What is electric power systems?

Electric Power Systems explains and illustrates how the electric grid works in a clear, straightforward style that makes highly technical material accessible. It begins with a thorough discussion of the underlying physical concepts of electricity, circuits, and complex power that serves as a foundation for more advanced material.

What was the design philosophy of power systems in the 20th century?

The entire planning and design philosophy of power systems and regulated utilities in the 20th century presumed that electricity should be available to anyone in essen-tially arbitrary amounts around the clock, at a known and fixed price deemed reason-able by public regulators.

Why are electric power systems important?

Electric Power Systems underlie virtually every aspect of modern life. In the face of an unprecedented transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, it has never been more essential for engineers and other professionals from diverse disciplines to understand the electric grid and help chart its future.

What are the main components of a power system?

Readers are then introduced to the main components of electric power systems, including generators, motors and other appliances, and transmission and distribution equipment such as power lines, transformers, and circuit breakers.

What are the technical characteristics of a power system?

Many of the important technical characteristics of power systems have to do with their use of alternating current (a.c.) instead of direct current (d.c.). In a d.c. circuit, the polarity always remains the same: the potential always stays positive on one side and negative on the other, and the current always flows in the same direc-tion.

How do electric power systems work?

Finely tuned gas turbines and state-of-the-art inverters inject power into the grid along with hydroelectric units dating back to the early 20th century. The hardware of electric power systems represents some of the oldest industrial machinery still in general use today.