Electric Power Systems: A Conceptual Introduction

by Alexandra von Meier

Publisher: Wiley-IEEE Press
ISBN: 0471178594

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Book Description

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. 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. The author explains how a whole power system is managed and coordinated, analyzed mathematically, and kept stable and reliable.

Recognizing the economic and environmental implications of electric energy production and public concern over disruptions of service, this book exposes the challenges of producing and delivering electricity to help inform public policy decisions. Its discussions of complex concepts such as reactive power balance, load flow, and stability analysis, for example, offer deep insight into the complexity of electric grid operation and demonstrate how and why physics constrains economics and politics.

A clear explanation of the technology for producing and delivering electricity

Although this survival guide includes mathematical equations and formulas, it discusses their meaning in plain English and does not assume any prior familiarity with particular notations or technical jargon. Additional features include:

• A glossary of symbols, units, abbreviations, and acronyms
• Illustrations that help readers visualize processes and better understand complex concepts
• Detailed analysis of a case study, including a Web reference to the case, enabling readers to test the consequences of manipulating various parameters

With its clear discussion of how electric grids work, Electric Power Systems is appropriate for a broad readership of professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, government agency managers, environmental advocates, and consumers.

About the Author

ALEXANDRA von MEIER, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Planning and Director of the Environmental Technology Center at Sonoma State University. An award-winning educator, Dr. von Meier teaches courses in energy management and design that address science, technology, policy, economics, and environmental issues, emphasizing energy efficiency and renewable resources.

Customer Reviews

As someone with a Physics degree trying to make it as an Electrical Engineer in a utility I have been handed a great many books. Most of these were useless. A typical one will include pages and pages of equations without ever stopping to explain what everything actually means. This book appears to be the exception. It really does start with basics and explain why every term is important.

I will give an example. Many books spend pages talking about the mathematics of reactive power. However they will neglect to say why it is important. The math is easy so most students probably just memorize an equation and decide they understand it. Or more likely look at the equation, remember they can look it up when they need it, and move on. This book does no such thing, the following quote from this book is the best explanation of what reactive power is and why it is important that I have seen yet:

"3.3.3 The Significance of Reactive Power

A low power factor is undesirable for utilities in terms of operating efficiency and economics. Most customers, especially small customers, are only charged for the real power they consume.15 At the same time, the presence of reactive power oscillating through the lines and equipment is associated with additional current. While reactive power as such is not consumed, it nonetheless causes the utility to incur costs, both in the form of additional losses and in the form of greater capacity requirements. Owing to its property of occupying lines and equipment while doing no useful work, reactive power has been referred to jokingly as "the cholesterol of power lines.""

This book gives clear and concise explanations of electric power fundamentals in evocative language. While I might have occasional quibbles with terminology or heuristic approach (as did one of the earlier reviewers), the book succeeds at explaining electric power concepts in ways that are far more effective than other textbooks I've used. Many very technical books on this topic are unnecessarily complex, and this book is a bridge to that more technical literature, particularly for readers who are new to the field.