Power engineering - Definition and Overview

Power engineering is the sub-discipline of electrical engineering that deals with power systems, specifically electric power transmission and distribution, power conversion, and electromechanical devices. Out of necessity, power engineers also rely heavily on the theory of control systems.

History

Power engineering is arguably the earliest field to arise in electrical engineering. Early problems solved by engineers include efficient and safe distribution of electric power.

Areas of study

Devices:

• Generators
• Transformers
• Transmission lines
• Fuses/Circuit breakers
• Motors
• Motor drives

Processes/phenomena:

• Electricity generation
• Power transmission
• Power conversion
• Voltage regulation
• Alternating current
• Three phase power
• Faults
• Blackouts

Analysis techniques:

• One-line diagram
• Per-unit system
• Power flow studies

Related fields:

• Fault tolerant system design
• Electricity markets/Energy economics