Energy & Power Systems Courses
Energy & Power Research Day | April 23, 2024
The Energy & Power Research Days are organized to showcase research projects and to facilitate discussions with industry. These events are co-sponsored by the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Smart Grid Center and the Texas A&M Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Energy and Power Group.
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.