Power Systems 101

Foundational concepts that underpin a working knowledge of conventional, transforming and future power systems.

Capacity

The maximum amount of Electricity that a can be generated, transported, stored, or consumed under specific conditions, either instantaneously as electrical Power – measured in

Connection Point

The agreed point of Electricity supply established between a Customer and a Distribution Network.

Constraint

A physical system limitation or requirement that must be considered by the central dispatch algorithm when determining the optimum economic dispatch outcome, or when performing

Controllability

The ability for the operation of a System or Energy Resource to be remotely altered or moved into a desired operating state in real-time and/or

Current

A flow of charged particles, usually electrons, in an electrical conductor. The strength or rate of movement of the Electricity is measured in Amperes (Amps).

Customer & Societal Objectives

Electric Power Systems function as critical societal Systems in all modern economies. As these societal systems transform, so do the expectations of individual Customers and

Customers

The human individuals, families, organisations, institutions and whole societies served by the Power System and that are the fundamental reason it exists. Customers may choose

Demand

The total amount of Electricity required by one, many or all Customers at an instant of time.  Measured in kiloWatts (kW), MegaWatts (MW) or GigaWatts

Demand-side

The location where most Customers are connected to the Power System.  This traditional term is, however, becoming increasingly inadequate.  This is because what was once