Modern Electric Power Systems

Course Description

This course provides working knowledge of modern electric power systems, including the generation, transformation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power and energy. Students examine the structure and components of the electric grid, conventional and renewable power generation technologies, transmission line principles, distribution systems, and emerging smart grid technologies. The course is designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Engineering Technology or a related field and builds on prior coursework in electrical circuits and energy systems.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the overall structure and major components of a modern electric power system, including generation, transmission, and distribution segments.
• Explain the principles of electric power generation using conventional sources (fossil fuel, nuclear, hydroelectric) and identify their operational characteristics.
• Analyze the role of transformers in stepping up and stepping down voltage across the power system.
• Apply fundamental concepts of AC power—including real power, reactive power, apparent power, and power factor—to power system problems.
• Describe the characteristics and performance of transmission lines, including voltage regulation and power flow.
• Identify the components and operational principles of distribution systems, including substations, feeders, and protective devices.
• Explain the function of circuit breakers, switchgear, and protective relays in maintaining system reliability and safety.
• Discuss the concept of power system reliability, including redundancy, fault detection, and service restoration.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Evaluate the integration of renewable energy sources (solar PV, wind) into the existing power grid and identify associated challenges such as intermittency and voltage stability.
• Explain the principles and benefits of the smart grid, including advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), SCADA systems, and demand response.
• Describe energy storage technologies and their role in grid stabilization and renewable integration.
• Analyze power flow and load dispatch concepts using computer-aided tools or simulation software.
• Discuss the impact of electricity market deregulation and utility industry policies on power system planning and operation.
• Identify cybersecurity considerations relevant to industrial control systems and SCADA in power infrastructure.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Overview of Electric Power Systems — History, evolution, and structure of the U.S. electric grid; the generation-transmission-distribution-utilization chain.
• Conventional Power Generation — Thermal (steam-cycle, gas turbine, combined-cycle), nuclear, and hydroelectric generation principles and plant configurations.
• AC Power Fundamentals — Single-phase and three-phase power, phasors, power factor, complex power, and the power triangle.
• Transformers in Power Systems — Construction, equivalent circuits, voltage transformation ratios, efficiency, and per-unit system basics.
• Transmission Line Parameters and Performance — Resistance, inductance, capacitance; voltage regulation; short, medium, and long-line models.
• High-Voltage Transmission Infrastructure — Overhead lines, underground cables, insulators, towers, and HVDC systems overview.
• Substations — Types, equipment (bus, breakers, disconnect switches, transformers), layout, and operational role.
• Distribution Systems — Radial and loop feeders, voltage levels, distribution transformers, and load characteristics.
• System Protection — Circuit breakers, protective relays, fuses, reclosers, and coordination principles.
• Power System Reliability and Safety — Redundancy, service continuity, NEC and NFPA 70E safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures.

Optional Topics

• Renewable Energy Integration — Solar PV and wind generation characteristics, grid connection requirements, net metering, and inverter technology.
• Energy Storage Systems — Battery energy storage, pumped hydro, flywheel; role in grid balancing and demand shifting.
• Smart Grid Technologies — Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), SCADA, demand response, distributed automation, and grid modernization initiatives.
• Power Electronics in Power Systems — Inverters, converters, FACTS devices, and their applications in transmission and distributed generation.
• Power Flow Analysis — Load flow concepts, bus systems, and introduction to simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/SimPowerSystems, ETAP, or PSCAD).
• Electricity Markets and Deregulation — Utility industry structure, independent system operators (ISOs), locational marginal pricing (LMP), and energy policy.
• Environmental and Sustainability Considerations — Emissions, grid decarbonization goals, and Florida-specific energy policy context.
• Microgrids and Distributed Generation — Microgrid architecture, islanding, interconnection standards (IEEE 1547).

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Electric Power Systems by Weedy, Cory, Jenkins, Ekanayake & Strbac; Power System Analysis by Stevenson & Grainger; Smart Grid Fundamentals by Radian Belu (Routledge).
• Simulation Software: MATLAB/Simulink SimPowerSystems, ETAP, PSCAD/EMTDC, or OPAL RT-LAB for power system modeling and analysis.
• Standards & Codes: NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 70E, IEEE 1547 (Distributed Generation Interconnection), NERC Reliability Standards.
• Online Resources: IEEE Xplore for peer-reviewed power systems research; U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data portal; EPRI technical reports; Florida Public Service Commission publications.
• Laboratory / Hands-On: Where available, hands-on work with transformer testing equipment, protective relay panels, power quality meters, and simulation workstations.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETP 3240 supports career advancement in the electric utility, industrial, and energy technology sectors. Relevant occupations include:

• Electric Utility Technician / Distribution Technician — Operation and maintenance of distribution lines, substations, and protective equipment.
• Power Systems Engineer / Engineering Technologist — Analysis, design, and troubleshooting of generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Energy Systems Analyst — Evaluation of grid performance, renewable integration, and demand-side management.
• Smart Grid / Automation Technician — Installation and maintenance of AMI, SCADA, and grid automation systems.
• Solar PV / Wind Energy Technician — Grid-tied renewable energy system installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Electrical Inspector or Code Compliance Officer — Verification of electrical installations against NEC and utility interconnection standards.

This course is well-aligned with Florida's growing energy sector, including Florida Power & Light (FPL), Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric (TECO), and numerous solar energy developers operating throughout the state.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: Course content supports preparation for industry-recognized credentials, including:

• NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing Association) — Certified Electrical Testing Technician; course content aligns with NETA competency areas in power system components and protective devices.
• NABCEP PV Associate — North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners entry-level credential for solar professionals; relevant to the renewable integration topics covered.
• OSHA 10/30 Electrical Safety — Workplace electrical safety standards covered in the course support OSHA electrical safety training.
• ETA International Power Quality Technician — Foundational power systems knowledge aligns with ETA-I certification domains.

Program Context: ETP 3240 is offered as part of the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Engineering Technology at Florida state colleges such as State College of Florida (SCF) and Miami Dade College (MDC). It falls within the Engineering Technologies > Energy Power Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).