Electric power systems : a conceptual introduction The physics of electricity Basic circuit analysis AC power Generators Loads Transmission and distribution Power flow analysis System performance System operation management and new technology Electric Power Systems explains and illustrates how the electric grid works in a clear straightforward style that makes highly technical material accessible. It begins with a thorough discussion of the underlying physical concepts of electricity circuits and complex power that serves as a foundation for more advanced material. Readers are then introduced to the main components of electric power systems including generators motors and other appliances and transmission and distribution equipment such as power lines transformers and circuit breakers. The author explains how a whole power system is managed and coordinated analyzed mathematically and kept stable and reliable. Recognizing the economic and environmental implications of electric energy production and public concern over disruptions of service this book exposes the challenges of producing and delivering electricity to help inform public policy decisions. Its discussions of complex concepts such as reactive power balance load flow and stability analysis for example offer deep insight into the complexity of electric grid operation and demonstrate how and why physics constrains economics and politics. Electric Power Systems is appropriate for a broad readership of professionals undergraduate and graduate students government agency managers environmental advocates and consumers. Jacket