Introduction

In the increasingly complex and interconnected world of electricity, Power System Stability and Control are fundamental pillars ensuring the continuous and reliable delivery of power. Modern grids are constantly subjected to a myriad of disturbances, from sudden load changes and equipment failures to the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. The ability of a power system to maintain equilibrium, recover from these disturbances, and sustain synchronized operation of its generators is defined as its stability. Effective Power System Stability and Control mechanisms are crucial for preventing widespread blackouts, protecting valuable assets, and maintaining acceptable voltage and frequency levels. Without a deep understanding and proficient application of these principles, grid operators and engineers face significant challenges in managing the intricate dynamics of power flow and ensuring the resilience of critical energy infrastructure. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Power System Stability and Control.

This intensive 10-day training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, system operators, power system planners, and researchers with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to analyze, predict, and enhance the stability of power systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the different types of stability (rotor angle, voltage, frequency), explore advanced control techniques, learn about dynamic modeling of power system components, and acquire skills in using industry-standard software for stability analysis and control design. The course will delve into topics such as synchronous machine modeling, excitation systems, power system stabilizers (PSS), FACTS devices, wide-area monitoring and control (WAMC), and the impact of inverter-based resources on grid stability. By mastering the principles and practical application of Power System Stability and Control, participants will be prepared to contribute significantly to the design, operation, and enhancement of robust and resilient power grids for the future.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Power Engineers
• Power System Planners and Designers
• Grid System Operators and Dispatchers
• Control System Engineers
• Protection Engineers
• Researchers and Academics in Power Systems
• Graduate Students in Electrical Engineering
• Utility Professionals
• Renewable Energy Integration Specialists
• Technical Managers in the Energy Sector

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of power system stability.
• Learn about the classification of power system stability (rotor angle, voltage, frequency).
• Acquire skills in modeling synchronous machines and their controls for stability studies.
• Comprehend techniques for analyzing small-signal (oscillatory) stability.
• Explore strategies for assessing transient (large-disturbance) stability.
• Understand the importance of voltage stability analysis and voltage collapse prevention.
• Gain insights into frequency stability and automatic generation control (AGC).
• Develop a practical understanding of power system stabilizers (PSS) and their tuning.
• Learn about Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices for stability enhancement.
• Master wide-area monitoring and control (WAMC) technologies and applications.
• Acquire skills in using power system simulation software for stability studies.
• Understand the impact of renewable energy sources on power system stability.
• Explore advanced control techniques for improving grid dynamics.
• Develop proficiency in interpreting stability analysis results and implementing solutions.
• Prepare to address contemporary challenges in power system stability and control.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Power System Stability

• Definition and significance of power system stability.
• Concept of equilibrium and disturbances in power systems.
• Classification of power system stability: rotor angle, voltage, frequency.
• Timeframes associated with different stability phenomena.
• Factors affecting power system stability.

Module 2: Fundamentals of Rotor Angle Stability

• Concepts of synchronism and torque-angle characteristics.
• The swing equation: derivation and interpretation.
• Power-angle curve and steady-state stability limit.
• Equal Area Criterion for single-machine infinite-bus (SMIB) systems.
• Critical clearing angle and critical clearing time.

Module 3: Dynamic Modeling of Synchronous Machines

• Detailed synchronous machine models (Park's equations, d-q axis representation).
• Per-unit system application in dynamic modeling.
• Sub-transient, transient, and steady-state reactances and time constants.
• Simplified models for stability studies.
• Parameter estimation for synchronous machine models.

Module 4: Excitation Systems and Their Models

• Purpose and types of excitation systems (DC, AC, static).
• Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) and their control loops.
• IEEE standard excitation system models.
• Impact of excitation systems on rotor angle and voltage stability.
• Tuning of AVR parameters.

Module 5: Small-Signal (Oscillatory) Stability Analysis

• Definition of small-signal stability.
• Eigenvalue analysis for damping assessment.
• Identification of oscillatory modes and their damping ratios.
• Factors affecting small-signal stability: damping torque, synchronizing torque.
• Introduction to Power System Stabilizers (PSS).

Module 6: Power System Stabilizers (PSS) Design and Tuning

• Principles of PSS: adding damping to oscillatory modes.
• Types of PSS: conventional, multi-band, wide-area.
• Design methodology for PSS parameters.
• Tuning of PSS for optimal performance.
• Impact of PSS on small-signal stability and transient stability.

Module 7: Transient Stability Analysis

• Definition of transient stability: response to large disturbances (faults, outages).
• Non-linear system equations for transient stability.
• Numerical integration methods for solving swing equations.
• Factors influencing transient stability: fault duration, system inertia, load characteristics.
• Simulation of various fault scenarios.

Module 8: Voltage Stability Analysis

• Definition of voltage stability: ability to maintain acceptable voltages.
• Types of voltage stability: short-term and long-term.
• P-V and Q-V curves for voltage stability assessment.
• Voltage collapse phenomena and mechanisms.
• Voltage stability indicators and indices.

Module 9: Frequency Stability and Control

• Definition of frequency stability: ability to maintain frequency within limits.
• Causes of frequency deviations: generation-load imbalance.
• Primary frequency control (governor response).
• Secondary frequency control (Automatic Generation Control - AGC).
• Under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) schemes.

Module 10: Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) for Stability Enhancement

• Introduction to FACTS devices: SVC, STATCOM, TCSC, UPFC.
• Principles of operation and control of FACTS devices.
• Applications of FACTS in enhancing voltage stability, transient stability, and power flow control.
• Optimal placement and sizing of FACTS devices.
• Case studies of FACTS device implementation.

Module 11: HVDC Transmission and Grid Stability

• Introduction to High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission.
• Types of HVDC systems: Line Commutated Converter (LCC) and Voltage Source Converter (VSC).
• Contribution of HVDC to power system stability: power modulation, black start capability.
• Control strategies for HVDC links to improve AC system stability.
• Integration of multi-terminal HVDC systems.

Module 12: Wide-Area Monitoring, Protection, and Control (WAMPAC)

• Introduction to Wide-Area Measurement Systems (WAMS).
• Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and synchrophasor technology.
• Applications of PMU data for enhanced situational awareness.
• Wide-area protection schemes and adaptive protection.
• Future of WAMPAC in smart grids and highly interconnected systems.

Module 13: Impact of Renewable Energy on Power System Stability

• Challenges posed by high penetration of inverter-based resources (IBR): reduced inertia, low fault current.
• Grid-forming vs. grid-following inverters.
• Fast frequency response from renewables.
• Voltage support from renewable energy plants.
• Emerging control strategies for IBRs to enhance grid stability.

Module 14: Power System Analysis Software for Stability Studies

• Introduction to industry-standard software (e.g., PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD, ETAP).
• Building power system models for dynamic simulations.
• Performing small-signal, transient, and voltage stability analyses.
• Interpreting simulation results and generating reports.
• Hands-on exercises using selected software tools.

Module 15: Advanced Topics and Future Directions in Stability Control

• Adaptive and self-healing power systems.
• The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in stability assessment and control.
• Cybersecurity implications for control systems.
• Resilience-oriented stability analysis.
• Research trends in dynamic grid operation and control for future power systems.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.