Power Generation and Electrical Grid Modeling

Electricity is one of the key energy carriers in energy management. It is becoming increasingly important in new applications that help reduce the carbon footprint—for example, in electric propulsion. Electricity is generated by high-capacity power plants (thermal power plants) but also, increasingly, by intermittent sources derived from renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.). This generated electricity must be transmitted and distributed, and the overall management of transmission and distribution networks poses a major challenge.

This course unit will:

• Provide theoretical knowledge of modeling the components of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
• Enables the definition of three-phase sinusoidal operation, the quality of electrical power, and the analysis of unbalanced networks using symmetrical components.
• Enable the modeling of transformers, inductive components (neutral-point coils, etc.), synchronous alternators, and asynchronous generators. It will provide experimental methods for characterizing these components.
• Provide the conditions for connecting generators to power grids, parallel operation, and the associated settings.
• This course will enable students to develop models for power distribution lines and cables. It will provide an introduction to power management and the impact of short circuits in high-power networks. Network simulation software will be used to illustrate these phenomena.

The objective of this course is for students, upon completion of this program—which consists of lecture hours and practical exercises—to be able to model and characterize the components of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.

The student must be able to analyze a problem involving sinusoidal sources and electrical loads under transient or steady-state operating conditions.

The student must be able to prepare or review test sheets for a transformer, a synchronous alternator, or an asynchronous generator.

Students must be able to use network simulation software to analyze network management, power flow, and the impact of short circuits.

A bachelor’s degree in EEA or science and technology that includes coursework on the basic principles of electrical engineering (sinusoidal waveforms, transformers, etc.).

Be familiar with the basic concepts of the mathematical tools used to study sinusoidal motion (complex calculus, Fresnel representation, trigonometry).

Understand the basic principles of how electric machines work.

Course unit with continuous assessment for lectures and lab work.

70% for the course and 30% for the practical work component

1. Sinusoidal Operation – Review. Transient and Steady-State Operation. Balanced and Unbalanced Operation. Power. Nonlinear Loads. Harmonics. Symmetrical Components: Definitions, Applications. Reduced Units.
2. Modeling a three-phase transformer. Inductance model. Complex hour index. Transformer testing – Equivalent circuit. Connection to the power system – Parallel connection. Inductive components in a power system (neutral point coil, etc.)
3. Modeling of Synchronous Generators. Introduction: Overview. The Behn-Eschenburg Model. ThePotiers Model. The Blondel Model with Two Reactances. PQ Diagram of a Generator. Identification of a Generator. Grid Connection – Parallel Operation – Control Settings.
4. Modeling an induction generator. Principles of power generation in an induction generator. Operation on an isolated (island) grid. Identification of an induction generator. Grid connection.
5. Modeling of power lines and cables. Modeling of power grids. Power grid quality. Reactive power management. PowerFlow – Short-circuit analysis.

CM: 30 hours

TP: 9:00 p.m.