At a glance

Understand the dynamic models of power system components and the classical control techniques to determine system transient and small signal stability. The Introduction to Power Systems Dynamics course explores both theory and practice for modeling major power system components, such as synchronous machines, excitation systems, governors and loads, and provides examples using PSS®E.

Upon completion of this course, participants will have an understanding of dynamic effects encountered in operation of the power system and expansion planning analysis.

Upon registration, you will also receive a one-hour personalized session with an instructor of your choosing. The booking details can be found within the course details once your registration is completed.

Instructor: Carlos Grande-Moran

• 40+ years of experience in analysis, development, design, functional specifications, documentation, planning, and operations problems related to electric power systems
• Academic Degrees
  • PhD, Electric Power Systems, Iowa State University
  • ME, Systems Engineering, University of Virginia
  • ME, Electric Power Systems, Iowa State University
  • Diploma Engineer Mechanical and Electrical Engineer
• Completed GE's Turbine Design Course & GE's Generator Design Advanced Course
• Senior Member of the IEEE and its Power & Energy Society
• Speaks 5 languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French

~22 Hours E-Learning
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) - 2.2
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) - 22 hours

This course is comprised of a total of 32 separate videos with short quiz questions after each video.  A score of 80% or more is required to move on to the next video.  You may re-take the quiz as many times as needed to achieve the minimum score.


Module 1 - Introduction to Power System Dynamics – 375 mins (~6 hours 25 mins)

A - An overview of the course material, and a look at power system structure. (50 minutes)

B - Time frames for power system phenomena. (62 minutes)

C - A look at power system controls. (35 minutes)

D - Key concepts in system operation, classification of dynamic problems, and the operating state of a power system. (57 minutes)

E - Power system stability, stability classification, and steady state stability. (52 minutes)

F - Transient stability, small signal stability, frequency stability, and voltage stability. (65 minutes)

G - Load flow review example. (53 minutes)


Module 2 - Modeling of Synchronous Machines – 224 mins (~3 hours 45 mins)

A - Synchronous machines, their components, standard parameters, and examining relative equations. (57 minutes)

B - Rotating frames of reference, stator voltage & flux linkage equations, and reactances of synchronous machines. (39 minutes)

C - Synchronous machine model, phasor diagrams, and active & reactive generating unit power capabilities. (52 minutes)

D - Max & min load, reactive power limiters, and mechanical models. (44 minutes)

E - Electromagnetic models, generator data, and examples. (32 minutes)

Module 3 - Modeling of Excitation Systems – 118 mins (~2 hours)

A - Components and types of excitation systems. (27 minutes) 

B - DC excitation systems. (35 minutes)

C - AC & static excitation systems. (32 minutes)

D - PU excitation systems & summary (24 minutes)

Module 4 - Modeling of Turbines and Speed Governors – 140 mins (~2 hours 20 mins)

A - Introduction, hydro generators, and steam turbines. (47 minutes)

B - Gas turbines, combined cycle units, and load governing. (50 minutes)

C - Isochronous governors, speed-droop governors, and automatic generation control. (43 minutes)

Module 5 - Load Modeling – 91 mins (~1 hour 30 minutes)

A - Introduction, definitions, and static load models. (30 minutes)

B - Dynamic load models, and induction motors load models. (33 minutes) 

C - Induction motors continued. (28 minutes)

Module 6 - Power System Transient Stability - 128 mins (~2 hours 10 minutes)

A - Introduction, and steady state stability. (41 minutes)

B - Transient stability, equal area criterion. (44 minutes)

C - Multi-machine case & analysis. (43 minutes)

D - Fault clearing time, problem mitigation, and transient studies. (29 minutes)

Module 7 - Dynamic Simulation – 73 mins (~1 hour 15 minutes)

A - Dynamic simulation example cases. (34 minutes)

B - Dynamic simulation example cases continued. (38 minutes)

Module 8 - Small Signal Stability – 159 mins (~2 hours 40 minutes)

A - Introduction, affecting factors, and linearization. (43 minutes)

B - Modes & stability, eigenvectors & eigenvalues, and modal matrices. (38 minutes)

C - Effects of classic generator model, and field winding dynamics.

D - Damping oscillations, PSS design, and final topic follow ups. (39 minutes)