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Electrical Power Systems

University: TUS
Date: October 2025
Expected Duration: 1–3 Months
Format: Hybrid
Level: Advanced
Language of Instruction: English
Registration Deadline: October 2025
Price: TBC

Course Overview

Want to understand the backbone of modern power systems? This module takes you deep into transformers, grid control, and the technologies that keep electricity flowing reliably. You’ll explore key elements of how transformers work—from magnetic circuits and windings to cooling, tap-changing, and troubleshooting—plus the vital gear that supports them like bushings, gauges, and voltage regulators. Next, the module will dive into how power and frequency are controlled across generators and networks, and how voltage and reactive power are managed to keep systems stable. You’ll learn about reactive power compensation, capacitor banks, Static VAR Controllers, and advanced solutions like STATCOMs and series compensation. The modules wil also cover high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems: how they work, where they’re used, and how they’re designed to handle harmonics, reactive power, and AC/DC interactions. Finally, the module explores elements of power system planning and operation—balancing reliability, economics, and stability—along with modern tools like FACTS controllers and substation automation. By the end, you’ll see how all these pieces fit together to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable electricity on a massive scale.

Main Goal

The module provides a deep understanding of Electrical Power Systems. The module develops the Learner’s ability to design, manage and validate Electrical Power Systems. This analysis includes power flow, system stability, and voltage frequency & reactive power control in Electrical Power Systems.

Skills To Be Gained

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

  1. Specify the requirements of power transformers in industrial use.
  2. Analyse the control of power and frequency in an interconnected system.
  3. Analyse and design applications for the use of reactive power and voltage control methods in a power grid.
  4. Classify Power System Operation, Control and apply the principles of HVDC applications.
  5. Design & analyse power systems using dedicated systems analysis software such as ERACS & ETAP.

Practical Notes

Contact TUS for information on discounted fees.

Contact details: Gerard Cahill, TUS DigiWind Manager, gerard.cahill@tus.ie

Requirements

  1. Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Technology or Science, or equivalent.

Teaching And Assessment

This programme will be delivered through lectures and practical based laboratories. A comprehensive active learning methodology is used to provide the learner with problem based activities. Teaching embraces a flexible student-centred philosophy that seeks to familiarise and engage in student’s experiences and expectations, whilst developing a sense of critical inquiry. 100% Continuous Assessment.

Course Staff

Ger O’Farrell, Lecturer, Dept of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, TUS, Ireland.

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