Bahir Dar Institute of Technology

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Introduction to power system (EEng-4141) Presentation
Group 7
Group Name Id
1. GETACHEW ENQUAHONE …………………………………………………….

2. ZENEBE DAGNEW ……………………………………………………………….

3. KIBER TEMESGEN ………………………………………………………………..

4. ABDULHAFIZ AHMED …………………………………………………………..

5. KASSAHUN YILHAL ……………………………………………………………..

6. KALEHIWOT TEKESTE ………………………………………………………….. 1506645

SUBMISSION TO

SUBMISSION DATE
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
• To understand real and reactive power flow in interconnected power systems.
• To study factors and control mechanisms affecting power flow.
• To learn the role of FACTS devices in power flow control.
• To understand the importance of reactive power for voltage stability.
• To study coordination and load sharing between interconnected areas

COURSE OUTCOMES :
After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze real and reactive power flow in interconnected power systems.

• Apply suitable control methods for real and reactive power regulation.
• Explain the working and application of FACTS devices.
• Assess the role of reactive power in maintaining voltage stability.
• Understand coordination and load sharing between interconnected power system
areas.
 UNIT 1
Real and reactive power flow control mechanisms in
interconnected power system
1.1Introduction:
In an interconnected power system, electricity is generated at different locations and
shared across a wide network to meet consumer demand reliably and economically. For
smooth and stable operation of this system, both real power and reactive power must be
properly controlled. Real power controls the actual transfer of energy and while reactive
power helps in maintaining proper voltage levels. The flow of real and reactive power
depends on system conditions such as voltage levels, phase angle differences, and
transmission line characteristics. To ensure efficient power transfer, maintain voltage
stability, and prevent system failures, various power flow control mechanisms and modern
technologies like FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) devices are used. These
control methods help in balancing load, reducing losses, efficient power transfer, and
improving overall system performance.

1.1.1Real power and reactive power

Real Power Flow

Real power flow refers to the movement of actual usable electrical power from generators
to loads through transmission lines. It is the power that does useful work such as running
machines, lighting homes, and operating equipment.

• It mainly depends on the phase angle difference between sending and receiving end
voltages.
• Measured in watts (W) or megawatts (MW).

Reactive Power Flow

Reactive power flow refers to the movement of supporting power between different parts of
the power system to maintain proper voltage levels. It does not do useful work but is
essential for the continuous flow of real power.

• It mainly depends on the voltage magnitude difference between system buses.

• Measured in VAR or MVAr.
 1.2 FACTORS AFFECTING REAL AND REACTIVE POWER
FLOW
Real Power Controlled mainly by phase angles and generation, flows do actual work.
And Reactive Power Controlled mainly by voltage levels and load type, flows
support voltage and system stability.

1.2.1 Factors Affecting Real Power Flow (P)

Real power is the actual energy that does useful work. Its flow in a transmission line
depends on the following factors:

A, Voltage angle difference between sending and receiving ends

Real power flows due to the phase difference between voltages at two ends of a line.

Larger the angle difference, the more real power can flow (up to stability limits).

B, Transmission line impedance

Impedance (especially reactance) limits how much power can flow.

Higher line reactance → less real power transfer capability.

C, Generator output and load demand

The difference between generated power and consumed load determines how
much power flows between areas.

D, Frequency of the system

Real power flow is tied to system frequency; any mismatch affects power exchange
between interconnected areas.

E, Power system stability limits

The system can only transfer real power up to certain limits without losing synchronism.

Exceeding limits can cause instability or blackouts.

Real power flow depends on how much generation there is, the phase difference between
ends, and the line’s ability to carry power.

1.2.2 Factors Affecting Reactive Power Flow (Q)

Reactive power supports voltage and is necessary for stable operation. Its flow depends
on:
A, Voltage magnitude difference between buses

Reactive power flows from higher voltage to lower voltage.

The bigger the voltage difference, the larger the reactive power flow.

B, Line reactance (inductive nature of lines)

Reactance limits the flow of reactive power; long transmission lines have more reactance
and limit Q transfer.

C, Type of load (inductive or capacitive)

Inductive loads (motors, transformers) consume reactive power.

Capacitive loads supply reactive power. The balance affects reactive power flow.

D, Capacitor banks and reactors

Shunt capacitors supply reactive power to maintain voltage.

Reactors absorb excess reactive power to prevent overvoltage.

E, Generator excitation level

Generators can supply or absorb reactive power by adjusting excitation (AVR).

Over-excited → supplies Q; under-excited → absorbs Q.

Reactive power flow depends on voltage differences, type of load, and devices that supply
or absorb Q, like generators, capacitors, and reactors.

1.3 MECHANISMS FOR REAL POWER AND REACTIVE

POWERFLOW CONTROL
1.3.1 MECHANISMS FOR REAL POWER FLOW CONTROL

Real power control is use full for maintaining voltage stability. main mechanisms are

1. Changing Generator Power Output

Increasing or decreasing mechanical input to generators changes real power flow.

2. Adjusting Power Angle (δ)

Real power flow between two areas depends on the angle difference between voltages.
Larger angle → more real power flow.
3. Changing Line Impedance (X)

FACTS devices like TCSC, series capacitors, or HVDC can modify line reactance, allowing
more or less real power to flow.

4. Rerouting Power Through Network Switching

Operators can open/close transmission lines to redirect real power flows.

5. Using HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) Links

HVDC allows very precise control of how much real power flows between two regions.
Operators can set EXACT power flow

1.3.2 Mechanisms for Reactive Power (Q) Flow Control

A, Generator excitation control (AVR)

• Automatic Voltage Regulator adjusts generator field current.

• Increasing excitation → supplies more reactive power → raises local voltage.

• Decreasing excitation → absorbs reactive power → reduces voltage.

B, Shunt capacitors and reactors

• Shunt capacitors supply reactive power → increase voltage.

• Shunt reactors absorb reactive power → reduce voltage during light load.

• Commonly used in distribution and transmission networks.

C, Series capacitors to reduce line reactance

• Adding capacitors in series with a line reduces its reactance (X).

• This increases power transfer capability and supports voltage.

• Helps reduce reactive power losses and improve system stability.

D, Synchronous condensers for dynamic reactive power

• Rotating machines operating without mechanical load.

• Can produce or absorb reactive power dynamically.

• Provide inertia + fault support + Q compensation.

E, On-load tap-changing (OLTC) transformers

 • Adjust transformer turns ratio under load.

• Increase tap → raise secondary voltage.

• Decrease tap → lower secondary voltage.

• Widely used for voltage regulation in power distribution and transmission.

1.4 Role of FACTS Devices in Power Flow Control

FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) are advanced power-electronic devices used
in power systems.
Their main job is to make power flow where we want it to go, and keep voltage and
stability under control.

A, Improve the Control of Real and Reactive Power

FACTS devices can change line impedance, voltage, or phase angle, which directly
controls how much real power (P) and reactive power (Q) flows in a transmission line.

• If a line is overloaded → FACTS reroutes power through other lines.

• If the voltage drops → FACTS injects reactive power to boost it.

• If too much power flows in one direction → FACTS limits it.

B,. Increase Transmission Capacity Without Building New Lines

FACTS devices help us carry more power on existing lines safely by:

• reducing line reactance

• boosting voltage

• improving system stability

This is cheaper and faster than building new transmission lines.

C, Maintain Voltage Stability

FACTS devices (like STATCOM, SVC) can add or absorb reactive power instantly, helping
the system maintain proper voltage levels.

This prevents issues like:

• low voltage collapse

• flickering lights
 • equipment malfunction

D, Improve System Stability During Disturbances

When faults, sudden load changes, or generator outages happen, FACTS provide fast
dynamic control.

They help:

• reduce oscillations

• improve damping

• keep generators synchronized

• prevent blackouts

E, Control Power Flow Between Interconnected Areas

FACTS can control how much power flows across tie-lines between different regions.
They make sure:

• each area gets the right amount of power

• overloads are avoided

• frequency remains stable

Devices like UPFC and TCSC are excellent for this.

F, Support Renewable Energy Integration

Wind farms and solar farms cause voltage fluctuations.

FACTS devices can:

• stabilize voltage

• smooth power output

• improve power quality

FACTS also help connect renewables in weak or remote grids.

G, Reduce Transmission Losses

By optimizing voltage and power flow, FACTS help reduce unnecessary losses in the
system.

Examples of Common FACTS Devices and What They Do

 • SVC (Static VAR Compensator)
Controls reactive power → stabilizes voltage.
• STATCOM
Very fast reactive power controller → excellent for voltage control.
• TCSC (Thyristor Controlled Series Capacitor)
Controls line reactance → controls power flow.
• UPFC (Unified Power Flow Controller)
Most powerful FACTS device → controls voltage, impedance, and phase angle
simultaneously.
• Phase-Shifting Transformers
Control phase angle → steer real power flow.

1.5 Importance of Reactive Power for Voltage Stability

Reactive power (Q) is essential for maintaining voltage levels in a power system.
Without enough reactive power, the system voltage becomes weak and unstable.

A, Reactive Power Maintains Voltage Levels

Reactive power is needed to build up the electric and magnetic fields in equipment like
motors, transformers, and transmission lines.
If reactive power is low → voltage drops.
If reactive power is high → voltage rises.

So, voltage stability directly depends on reactive power availability.

B, Prevents Voltage Collapse

When the system cannot supply enough reactive power, voltage begins to fall continuously.
This can cause :

• equipment tripping
• lights dimming
• large-scale voltage collapse
• even blackouts
Reactive power keeps the voltage “held up” and prevents collapse.

C, Supports Long Transmission Lines

Long transmission lines need reactive power to overcome their inductive effects.
Without enough reactive power, the voltage at the receiving end becomes too low. So
reactive power helps maintain voltage over long distances.
D, Helps Motors and Industrial Loads Run Properly

Most industrial machines (motors, pumps, compressors) require reactive power to create
magnetic fields.
If reactive power is lacking:

• motors overheat
• torque decreases
• efficiency drops
Therefore, reactive power keeps loads operating smoothly.

E, Improves Power Quality

Reactive power helps reduce:

• voltage fluctuations
• flicker
• voltage imbalance
It ensures a clean and stable voltage for consumers.

1.6 Coordination and Load Sharing Between Interconnected

Areas
When power systems (regions or countries) are connected together, they share electricity
to increase reliability, reduce cost, and improve stability.

A, Frequency Control Through Tie-Line Power Flow

Interconnected power systems offer improved frequency stability and reliability through
shared resources and mutual support. However, they also bring challenges like
coordination complexity ang potential for wide-area disturbances Understanding these
dynamics is crucial for effective system management

Tie-line bias control plays a key role in maintaining power exchanges and distributing
frequency regulation responsibilities among control areas. It uses area control error signals
to adjust generation, ensuring balanced and stable operation across the interconnected
system.

Each interconnected area tries to:

• keep its own frequency at 50/60 Hz

• maintain the scheduled power it must send or receive through tie-lines

If frequency rises → the area is generating too much.
If frequency drops → the area is generating too little.

Tie-line power exchange helps correct this.

Tie-line Bias Control in Interconnected Systems

Role of Tie-line Bias Control

• Maintains the scheduled power exchanges between control areas, preventing

unintentional power flows and ensuring equitable sharing of frequency regulation
responsibilities .
• Distributes the frequency regulation burden among control areas based on their
respective bias factors, ensuring a coordinated response to frequency deviations.
• Minimizes the overall system frequency deviation by balancing the generation and
load across the interconnected system reducing the need for expensive frequency
restoration reserves.
• Enables automatic generation control (AGC) to adjust generation setpoints in each
control area based on the deviation of actual tie-line power flow from the scheduled
value and the frequency deviation from the nominal value.

B, Area Control Error (ACE) — Explained in Human Form

ACE is a measurement that tells an interconnected power system how far it is from its
desired operating condition.

It shows two things:

1. How much the actual tie-line power flow differs from the scheduled value, and

2. How much the actual frequency differs from the desired frequency.

Both of these are used to check whether a control area is doing its part in the
interconnected system.

Why ACE is Needed

In an interconnected grid:

• If one area generates too much → its frequency rises

• If it generates too little → frequency falls

• If tie-line exchange is too high or too low, the system becomes unbalanced.
ACE tells the area exactly how much error the area is creating.

ACE Formula

ACE=(P actual−P scheduled)+B(f actual−f scheduled)

Where:

• P actual = actual tie-line power flow

• P scheduled = agreed/scheduled tie-line flow
• f actual = actual system frequency
• f scheduled = nominal system frequency (50/60 Hz)
• B = frequency bias factor (how sensitive the area is to frequency changes)
What the ACE Sign Means

• ACE > 0 → Area is sending out more power than scheduled (over-generation)

• ACE < 0 → Area is sending out less power than scheduled (under-generation)

What Happens When ACE ≠ 0

The area must adjust the output of its generators to correct the error.

Example:

• If frequency is low → area must increase generation.

• If tie-line flow is too high → area reduces generation.

This keeps the system balanced and stable.

C, Automatic Generation Control (AGC) — Explained in Human Form

AGC is a system that automatically adjusts generator outputs to correct ACE.

Main Jobs of AGC

1. Keep system frequency stable

If frequency drifts from 50/60 Hz, AGC corrects it by adjusting generator outputs.

2. Maintain correct tie-line power flows

Each interconnected area must send/receive only the agreed amount of power.
AGC makes sure actual flow matches the scheduled flow.

3. Share load properly between areas

When demand increases:

• All areas must contribute fairly.

• AGC makes sure each area picks up the right portion of load.

4. Reduce operator workload

Without AGC, engineers would have to manually adjust generators constantly.

AGC automates this process.

Why AGC is Important

Without AGC:

• Frequency would fluctuate a lot

• Tie-line flows would be unstable

• Areas would not share load properly

• Blackout risk increases

AGC keeps the grid balanced, reliable, and stable at all times.

1.7 Future Trends in Power Flow Management

Modern power systems are becoming smarter, faster, and more electronics-based,
mainly due to renewable energy growth.

A, Wide-Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS)

WAMS uses Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) that measure voltage and current across
the grid in real time.

Benefits:

• early detection of instability

• faster response to faults

• improved system visibility

B, Expansion of HVDC and FACTS

HVDC and FACTS devices provide fast, flexible control of power flow.

Trends:

• More VSC-HVDC links for offshore wind and long-distance transmission

• More UPFC, STATCOM, TCSC for voltage and stability control

These devices act as power flow controllers for the modern grid.

C, Large-Scale Renewable Integration

Wind and solar vary with weather, so they need advanced control.

Modern solutions:

• grid-forming inverters

• synthetic inertia

• fast voltage control

These help renewables behave more like traditional generators.

D, Adaptive Protection Systems

Traditional protection is fixed and does not change with system conditions.

Future protection systems:

• change settings automatically

• adapt to new generation patterns

• prevent false trips

This improves safety and reliability.

E, Flexible Network Topology

With power electronics, grids can be reconfigured dynamically, similar to a computer

network.

Benefits:

• power can be rerouted instantly

• congestion can be avoided

• faulted lines can be isolated quickly