// power-system-fundamentals track
Power Systems Fundamentals
Foundation knowledge for power system analysis, from network basics through UK grid specifics. Prepares learners for IPSA software training.
Power Network Basics
Foundation concepts for understanding power system structure. Covers the building blocks of power networks: nodes as connection points, branches as circuit elements, and busbars as central distribution points.
- Identify nodes, branches, and loops in power network diagrams
- Apply Kirchhoff's laws to power circuits
- Convert circuit diagrams to graph representations
- Node (Bus)
- Branch
- Busbar
- Kirchhoff's Laws
Power distribution network configurations and their trade-offs. Understanding when to use radial (simple/cheap), ring (reliable), or mesh (redundant) topologies for different applications.
- Classify network topologies from single-line diagrams
- Evaluate trade-offs between reliability, cost, and complexity
- Select appropriate topology for different applications
- Radial Topology
- Ring Topology
- Mesh Topology
Reading and interpreting single-line diagrams (SLDs), the standard representation for three-phase power systems. Covers symbols, conventions, and information typically shown.
- Interpret single-line diagrams and identify all components
- Understand standard electrical symbols (IEEE/IEC)
- Trace power flow paths through systems
- SLD Purpose
- Reading Convention
- Common Symbols
Power Flow Fundamentals
Understanding the two components of AC power: real power that does useful work, and reactive power that maintains magnetic fields. Essential for power system analysis and equipment sizing.
- Calculate P, Q, and S for single and three-phase systems
- Explain physical significance of reactive power
- Construct and interpret power triangles
- Active Power (P)
- Reactive Power (Q)
- Apparent Power (S)
- Power Triangle
The ratio of real to apparent power, indicating how effectively electrical power is being used. Critical for efficiency, billing, and equipment sizing.
- Calculate power factor from circuit measurements
- Determine if power factor is leading or lagging
- Design power factor correction using capacitors
- Power Factor Definition
- Leading vs Lagging
- Power Factor Correction
Why power systems use different voltage levels and how transformers enable efficient power transfer. Understanding the hierarchy from generation through transmission to distribution.
- Identify voltage level classifications and their applications
- Explain rationale for voltage transformation
- Calculate power losses at different voltage levels
- Voltage Classifications
- Why Transform Voltage
- System Hierarchy
Expressing electrical quantities as fractions of base values to simplify calculations across different voltage levels. Essential skill for all power system analysis.
- Select appropriate base values for power system analysis
- Convert between actual and per-unit quantities
- Perform change-of-base calculations
- Per-Unit Basics
- Base Selection
- Per-Unit Conversion
- Change of Base
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