Energy & Power Systems Courses
Electric Grid Dynamics and Stability | April 9-11, 2024
The goal of this course is to present how issues associated with the dynamics and stability affect the design and operation of large-scale electric grids. The analysis of electric grids is often divided into issues that affect their steady-state operations and issues that affect their dynamics and ultimate stability. Steady-state issues, such as power flow, are usually covered in undergraduate electric power classes. Dynamic considerations, however, are often considered at only a cursory level or skipped entirely. Yet with the recent changes in electricity systems, such as the integration of large amounts of renewable generation and the deployment of large numbers of phasor measurement units, dynamics are more important than ever. The purpose of this three-day short course is to put electric grid dynamics into a proper perspective by providing a comprehensive coverage of how dynamics impact the design and operation of the grid, the models and tools used for their assessment, and case study examples. The course philosophy is to provide in-depth coverage of the topics, but to do so using a practical, hands-on approach with abundant examples. For example, the course provides a detailed consideration of what is needed to do and contains an interactive, real-time simulation of a large-scale electric grid during a variety of different events that involve electric grid dynamics. Throughout the course, concepts will be illustrated using common industrial tools including PowerWorld Simulator. Collectively the four course instructors have wide experience in this area doing electric power system studies, software tool development, research and engineering education (Hours: CEU 2.1, PDH 21).
Fundamentals of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems | April 24-26, 2024
This course covers the basics of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Starting with the solar resource, we will learn about how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. The course will highlight the photoelectric effect, how we model the electrical characteristics of PV cells, environmental conditions that affect the operation and performance of the PV cells, and different types of solar cells. Then we will explore how these effects come together as cells are combined into modules, modules into strings, and strings into arrays. The role of power electronics will be explored including maximum power point tracking, power optimizers, and inverters including central plant inverters, string inverters, and microinverters. As PV penetration in the grid increases, new challenges and opportunities in generation aggregation and virtual power plants will be examined. Lastly, we will explore the history of the codes and standards of the industry with attention to more recent changes and emerging changes being proposed. Collectively the course instructors have extensive experience in this area as technology researchers, developers and educators.
Energizing Electric Grid Analysis with PowerWorld Simulator | April 30 – May 2, 2024
The design and operation of large-scale electric grid requires a variety of different engineering studies and simulations. With the rapid grid transitions over the last several years, including the addition of large amounts of renewable and distributed resources, doing this analysis requires leveraging state-of-the-art engineering tools. The purpose of this 21 hour short course is to provide in-depth coverage of how one such tool, PowerWorld Simulator (Simulator), can be used to maximize engineering productivity in the area of electric grid planning and operations. The course philosophy is to provide a practical, hands-on approach of both describing key electric grid analysis techniques and showing how they are effectively done using Simulator. Analysis topics covered in the class include an introduction to interconnected electric grids, how they are modeled for power system analysis studies, power flow, sensitivity analysis, contingency analysis, economic electric grid operation, optimal power flow, electric grid markets, power system stability, and power system time-domain simulations. The operation of Simulator is thoroughly described, with coverage of not only how to quickly accomplish tasks, but also the design philosophy used in the development of Simulator and some of its most recent features. Collectively the three course instructors have decades of experience in Simulator development, in doing electric grid analysis, and in engineering education. The course will be held in person at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (1041 RELLIS Parkway, Bryan TX 77807).
Primer on the Planning and Operation of Large-Scale Electric Grids | June 25-27, 2024
The goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction for those without an in-depth electric power engineering background on how such electric grids are designed and operated, and on how they are likely to change in the future. The electric grid of the past, which was primarily power by large-scale fossil-fuel generators, is no longer a reality and the current system is rapidly changing. The integration of vast amounts of renewable generation resources along with the addition of new technologies such as energy storage and large amounts of digital technology supporting its design and operation, also known as the smart grid, are presenting many new opportunities and challenges.