Power System Fundamentals

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
ENGE 5014
Course ID icon
Course ID
206574
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
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Course level
5
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This course will give students a well-grounded understanding of the operation of electrical power systems and the role of electrical power engineering profession. Role of an electrical power system and responsibilities of engineers working in power industry; energy resources and environmental effects of electricity generation; review of single phase power; balanced and unbalanced 3-phase systems; conductor types, sizes, and parameters; structure of electrical power systems; single line diagram; per-unit calculations; transmission line models, generalised line and ABCD parameters; line performance; series and shunt compensation; balanced 3-phase faults, symmetrical components, sequence networks and unsymmetrical faults; protection of power systems: devices, structures and operation.

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe role, evolution and structure of a standard electrical power system and differences in world standards. (PO 1, 3) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6)
  • Perform analysis of a 3-phase balanced and unbalanced systems and design compensation for power factor improvement. (PO 1, 4) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 3.3)
  • Use models of power system components to convert a single line diagram to an impedance diagram and perform calculations in per-unit system. (PO 1, 4) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3)
  • Calculate parameters of transmission lines and analyse performance of the line in terms of line Efficiency and Voltage Regulation. Line design for a specified performance. (PO 1, 4) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3)
  • Analyse effects of faults in power systems and describe methods and apparatus for fault protection. (PO 1, 4) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3)
  • Use computer software to model and simulate power systems, obtain the Load Flow solution, apply compensation for the improvement of power system performance, analyse effects of faults and design protection. (PO 1, 2, 4, 7) (EA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3)

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.