ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is intended to give nonelectrical professionals a fundamental understanding of large, interconnected electrical power systems with regard to terminology, electrical concepts, design considerations, construction practices, industry standards, control room operations for both normal and emergency conditions, maintenance, consumption, telecommunications, and safety. Several practical examples, photographs, drawings, and illustrations are provided to help the reader gain a fundamental understanding of electric power systems. The goal of this book is to have the nonelectrical professional come away with an in-depth understanding of how power systems work, from electrical generation to household wiring and consumption by connected appliances.
This book starts with terminology and basic electrical concepts used in the industry, then progresses through generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The reader is exposed to all the important aspects of an interconnected power system. Other topics discussed include energymanagement, conservation of electrical energy, consumption characteristics, and regulatory aspects to help readers understand modern electric power systems in order to effectively communicate with seasoned engineers,equipment manufacturers, field personnel, regulatory officials, lobbyists,politicians, lawyers, and others working in the electrical industry.
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
A brief overview of each chapter is presented here because knowing where and when to expect specific topics and knowing how the information is organized in this book will help the reader comprehend the material easier. The language used reflects actual industry terminology.
Chapter 1 provides a brief yet informative discussion of the history that
led to the power systems we know today. Then a system overview diagram with a brief discussion of the major divisions within an electric power system is provided. Basic definitions and common terminology are discussed such as voltage, current, power, and energy. Fundamental concepts such as
direct and alternating current (i.e., dc and ac), single-phase and three-phase generation, types of loads, and power system efficiency are discussed in order to set the stage for more advanced learning.
Some very basic electrical formulas are presented in Chapter 1 and at
times elsewhere in the book. This is done intentionally to help explain terminology and concepts associated with electric power systems. The reader should not be too intimidated or concerned about the math; it is meant to describe and explain relationships.Basic concepts of generation are presented in
Chapter 2. These concepts
include the physical laws that enable motors and generators to work, the prime movers associated with spinning the rotors of the different types of generators, and the major components associated with electric power generation. The physical laws presented in this chapter serve as the foundation of all electric power systems. Throughout this book, the electrical principles identified in this chapter are carried through to develop a full-fledged electric power system.
Once the fundamentals of generation are discussed, the different prime movers used to rotate generator shafts in power plants are described. The prime movers discussed include steam, hydro, and wind turbines. Some of the nonrotating electric energy sources are also discussed, such as solar voltaic systems. The basic environmental issues associated with each prime mover are mentioned.
The major equipment components associated with each type of power plant are discussed, such as boilers, cooling towers, boiler feed pumps, and high- and low-pressure systems. The reader should gain a basic understanding of power plant fundamentals as they relate to electric power system generation.
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