Abstract:

Nowadays, electric power systems are undergoing a rapid and complex transformation due to the integration of both distributed generation and renewable energies. For example, self-consumption projects based on solar photovoltaics for residential, commercial and industrial customers are currently being widely deployed over the world. The integration of these variable energy resources into the distribution network causes relevant voltage variations, loading of equipment, such as transformers and lines, variation of the technical losses of the network, etc. To evaluate the impact of these issues on the network, load flow analyses are required to assess not only the operating point of the existing grid but also the design of future grid expansions. For these reasons, the connection of distributed generation to the networks around the world has generated increased interest among undergraduate and graduate students, who require efficient power system analysis tools for their training. There are a wide variety of power system simulation packages used for load flow analysis, in which PowerFactory is one of the tools most widely used by network operators (both transmission and distribution system operators).

Under this framework, the present work combines theoretical, modelling and simulation methodologies for learning load flow with PowerFactory in an international environment. Several simulation cases are modelled and simulated using PowerFactory, covering common real-life situations in power systems, such as the connection of a new line, a capacitor bank, a group of customers, as well as the installation of a renewable energy power plant to the distribution grid. In this sense, the goal of the present teaching method is to complement the educational competences of power system engineers. Thereby, the developed teaching method has improved the teaching/learning process of several undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Electrical Engineering of the University of Castilla‐La Mancha (UCLM, Spain). Specifically, this approach has been implemented in Analysis and Operation of Power Systems, Electric Power Systems and High Voltage Electrical Installations, which are taught in the Electrical Engineering Degree, as well as in Electric Energy Systems, which is taught in the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering. In addition, the teaching method has been implemented in three international approaches:
1) The European Master in Renewable Energy, which is organised by the European Renewable Energy Research Centres (EUREC);
2) the International Master’s Degree on Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency of Sustainable Buildings (INTEREE) of the University Paris Creteil (France);
3) the Master in Electric and Computer Engineering of the University of Algarve (Portugal), which is based on an Erasmus+ Project.

Therefore, this paper aims to share these experiences and to provide useful guidelines for Electrical Engineering students and teachers, and additionally, the proposed approach is easily replicable for teaching/learning activities at other academic institutions.

Keywords:

Electrical Engineering, Erasmus+, load flow, power flow, power system, PowerFactory, teaching.