There is weekly homework that includes small computer projects. Two major computer projects constitute the midterm and the final. These projects include written and oral presentations. The vast majority of the lectures, homework and projects deal with the application of circuit theory and control theory to specific power system operating situations. Some rotational kinematics is included in the stability work.
Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course.
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential and integral calculus, basic sciences, and engineering sciences necessary to analyze and design complex electrical and electronic devices, software and systems containing hardware and software components, as appropriate to program objectives. Numerical and matrix methods and associated computer tools are used to analyze systems modeled by large sets of simultaneous linear equations and large sets of nonlinear differential equations. These equations make up the analytical models of the components of electrical utility networks and their protection systems. The midterm computer project involves creating a program to accomplish a power system fault analysis of the student's design in response to a problem specification. The final computer project is a system stability analysis using existing software in which students are required to improve the design of an existing, unstable system to achieve stability.