Duration
26h Th, 26h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course offers an introduction to the modeling, analysis, and operation of electric power and energy systems.
It begins by introducing foundational concepts (three-phase alternating-current circuits, active and reactive power, and the per-unit normalization system) and examining the main physical components of modern grids (synchronous machines, overhead lines, underground cables, power transformers, flexible loads, and grid-scale storage systems).
Steady-state power flow equations and their numerical solution techniques (such as the Newton-Raphson method) are progressively formulated and applied. The course then covers frequency and voltage regulation mechanisms, control equipment, and operational strategies, before concluding with an overview of dynamic stability phenomena (rotor angle, voltage, and frequency stability) encountered in interconnected power grids.
In parallel with analytical developments, numerical simulation models are developed and applied to investigate the physical behavior of representative power systems, examining diverse voltage levels, loading regimes, network topologies, and generation resources.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the operating principles, physical phenomena, and mathematical and numerical modeling techniques relevant to electric power and energy systems.
Specifically, students will be able to:
- Formulate and solve steady-state power flow problems using modern numerical methods.
- Model and analyze key grid assets (lines, transformers, synchronous machines, loads, and storage) using the per-unit system.
- Explain the operating principles and control hierarchies governing voltage and frequency regulation.
- Characterize the main dynamic stability and transient phenomena in interconnected power grids.
- Implement, simulate, and assess power grid behavior using scientific computing tools (Python and pandapower).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
- Electric circuit theory: A solid foundation in electric circuit analysis (sinusoidal steady-state, three-phase circuits, complex calculus, and basic network theorems).
- Scientific programming & numerical methods: Proficiency in computer programming (Python is used throughout the course) and fundamental numerical methods (solvers for linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, numerical integration of ordinary differential equations).
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
- Lectures: Lectures combine theoretical exposition with illustrative numerical examples and live code demonstrations. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop to class to run simulations and replicate analyses in real time.
- Practical assignments & graded laboratories: Practical assignments are assigned throughout the semester to guide students step by step in implementing power flow analysis tools and investigating system-wide phenomena using numerical simulation software (Python and pandapower). Project evaluations are organized directly in class as mandatory graded laboratory sessions, where students demonstrate their code implementation, present simulation scenarios, and discuss results with the teaching team.
- Technical field visits: An educational field visit to Elia's National Control Centre is organized toward the end of the semester (subject to schedule confirmation), and a visit of RESA's dispatch center may also be organized.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The course is delivered primarily in person (face-to-face lectures and laboratory sessions).
Supporting materials, announcements, discussion forums, and lecture recordings are provided through eCampus and the public course website.
Educational field visits to Elia's National Control Centre and RESA's dispatching are scheduled toward the end of the semester (presence is mandatory).
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
The primary textbook supporting the course is:
- Mohan, N. (2012). Electric Power Systems: A First Course. John Wiley & Sons.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
Written work / report
Further information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
Written work / report
Further information:
Any session :
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred in-person
Additional information:
The final course grade is based on two components:
1. Continuous assessment - Project / Graded Laboratories (40%): Practical project work carried out during the semester. Evaluations are organized in class as graded laboratory sessions, assessing the students' code implementation, simulation results, technical report, and an oral discussion. Even if projects are performed in groups, evaluation will be individualized.
2. Oral Examination (60%): An individual oral examination held during the official examination session, assessing theoretical understanding, physical insight, and problem-solving skills.
A minimum mark of 8/20 on the continuous assessment (project / graded laboratories) is required to be admitted to the oral examination. If this threshold is not met, the student cannot sit the oral examination.
Second Examination Session (August/September): The mark obtained for the project / graded laboratories during the academic year is retained for the second examination session (the student retakes only the oral examination). If the 8/20 threshold was not achieved during the semester, students must contact the instructor in advance to arrange a compensatory submission.
Work placement(s)
None.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
- Lecture slides, exercise material, Python notebooks, and project specifications are published on the course webpage.
- ecampus is used for official course announcements, interactive discussion forums, assignment submissions, and lecture recordings.
Contacts
Contact Bertrand Cornélusse, preferably by email, to ask questions or plan a meeting.