Computational Experiments in Power Systems

The paper describes a rather comprehensive set of computational experiments for the instruction of senior students in the field of power systems. The experiments are based on a program package called FORCEPS (FORtran Codes for Education in Power Systems). These replace previous laboratory experiments which were only partially adequate to demonstrate the problems of power system operation. Their need stems from the recognition that modern power system planning and operation is extensively computerized and this must be reflected in the teaching process. The experiments cover the major topics of power system steady state and dynamics. Of these, the instructor selects a subset which is-most appropriate for his lecture course. The student obtains a working program in Fortran as well as data for an experimental system, performs tests and comparisons, makes assessments on the capabilities of the program and modifies it if necessary. Only lineprinter plots and printouts are used for output, to permit the use of simple terminals and thus assure maximum portability of the programs. For the same purpose, FORCEPS has in addition to the Instruction Guide for the students, a Reference Section providing theoretical background for all experiments. Since FORCEPS is basically only a collection of useful programs, their full educational value is obtained only by applying the package as a tool for engineering problem solving in a variety of realistic power system problems formulated as projects or assignments.