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Stephen Brooks
Stephen Brooks is a Chartered Electrical engineer who has worked in the electrical power utility industry for over 30 years as a design engineer, commissioning engineer and construction project manager.
This module has been written to teach non-engineers the basics of electrical power engineering, and will also act as a useful revision tool for electrical graduate engineers or those engineers new to the industry.
The course uses detailed illustrations & simple explanations to convey the topics involved.
Read more
Stephen Brooks is a Chartered Electrical engineer who has worked in the electrical power utility industry for over 30 years as a design engineer, commissioning engineer and construction project manager.
This module has been written to teach non-engineers the basics of electrical power engineering, and will also act as a useful revision tool for electrical graduate engineers or those engineers new to the industry.
The course uses detailed illustrations & simple explanations to convey the topics involved.
Read more
Stephen Brooks is a Chartered Electrical engineer who has worked in the electrical power utility industry for over 30 years as a design engineer, commissioning engineer and construction project manager.
This module has been written to teach non-engineers the basics of electrical power engineering, and will also act as a useful revision tool for electrical graduate engineers or those engineers new to the industry.
The course uses detailed illustrations & simple explanations to convey the topics involved.
Future modules will develop these basic engineering ideas further and use them to show how an electrical power utility system is designed, constructed, tested and operated.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjtfko/electrical
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand the basic principles behind electrical power engineering
- Know the difference between alternating current and direct current
- Understand ohms law
- Know how to use and apply kirchhoffs current law
- Understand how alternating current works
- Understand how capacitors work and how they affect the ac & dc systems
- Understand how inductors works and how they affect the ac & dc systems
- Know how electricity and magnetism are linked
- Know how to create a dc motor
- Understand the basic principles behind electrical power engineering
- Know the difference between alternating current and direct current
- Understand ohms law
- Know how to use and apply kirchhoffs current law
- Understand how alternating current works
- Understand how capacitors work and how they affect the ac & dc systems
- Understand how inductors works and how they affect the ac & dc systems
- Know how electricity and magnetism are linked
- Know how to create a dc motor
Syllabus
At this end of this module students will understand all of the basic electrical engineering principles & laws & be able to use these principles in future modules
Read more
Syllabus
At this end of this module students will understand all of the basic electrical engineering principles & laws & be able to use these principles in future modules
Read more
This a brief introduction for the electrical power engineering module 1 course
In this section students will be shown what vectors are and how they can be added and subtracted. They will also be shown how vectors can be used to create phasor diagrams.
In this first section students will learn all about the basic principles of electrical engineering, including the differences between alternating current & direct current & what we need to make an electrical circuit.
In this second section students will be taken through some of the electrical laws including Ohms law and Kirchhoffs law and shown how they can be used to understand how the electrical circuits work.
In this section students will be shown the link between electricity and magnetism and how we can use electro-magnetism in useful ways.
Most of the power circuits we will study in later modules use Alternating Current ( AC ). In this section we will look at AC systems in detail, develop some equations and show what a three phase AC system is created.
Resistors are the first three main load types we will be looking at on this course. In this section students will learn the differences between parallel and series resistors circuits and how resistors affect the AC power system.
In this section students will learn what a capacitor is and how they behave when connected to AC & DC systems
In this section students will learn what an inductor is and how it reacts when connected to an AC & DC system.
In this final section we will pull together all of the information that we've learned about the three main load types, and see how they affect the power drawn from the system
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possible dealbreakers
Acts as a revision tool for electrical graduate engineers or those engineers new to the industry, reinforcing fundamental concepts
Teaches the basics of electrical power engineering, making it accessible to individuals without a formal engineering background
Explores alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), which are foundational concepts in electrical engineering
Uses detailed illustrations and simple explanations to convey complex topics, which is helpful for visual learners
Covers Kirchhoff's current law, which is a core principle for analyzing electrical circuits
Future modules will develop these basic engineering ideas further and use them to show how an electrical power utility system is designed
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Reviews summary
Foundational electrical power engineering principles
According to students, this course offers a solid foundation in basic electrical power engineering concepts. Learners frequently praise the instructor, Stephen Brooks, for his clear explanations and ability to break down complex topics. The course is seen as particularly valuable for beginners and those needing a refresher on fundamental laws like Ohm's and Kirchhoff's. Many highlight the detailed illustrations and practical examples as being highly beneficial. While generally positive, some reviewers suggest the course could benefit from more depth on certain topics for more advanced learners, or additional practice problems.
Some find it basic, others perfect pace.
"It is very good for beginners, but maybe too basic for someone with some prior knowledge."
"The pace was perfect for a beginner, not too fast or too slow."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on some of the later topics like AC systems."
"While it covers the basics well, I was hoping for slightly more technical detail on certain aspects."
Instructor's experience is evident.
"Stephen clearly knows his stuff and his passion for the subject comes through."
"It's great learning from someone with over 30 years of experience in the industry."
"The instructor's background as a chartered engineer adds significant credibility."
"I appreciated the insights shared from a real-world engineering perspective."
Visuals and examples aid understanding.
"The illustrations used throughout the course were very helpful in visualizing the concepts."
"The examples provided were practical and helped solidify my understanding of how the laws are applied."
"Using detailed illustrations & simple explanations to convey the topics involved."
"The approach of using practical examples to illustrate theory was highly effective for me."
Excellent for those new or needing revision.
"This course has given me a very good foundation on electrical power engineering principles."
"Excellent introductory course for anyone wanting to learn the very basics of electrical engineering."
"It is perfect for a beginner like me to understand the basic principles of electrical power engineering."
"Useful revision tool for basic concepts in power engineering."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly.
"Stephen is a very good instructor. He explains all the content very well and very clearly. Thank you."
"The course is well structured, and the concepts are explained clearly. The pace is just right for someone new to the topic."
"I found the way the instructor explained the concepts to be excellent. Made difficult ideas much easier to grasp."
"The course is delivered in an excellent manner which simplifies complex principles using simple explanations."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Electrical Power Engineering Principles with these
activities:
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental circuit concepts before diving into power engineering principles. A solid grasp of basic circuit theory is essential for understanding more complex power systems.
Show steps
-
Review notes from previous circuits courses.
-
Work through practice problems on series and parallel circuits.
-
Familiarize yourself with Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental circuit concepts before diving into power engineering principles. This will make grasping AC/DC systems and component behavior much easier.
Show steps
-
Review definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
-
Practice solving simple series and parallel circuits.
-
Review the concepts of power and energy in circuits.
Consult 'Fundamentals of Electric Circuits'
Show steps
Use a foundational textbook to solidify your understanding of basic electric circuits. This book provides clear explanations and numerous examples to help you master the fundamentals.
View
ISE Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (ISE HED...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Acquire a copy of 'Fundamentals of Electric Circuits'.
-
Focus on chapters covering basic circuit elements, Ohm's Law, and Kirchhoff's Laws.
-
Practice solving the example problems and end-of-chapter exercises.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Read 'Electrical Engineering 101'
Show steps
Supplement the course material with a comprehensive introductory text on electrical engineering. This book will provide a broader context for the specific topics covered in the module.
View
Electrical Engineering 101: Everything You...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Electrical Engineering 101'.
-
Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
-
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Delve into 'Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook on electrical engineering principles. This book provides a broader and deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
View
Electrical Engineering: Principles &...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications'.
-
Read the chapters related to circuit analysis, AC/DC systems, and electromagnetism.
-
Work through the example problems and exercises in the book.
Solve Circuit Analysis Problems
Show steps
Practice applying Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws to solve circuit analysis problems. This will solidify your understanding of these fundamental concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
-
Find a set of circuit analysis problems online or in a textbook.
-
Solve each problem step-by-step, showing your work.
-
Check your answers against the solutions.
-
Review the concepts and try again if you made mistakes.
Solve Circuit Analysis Problems
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws through practical problem-solving. This will solidify your ability to analyze electrical circuits.
Show steps
-
Find online resources with circuit analysis problems.
-
Solve problems involving series and parallel resistor combinations.
-
Apply Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law to solve more complex circuits.
-
Check your answers and review the solutions to understand any mistakes.
Create a Presentation on AC vs DC
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) by creating a presentation. Explaining the concepts to others will reinforce your own knowledge.
Show steps
-
Research the characteristics of AC and DC power.
-
Prepare slides covering the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each.
-
Include real-world examples of AC and DC applications.
-
Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
Explore AC and DC Circuit Simulations
Show steps
Use circuit simulation software to visualize and analyze AC and DC circuits. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of how these circuits behave and how different components affect their performance.
Show steps
-
Download and install a circuit simulation software like LTspice or Multisim.
-
Follow online tutorials to learn how to use the software.
-
Build and simulate simple AC and DC circuits.
-
Experiment with different component values and observe the effects on circuit behavior.
Build a Simple DC Motor
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of electromagnetism and DC circuits by building a simple DC motor. This hands-on project will solidify your understanding of how electricity and magnetism are linked.
Show steps
-
Gather the necessary materials (wire, magnets, battery, etc.).
-
Follow a tutorial to construct the motor.
-
Troubleshoot any issues and refine your design.
-
Document your project and explain the underlying principles.
Explore Online Tutorials on Three-Phase AC Systems
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of three-phase AC systems through online tutorials. These tutorials often provide visual aids and practical examples to clarify complex concepts.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable online tutorials on three-phase AC systems (e.g., on YouTube or educational websites).
-
Watch tutorials covering topics such as three-phase voltage generation, wye and delta connections, and power calculations.
-
Take notes and try to solve example problems presented in the tutorials.
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental circuit concepts before diving into power engineering principles. A solid grasp of basic circuit theory is essential for understanding more complex power systems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from previous circuits courses.
- Work through practice problems on series and parallel circuits.
- Familiarize yourself with Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws.
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental circuit concepts before diving into power engineering principles. This will make grasping AC/DC systems and component behavior much easier.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
- Practice solving simple series and parallel circuits.
- Review the concepts of power and energy in circuits.
Consult 'Fundamentals of Electric Circuits'
Show steps
Use a foundational textbook to solidify your understanding of basic electric circuits. This book provides clear explanations and numerous examples to help you master the fundamentals.
View
ISE Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (ISE HED...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire a copy of 'Fundamentals of Electric Circuits'.
- Focus on chapters covering basic circuit elements, Ohm's Law, and Kirchhoff's Laws.
- Practice solving the example problems and end-of-chapter exercises.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Read 'Electrical Engineering 101'
Show steps
Supplement the course material with a comprehensive introductory text on electrical engineering. This book will provide a broader context for the specific topics covered in the module.
View
Electrical Engineering 101: Everything You...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Electrical Engineering 101'.
- Read the chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
- Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Delve into 'Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications'
Show steps
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook on electrical engineering principles. This book provides a broader and deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
View
Electrical Engineering: Principles &...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Electrical Engineering: Principles and Applications'.
- Read the chapters related to circuit analysis, AC/DC systems, and electromagnetism.
- Work through the example problems and exercises in the book.
Solve Circuit Analysis Problems
Show steps
Practice applying Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws to solve circuit analysis problems. This will solidify your understanding of these fundamental concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a set of circuit analysis problems online or in a textbook.
- Solve each problem step-by-step, showing your work.
- Check your answers against the solutions.
- Review the concepts and try again if you made mistakes.
Solve Circuit Analysis Problems
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws through practical problem-solving. This will solidify your ability to analyze electrical circuits.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online resources with circuit analysis problems.
- Solve problems involving series and parallel resistor combinations.
- Apply Kirchhoff's Current Law and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law to solve more complex circuits.
- Check your answers and review the solutions to understand any mistakes.
Create a Presentation on AC vs DC
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) by creating a presentation. Explaining the concepts to others will reinforce your own knowledge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the characteristics of AC and DC power.
- Prepare slides covering the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each.
- Include real-world examples of AC and DC applications.
- Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
Explore AC and DC Circuit Simulations
Show steps
Use circuit simulation software to visualize and analyze AC and DC circuits. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of how these circuits behave and how different components affect their performance.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Download and install a circuit simulation software like LTspice or Multisim.
- Follow online tutorials to learn how to use the software.
- Build and simulate simple AC and DC circuits.
- Experiment with different component values and observe the effects on circuit behavior.
Build a Simple DC Motor
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of electromagnetism and DC circuits by building a simple DC motor. This hands-on project will solidify your understanding of how electricity and magnetism are linked.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather the necessary materials (wire, magnets, battery, etc.).
- Follow a tutorial to construct the motor.
- Troubleshoot any issues and refine your design.
- Document your project and explain the underlying principles.
Explore Online Tutorials on Three-Phase AC Systems
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of three-phase AC systems through online tutorials. These tutorials often provide visual aids and practical examples to clarify complex concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable online tutorials on three-phase AC systems (e.g., on YouTube or educational websites).
- Watch tutorials covering topics such as three-phase voltage generation, wye and delta connections, and power calculations.
- Take notes and try to solve example problems presented in the tutorials.
Career center
Learners who complete Electrical Power Engineering Principles will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Power Systems Engineer
Power Systems Engineer
A Power Systems Engineer specializes in the design, analysis, and maintenance of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The course's emphasis on electrical power engineering principles, including AC and DC systems, is fundamental for prospective power systems engineers. The course's detailed explanations will assist in developing an understanding of how electrical systems are designed, constructed, tested, and operated. The course's focus on concepts such as how capacitors and inductors affect electrical systems is critical when considering power systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
The role of an Electrical Engineer involves designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment and systems. This course is directly relevant as it teaches fundamental electrical engineering principles, including understanding alternating current and direct current, applying Ohm's law, and using Kirchhoff's current law. Electrical Engineers must understand how inductors and capacitors work, and this is a key part of this course, and allows for practical application in the field. The course's focus on electrical power systems and their components will serve as a strong foundation for anyone looking to pursue an electrical engineer role.
Design Engineer
Design Engineer
A Design Engineer creates technical drawings, specifications, and plans for electrical systems. This course provides a solid understanding of electrical power engineering principles and will be extremely helpful for design engineers. The course covers concepts such as Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's current law, which are used extensively in design. An understanding of AC and DC systems and how they work with capacitors and inductors is critical when creating designs. Design engineers will find this course useful when creating technical documents.
Commissioning Engineer
Commissioning Engineer
A Commissioning Engineer is responsible for overseeing the installation, testing, and startup of new equipment and systems. This course will provide a strong theoretical background in electrical power, which is vital for a commissioning engineer who must be able to understand electrical systems during the set-up and testing phases. The course on electrical power engineering will allow the Commissioning Engineer to work on complex systems, and will help develop the deep understanding of electrical principles such as Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's current law. This is especially vital when verifying the performance of equipment and systems.
Electrical Technician
Electrical Technician
An Electrical Technician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems and equipment. The course on electrical engineering principles introduces the basics of electrical engineering, such as the difference between AC and DC, and the link between electricity and magnetism. Technicians must be able to understand electrical systems. The course will also provide a strong foundation in electrical laws such as Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's law. Understanding the concepts taught in the course will directly improve performance in this role.
Renewable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer focuses on the design, development, and implementation of renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, and hydro. An understanding of basic electrical principles, such as AC and DC, is essential for this role, and this course will assist those who wish to transition into this field. Renewable energy systems often deal with the conversion of power by use of capacitors and inductors, which is a subject covered in the course. A strong grounding in electrical power engineering will assist renewable energy engineers who must understand the complex interaction of all components of modern power systems.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager in the electrical power industry is responsible for planning, executing, and managing projects related to the construction and installation of electrical systems. This course will provide an understanding of electrical engineering principles, which is very helpful for project managers who work in the industry. A project manager will be able to communicate effectively with engineers and have an understanding of issues that arise, and this course will help with that communication. When managing power system projects, it is vital to understand the implications of decisions, and this course provides that type of familiarity.
Test Engineer
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer develops and conducts tests on electrical systems and components to ensure they meet specified standards. Test Engineers often work with electric circuits, and the basic laws and principles taught in this course will help greatly. Concepts such as how capacitors and inductors affect AC and DC circuits are vital when running tests. The course may be useful for test engineers who work on electrical systems, and who must have a fundamental understanding of the basic principles of electrical engineering.
Automation Engineer
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automated systems. The course provides an introduction to electrical principles, including the link between electricity and magnetism, which may be helpful. This will help automation engineers understand the principles of electrical power systems. Automation systems often use electrical circuits, and this course covers many of the concepts, such as Ohms law and Kirchhoff's law, that are critical in these systems. This course may be useful for an automation engineer.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements systems that regulate and control industrial processes. The principles of electrical power engineering taught in this course helps build a foundation for a career as a control systems engineer. Control systems often involve working with AC and DC circuits, as well as understanding how components such as capacitors and inductors work. This course will help establish the foundation for how control systems operate, which is essential for a control systems engineer. This course may be useful for control systems engineers.
Field Application Engineer
Field Application Engineer
A Field Application Engineer provides technical support and training to clients who use electrical products or systems. For a field application engineer to be successful, they will need to have a strong understanding of electrical power engineering principles. This course will help develop a strong knowledge of how systems operate, and the link between electricity and magnetism. It will also help the field application engineer understand how capacitors and inductors work within AC and DC systems. The course may be useful to those in this field.
Product Development Engineer
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer is involved in the design and development of new electrical products. This course may be helpful by providing general knowledge in power systems and electrical engineering. The course covers electrical power engineering principles and laws, such as Ohms Law, Kirchoff's Law and how they work. The understanding of AC and DC circuits in the course may assist engineers who are developing new products by giving them an understanding of how systems work. This course may be useful to those in product development.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer sells complex technical products and services to clients. They must have a thorough understanding of the products they sell. The course introduces the basics of electrical engineering, such as the difference between AC and DC, and the link between electricity and magnetism, which will be helpful when discussing the technical aspects of products with clients. This course may be helpful for sales engineers who work in the electrical industry.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates documentation, manuals, and other written materials for technical products or systems. This course will provide an understanding of electrical power engineering principles, which can help a Technical Writer who needs to write about this field. The course provides a foundation in concepts and terminology that Technical Writers will need to know to be successful in this industry. The course may be useful for technical writers.
Instructor
Instructor
An Instructor in the field of electrical engineering educates students on the principles and applications of electrical systems. This course on basic electrical engineering principles will be helpful in laying a foundation before moving on to more complicated topics. The course teaches fundamental concepts such as AC and DC, as well as the link between electricity and magnetism, and so is good for those who wish to teach electrical engineering. This course may be useful to instructors.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjtfko/electrical
Reading list
We've selected three books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Electrical Power Engineering Principles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electrical engineering principles, covering topics such as circuit analysis, electromagnetics, and power systems. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the fundamental concepts presented in the course. The book is commonly used as a textbook in undergraduate electrical engineering programs. It offers a more in-depth exploration of the topics covered in the course, making it a useful resource for students seeking a deeper understanding.
Widely used introductory text for electric circuits. It provides a clear and concise explanation of fundamental concepts, making it an excellent resource for students new to the field. The book covers topics such as Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, and AC/DC circuit analysis. It is particularly helpful for students who need to strengthen their foundational knowledge before tackling more advanced topics in power engineering.
Provides a broad overview of electrical engineering concepts, making it a useful resource for non-engineers or those new to the field. It covers topics such as circuit theory, electromagnetism, and power systems. While not a deep dive, it serves as a good introductory text and provides a solid foundation for further study. It is particularly helpful for understanding the basic principles covered in the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjtfko/electrical
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