Expert-level power systems covering power generation, transmission, distribution, power flow analysis, fault analysis, protection, and power electronics.
Bus types: slack bus sets reference, PV buses control voltage, PQ buses are loads. Newton-Raphson: iterative power flow solution, quadratic convergence. Gauss-Seidel: simpler but slower convergence than Newton-Raphson. Y-bus admittance matrix: represents network topology and impedances. DC approximation: linearized power flow for fast contingency screening.
Symmetrical faults: three-phase fault, most severe, simplest to analyze. Unsymmetrical faults: single line-to-ground most common, use symmetrical components. Symmetrical components: positive, negative, zero sequence for unbalanced analysis. Fault current: limited by source impedance, generators, and transformers. Short circuit MVA: determines equipment rating requirements.
Overcurrent relay: trips when current exceeds threshold, time-overcurrent coordination. Distance relay: impedance-based, protects transmission lines. Differential relay: compares currents entering and leaving, protects transformers. Backup protection: redundant relays ensure fault clearing if primary fails.
Rectifiers: AC to DC conversion, diode bridge, thyristor controlled. Inverters: DC to AC, PWM control, used in drives and renewables. HVDC: high voltage DC transmission, VSC or LCC technology. FACTS: flexible AC transmission systems, improve stability and power flow control.
| Pitfall | Fix |
|---|---|
| Power flow non-convergence | Check initial voltage profile and reduce load step |
| Missing zero sequence path for ground faults | Verify transformer winding configurations |
| Protection coordination gaps | Plot time-current curves for all devices in series |
| Ignoring reactive power limits | Include generator and capacitor reactive limits |