Electric Power Industry in Nontechnical Language


Book Description

The electric power industry is undergoing the greatest transformation in its 100-year history. In readable, concise fashion, author Denise Warkentin explains how the electric industry works and what changes are in store. After briefly tracing the history of the industry, she details how different segments are structured and work together. Investor-owned, consumer-owned, and government-owned utilities are explained, as are rural cooperatives and independent power producers. Other issues addressed include deregulation, the emergence of energy marketers, and the impact of ongoing mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations.




Electric Power Generation


Book Description

Unlike more technical texts stuffed with formulae and theories, this book explains in plain English how power is created and replaces formulae with everyday examples and easy-to-understand illustrations. It opens with an explanation of how electricity is generated, then covers the planning and development of electric power stations, emphasizing modern considerations of merchant power plants, repowering, and the growth of gas turbine generation. The "facts" of generation are covered in part two--boilers, turbines, generators, hydro and pumped storage, and "alternative" generations sources, suchs geothermal, tidal, solar, and wind. Maintenance and operations are covered in basic overview format. Finally, environmental considerations--again, an increasing concern in light of deregulation and environmental law--are reviewed. In addition, the authors cover specific features and fuel-types in nontechnical terms. Industry newcomers will appreciate this clear explanation of how power is created.




Electric Power System Basics for the Nonelectrical Professional


Book Description

The second edition of Steven W. Blume’s bestseller provides a comprehensive treatment of power technology for the non-electrical engineer working in the electric power industry This book aims to give non-electrical professionals a fundamental understanding of large interconnected electrical power systems, better known as the “Power Grid”, with regard to terminology, electrical concepts, design considerations, construction practices, industry standards, control room operations for both normal and emergency conditions, maintenance, consumption, telecommunications and safety. The text begins with an overview of the terminology and basic electrical concepts commonly used in the industry then it examines the generation, transmission and distribution of power. Other topics discussed include energy management, conservation of electrical energy, consumption characteristics and regulatory aspects to help readers understand modern electric power systems. This second edition features: New sections on renewable energy, regulatory changes, new measures to improve system reliability, and smart technologies used in the power grid system Updated practical examples, photographs, drawing, and illustrations to help the reader gain a better understanding of the material “Optional supplementary reading” sections within most chapters to elaborate on certain concepts by providing additional detail or background Electric Power System Basics for the Nonelectrical Professional, Second Edition, gives business professionals in the industry and entry-level engineers a strong introduction to power technology in non-technical terms. Steve W. Blume is Founder of Applied Professional Training, Inc., APT Global, LLC, APT College, LLC and APT Corporate Training Services, LLC, USA. Steve is a registered professional engineer and certified NERC Reliability Coordinator with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering specializing in power and a Bachelor's degree specializing in Telecommunications. He has more than 25 years’ experience teaching electric power system basics to non-electrical professionals. Steve's engineering and operations experience includes generation, transmission, distribution, and electrical safety. He is an active senior member in IEEE and has published two books in power systems through IEEE and Wiley.




Electric Energy


Book Description

The search for renewable energy and smart grids, the societal impact of blackouts, and the environmental impact of generating electricity, along with the new ABET criteria, continue to drive a renewed interest in electric energy as a core subject. Keeping pace with these changes, Electric Energy: An Introduction, Third Edition restructures the traditional introductory electric energy course to better meet the needs of electrical and mechanical engineering students. Now in color, this third edition of a bestselling textbook gives students a wider view of electric energy, without sacrificing depth. Coverage includes energy resources, renewable energy, power plants and their environmental impacts, electric safety, power quality, power market, blackouts, and future power systems. The book also makes the traditional topics of electromechanical conversion, transformers, power electronics, and three-phase systems more relevant to students. Throughout, it emphasizes issues that engineers encounter in their daily work, with numerous examples drawn from real systems and real data. What’s New in This Edition Color illustrations Substation and distribution equipment Updated data on energy resources Expanded coverage of power plants Expanded material on renewable energy Expanded material on electric safety Three-phase system and pulse width modulation for DC/AC converters Induction generator More information on smart grids Additional problems and solutions Combining the fundamentals of traditional energy conversion with contemporary topics in electric energy, this accessible textbook gives students the broad background they need to meet future challenges.




Market Operations in Electric Power Systems


Book Description

An essential overview of post-deregulation market operations inelectrical power systems Until recently the U.S. electricity industry was dominated byvertically integrated utilities. It is now evolving into adistributive and competitive market driven by market forces andincreased competition. With electricity amounting to a $200 billionper year market in the United States, the implications of thisrestructuring will naturally affect the rest of the world. Why is restructuring necessary? What are the components ofrestructuring? How is the new structure different from the oldmonopoly? How are the participants strategizing their options tomaximize their revenues? What are the market risks and how are theyevaluated? How are interchange transactions analyzed and approved?Starting with a background sketch of the industry, this hands-onreference provides insights into the new trends in power systemsoperation and control, and highlights advanced issues in thefield. Written for both technical and nontechnical professionals involvedin power engineering, finance, and marketing, this must-haveresource discusses: * Market structure and operation of electric power systems * Load and price forecasting and arbitrage * Price-based unit commitment and security constrained unitcommitment * Market power analysis and game theory applications * Ancillary services auction market design * Transmission pricing and congestion Using real-world case studies, this timely survey offers engineers,consultants, researchers, financial managers, university professorsand students, and other professionals in the industry acomprehensive review of electricity restructuring and how itsradical effects will shape the market.




Natural Gas in Nontechnical Language


Book Description

An overview of the natural gas process from wellhead to burnertip, from exploration to futures trading, and the latest issues of co-generation and other product use.




Electric Power Industry in Nontechnical Language


Book Description

Power generation -- Power transmission and distribution -- The beginning of the electric utility industry -- The electric utility industry as a regulated entity -- Restructuring, standards, and accountability -- The energy policy act of 2005 -- Transmission, technology, and the pursuit of reliability -- Environmental standards and issues -- The electric utility industry as a business enterprise.




Understanding Electric Power Systems


Book Description

A COMPREHENSIVE LOOK IN LAYMAN'S TERMS AT THE MANY ASPECTS OF THE PROVISION OF ELECTRIC POWER, BY TWO VETERAN EXECUTIVES AND RESPECTED EXPERTS Technological advances and changes in government policy and regulation have altered the electric power industry in recent years and will continue to impact it for quite some time. Fully updated with the latest changes to regulation, structure, and technology, this new edition of Understanding Electric Power Systems offers a real-world view of the industry, explaining how it operates, how it is structured, and how electricity is regulated and priced. It includes extensive references for the reader and will be especially useful to lawyers, government officials, regulators, engineers, and students, as well as the general public. The book explains the physical functioning of electric power systems, the electric power business in today's environment, and the related institutions, including recent changes in the roles of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North American Reliability Company. Significant changes that are affecting the industry are covered in this new edition, including: The expanded role of the federal government in the planning and operation of the nation's electric utilities New energy laws and a large number of FERC regulations implementing these laws Concerns over global warming and potential impacts on the electric industry Pressures for expansion of the electric grid and the implementation of "smart-grid" technologies The growing importance of various energy-storage technologies and renewable energy sources New nuclear generation technologies The 2009 economic stimulus package




Electricity Pricing


Book Description

As the advent of the Smart Grid revolutionizes how homeowners and businesses purchase and manage power, electricity pricing is becoming more complicated and intricate than ever before, while the need for more frequent rate revisions remains a primary issue in the field. A timely and accessible guide for the new industry environment, Electricity Pricing: Engineering Principles and Methodologies helps those involved in both the engineering and financial operations of electric power systems to "get the money right" while ensuring reliable electric service at a fair and reasonable cost. Explores both the business functions and engineering principles associated with electricity pricing Examining pricing approaches and opportunities, this book presents tools, viewpoints, and explanations that are generally not found in contemporary literature. It clarifies valuable analysis techniques, realistic examples, and unique lessons passed along from those inside the industry. This "how to do it" guide fosters a multidisciplinary understanding that integrates information, methodologies, and techniques from accounting, economics, engineering, finance, and marketing. Detail-oriented but still mindful of the big picture, this book examines the complex relationship between electricity, customers, and service providers in relation to pricing. Electricity Pricing also: Presents mathematical methods and techniques used to establish electricity prices, determine cost causation, and evaluate pricing structures and mechanisms Explores ways to translate and integrate cost elements into practical pricing structures Details how engineering concepts are used to apportion production, delivery, and associated costs to determine cost of service and to support all aspects of ratemaking strategy, design, analysis, and decision making This comprehensive professional reference addresses theory but remains grounded in no-nonsense practical applications. It is dually suited to introduce newcomers to the technical principles and methodologies of electricity pricing and provide veterans with a valuable consolidation of advanced tools for pricing analysis and problem solving. Watch an interview of the author at http://youtu.be/4fU8nkDVhNY




Energy Storage


Book Description

Storage and the electric power industry -- Storage in other energy markets -- Electricity storage technologies -- Applications -- Renewable energy and storage -- Our new energy future.