Power Systems 101

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

Fault

A disruptive and potentially dangerous event occurring in an electric system, such as a short circuit, fallen powerline, lightning strike or an intermittent connection.

Fault

A disruptive and potentially dangerous event occurring in a Power System, such as a short circuit, open circuit, fallen powerline, lightning strike or an intermittent

Fault Current

The unusually elevated Current which flows in the event of a Fault.  Although this high Current is undesirable due to its potential danger, it also

Feeder

A powerline or circuit that extends from a Distribution Substation to supply Electricity to a specific locality.

Firming

The process of maintaining stable, for a committed duration of time, the output of Generation Plant that has inherently Intermittent characteristics such as Wind Turbines

Firming Capacity

A specific volume of Energy that is available to provide Firming of the output of Generation Plant that has Intermittent characteristics for a committed duration

Frequency

The number of cycles occurring in each second in an Alternating Current (AC) electric system, which is measured in Hertz (Hz).  In a system dominated

Generator

An entity that owns, operates and maintains large-scale Generation Plant.