, investigates and analyzes
power system disturbances, and provides education and training for power
system operators.

 NERC was formed in 2006 as the successor to the North American

Electric Reliability Council, which was established in 1968 as a voluntary
industry group after a major blackout in 1965.

 NERC works with six regional entities that have delegated authority to
oversee compliance with NERC standards and regional reliability criteria.
 BC's high voltage transmission system
• Two 138 kV lines and one 500 kV line connect BC to Alberta
• Two 500 kV lines and two 230 kV lines connect BC to the
United States.

Source: [Link] 87
 2,730 MW
BC Hydro
Transmission 700MW
Network

1,805 MW

2,480 MW

570 MW

Source BC [Link]
805 MW 88
 Distribution System 89

Distribution is the process of reducing the

voltage and delivering electricity to the
customers using transformers, substations
and distribution lines.

The power distribution system is designed to

ensure reliable, safe and efficient delivery of
electricity to meet the demands of various
sectors, such as residential, commercial and
industrial.
 Distribution System (Cont’d) 90

Source: [Link]
 Distribution System- Configurations 91

 Distribution networks are divided into two types, radial

or network.

 A radial distribution network has one source of power

and delivers it to multiple customers along its
branches.

 A network distribution network has multiple sources

of power and can supply customers from different
directions.

 Radial distribution networks are simpler and cheaper

to build and maintain, but they are less reliable and
resilient than network distribution networks.

 Network distribution networks are more complex and Radial Distribution System
expensive to build and maintain, but they offer more Source: Own work Drawn after Warne,
D.F. (2005). Newnes Electrical Power
redundancy and flexibility in case of faults or outages. Engineer's Handbook. Elsevier. ISBN
978-0-08-047969-9, p. 23
 Distribution System- Secondary Distribution 92

 The frequency of electricity varies by region, ranging from

50 to 60 Hz. Single-phase electric power is the type of
electricity that domestic customers receive. For properties
that require a high amount of power, a three-phase supply
may be an option in some countries, especially in Europe.

 Japan's electricity sector operates on a standard voltage of

100 V, but the AC frequencies vary depending on the
region. Some areas use 50 Hz, while others use 60 Hz.
This is a historical legacy from the late 19th century. The
reason is that some local power companies in Tokyo
imported German equipment that ran on 50 Hz, while
others in Osaka acquired American generators that ran on
60 Hz.
 Distribution System- Secondary Distribution 93

 The standard voltage and frequency for most countries in the world
are 220 or 230 volts at 50 hertz for single-phase power, and 400
volts at 50 hertz for three-phase power. These values apply to
residential and light industrial sectors, where the electricity demand
is relatively low and stable.

 The electrical system in most of the Americas operates at a

frequency of 60 Hz AC and uses two different voltage levels for
domestic and industrial applications. The domestic system is a
split-phase system that provides 120/240 volts to households, while
the industrial system is a three-phase system that can handle
higher power demands. The split-phase system allows the use of
120 volts for smaller appliances and 240 volts for larger ones, such
as electric stoves and dryers. The voltage level of 240 volts is
similar to the 230 volts used in Europe, but the frequency and the
phase are different.
 Distribution System- Secondary Distribution 94

World map of mains voltage and frequencies

Source: [Link]
 Distribution System- Distributed Generators 95

 Distributed generators are devices that produce electricity

at or near the point of use, rather than relying on
centralized power plants and transmission lines.

 Distributed generators can include renewable sources,

such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as non-
renewable sources, such as natural gas engines and diesel
generators.

 Distributed generators can provide benefits such as

increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions,
improved grid reliability, and lower costs. However, they
also face challenges such as technical, regulatory, and
market barriers that limit their integration and operation.
 Distribution System- Distributed Generators 96

Common distributed generation systems in the

residential sector:

 Solar photovoltaic panels

 Small wind turbines

 Natural-gas-fired fuel cells

 Emergency backup generators, usually fueled by

gasoline or diesel fuel
 Distribution System- Distributed Generators 97

 Benefits:

 Lower greenhouse gas emissions: DG can reduce the reliance

on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources

 Reduced power distribution infrastructure: DG can reduce the

need for transmission and distribution lines, which can be costly
and vulnerable to damage or disruption.

 Peak shaving: DG can help balance the demand and supply of

electricity by providing power during periods of high demand

 Fuel flexibility: DG can allow customers to choose between

different fuel sources, such as natural gas, biogas, or diesel,
based on cost and availability
 Distribution System- Distributed Generators 98

 Challenges:

 Power quality and stability: Distributed generators can

affect the voltage, frequency, harmonics, and flicker of the
power system, especially when they are intermittent or
variable sources, such as solar or wind

 High capital cost and lack of incentives

 Interconnection and protection: Distributed generators

need to comply with technical standards and regulations to
ensure safe and reliable interconnection with the grid. They
also need adequate protection devices and coordination
schemes to prevent faults and disturbances from affecting
the grid or other distributed generators
 Distribution System- Microgrid 99

 A microgrid is a small-scale electricity network that

connects consumers to an electricity supply, either from the
main grid or from local sources of generation.

 A microgrid can operate in grid-connected mode, where it

synchronizes with the main grid and can exchange power
with it, or in island mode, where it disconnects from the
main grid and operates autonomously.

 A microgrid typically consists of distributed energy

resources (DERs), such as solar panels, wind turbines, or
fuel-burning generators, that produce electricity; energy
storage systems (ESSs), such as batteries or electric
vehicles, that store excess electricity; and loads, such as
homes, industries, or buildings, that consume electricity.
 Distribution System- Microgrid (Cont’d) 100

Source: [Link]
 Distribution System- Microgrid (Cont’d) 101

 Advantages:

 Enhanced reliability and resilience: Microgrids can provide backup

power and load balancing during grid outages, natural disasters, or
cyberattacks. They can also isolate faults and restore service faster
than the main grid.

 Improved efficiency and sustainability: Microgrids can integrate

renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or
batteries, and reduce transmission and distribution losses. They can
also optimize energy consumption and demand response through
smart technologies and automation.

 Increased flexibility and innovation: Microgrids can enable new

business models and services, such as peer-to-peer energy trading,
community energy sharing, or electric vehicle charging. They can also
support the integration of distributed energy resources and the
development of smart cities.
 Distribution System- Microgrid (Cont’d) 102

Advantages:
 Enhancing energy security, resilience, sustainability,
and affordability

 Provide backup power in case of grid outages

 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating

renewable energy sources

 Lower energy costs by optimizing energy consumption

and generation

 Support rural electrification in remote areas where grid

access is limited or costly
 Distribution System- Microgrid (Cont’d) 103

 Challenges:

 High capital costs: Microgrids require significant upfront investment in infrastructure,

equipment, and installation, which may not be affordable for some communities or investors.

 Technical complexity: Microgrids involve multiple components, such as distributed generators,

storage devices, converters, controllers, and loads, that need to be coordinated and integrated
into a complex system.

 Regulatory challenges: Microgrids operate in a dynamic and uncertain regulatory environment.

 Interconnection issues: Microgrids need to be able to switch between grid-connected and

islanded modes seamlessly and safely, depending on the grid conditions and the local demand.
This requires reliable and fast islanding detection methods, as well as appropriate protection
schemes to prevent faults and disturbances from affecting the microgrid or the main grid.

 Maintenance and operation requirements: Microgrids need to be monitored and controlled

continuously to ensure optimal performance.
 Distribution System- Smart Grid 104

 A smart grid is an electrical power distribution infrastructure that

uses digital technologies to enable two-way communication and
control between the utility provider and the customers.

 A smart grid can improve the efficiency, reliability, and security of

the electricity supply by monitoring and managing the power flows,
demand, and generation.

 A smart grid consists of various components, such as smart

meters, smart load control switches, smart distribution boards,
sensors, data centers, and renewable energy sources.

 Smart meters provide real-time data on energy consumption and

cost, while smart load control switches and distribution boards can
optimize the distribution of energy during peak or off-peak hours.
Smart grids can also integrate renewable energy sources, such as
solar and wind power, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 Distribution System- Smart Grid (Cont’d) 105

 Smart Meter

 Smart meters are part of the smart grid, which is a system that
uses digital technology to improve the efficiency, reliability, and
sustainability of the energy supply

 A smart meter is a device that measures and records the amount

of electricity, gas, or water that is consumed by a household or a
business.

 Smart meters communicate with the utility company through

wireless or wired networks and allow for real-time monitoring and
billing of energy usage.

 Smart meters can also provide feedback to consumers about

their consumption patterns and enable them to adjust their
behavior to save energy and money.
 Distribution System- Smart Grid (Cont’d) 106

Smart Meter Pricing (Ontario)

Source: [Link]
Future Trend

107
 Smart Grid

Source ABB 109

 Smart Grid Elements
• Intelligent sensors and measurements
– Voltage, Current, Temperature, ….
• Embedded Systems
– Meters, Protection Relays, Controllers, measuring devices, breakers,..
• Telecommunication Networks and Systems
– Communication between the control centers, devices and power
system components
• Automation Systems
– fully automated command and control
• Control Systems
– Frequency and voltage control and power system stability
• Data storage and data analysis tools
110
 Power System Operation
BC Hydro 2016 power (MW) generation/consumption hourly data

11500

10500

9500

8500

7500

6500

5500

4500
2016‐01‐01 2016‐02‐20 2016‐04‐10 2016‐05‐30 2016‐07‐19 2016‐09‐07 2016‐10‐27 2016‐12‐16

113
 Power System Operation
Peak power generation/consumption curve
BCH Power (MW) generation Dec 15,2016
12,000

11,000

10,000

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

114
 Future Trend

Automate control of loads

Demand response
V2G
115
 Energy Storage
• Advantage
• Reduces peak power consumption
• Can store excess renewable energy
generation (wind and solar)
• Disadvantage
• Expensive to build and maintain
• Technology challenges to build large
energy storage systems

116
Assignment 1b (page 1/3)
Answer the following questions. There will be a quiz on this tutorial.

1. What are the primary sources of electric energy?

2. What are the main elements (sections) of a power system?
3. Why do loads in a power system vary continuously?
4. Why is the voltage of transmission lines increased to a high voltage?
5. Why some power systems are the largest man‐made systems?
6. How is the frequency of a power system kept at 60Hz?
7. What makes the frequency of power systems to change?
8. How is the voltage of a power network maintained within acceptable
limits?
9. Why voltage and current waveforms in a power system are not
usually a pure sinewave?
10. Why fossil fueled power plants are among the major contributors to
the earth pollution?
117
Assignment 1b (page 2/3)

11. Why solar and wind generation are called intermittent sources of
energy?
12. Can all of the power generated/consumed by power system loads come
from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar? What is needed
to make this possible?
13. Why building a new power system or expanding it needs huge
investment?
14. Why power systems must be very reliable?
15. What are the most common sources of renewable power generation?
16. What is a smart grid?
17. What is a microgrid?
18. How power flow transactions (power trade, i.e. buying and selling
power) are managed and controlled in a privatized power systems?
19. What is an island in an interconnected power system?
20. Why is a microgrid designed to be able to operate in both gridconnected
and stand‐ alone modes?
21. When operating in the stand‐alone mode, what control features should
be associated with a microgrid?

118
Assignment 1b (page 3/3)

22. Briefly explain

• How an emergency diesel generator works, why we need this type
of electric power generating machines and where are they usually
installed? Also discuss about advantages and disadvantages of this
type of power generating systems.
• How solar and wind electric energy generating systems work
• What are the different types of thermal power plants and how they
work?
• How a combine cycle power plant works and what are the
advantages/disadvantages of this type of power plant?
23. Discuss about environmental impact of different types of common
power generating plants.

119