Introduction to Power System Generation

and Transmission Grid System

 CONTENTS
1. Goal power system
2. Components in power generation and transmission system
3. Malaysia’s power grid –basic information
4. Issues & Challenges on Power Generation & Transmission
System
 ACTIVITY
• Before we start, let’s do some quick trivia quiz to test your current
understanding of elec power system from your previous classes or
general knowledge
<<open Microsoft form quiz>>
And discuss a little bit…
 Intro to Electrical Grid (4 minutes)
Lets watch this video and
answer these questions:
1. What are the main
components of the power
grid?
2. What’s the difference
between
generation,transmission
system and distribution
system?
3. What does substation
does?
4. What’s the difference
between old and modern
grid? Advantage and
disadvantage?
5. What are the main type of
consumers?
6. Why higher voltage is used
for transmission system?
7. What are the main
challenges of the grid?
https://youtu.be/nbPmsBmo03Y
 Overview to power generation and the national grid (3 minutes)

• How many ways

electricity are generated?
• Why majority of power
are generated from fossil
fuel?
• In fossil fuel plant, what
makes the turbine turn to
turn the generator?
• What is national grid?
• How energy loss is
reduced in the
transmission line?

https://youtu.be/A4E35Akk7kM
 Additional video on basics of the power grid
• You can watch this later if you want to have more elaboration/lecture
on basic and fundamental of the power grid ( must know stuff &
highly recommend !!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUWRyhsutL8
Objective, goal
and performance
requirement of an
electric power
system
 Electrical Power Engineering and the power supply system
- past, present & future
• Electrical power system – one of the
oldest, largest, fastest growing &
most complex system ever invented
• Electric energy is so important– like
air we breathe, can’t live without it!
• All in all, electrical power
engineering must be capable to :
KEEP THE LIGHTS ON !!
• If not……
Total darkness…
Lets do some case
study of a few major
power tripping in
Peninsular Malaysia
 Activity
Before we begin, lets discuss the following
questions:
• What are some of causes of power outages?
• How to prevent power outages?
• How to reduce impact of power outages?
 Case #1 : June 29 1985
Sequence of event
• The trip occurred at 1.37pm on two lines between
Paka (PAKA), Terengganu and Kampung Awah
(KAWA), Pahang and tripped all power stations
connected to the national grid → causing chaos in
major towns.
• Thus, 600MW load loss on the East Coast →
many power stations tripped to protect
overfrequency → caused wide blackout for
several hours in 11 states.
The remedies
• Review the effectiveness of preventive, “load
shedding” schemes.
• The construction of new 275 kilovolt (kv)
transmission line from Paka, Terengganu to Tanah
Merah, Kelantan in 1986 → creates alternative
route for dispatching power to the grid from major
plants in Paka and Kenyir, Terengganu.

Power Plants & Grid in Malaysia (2014)

Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/01/14/major-blackouts-in-malaysia/
 Case #1 : July 31, 1992 - Total national blackout
Sequence of event
• A bolt of lightning during a thunderstorm struck four power
lines between PAKA and Teluk Kalong (TKLG) in Terengganu,
→ lines tripped → causing massive power failure in the entire
Peninsular Malaysia at 3pm.
• Fifteen power stations on the west coast were put out of
action, to avoide generator overload.
• This grid was one of two supplying power to the west coast
and the resultant overload caused the 1,000mw Paka power
station to trip.
• Power was restored between six to ten hours in most states.
The remedies
• Erect an alternative transmission line between Terengganu
and the south of the peninsula.
• Improve its protection system in the power transmission
system
• Allocate to 30% spare generation capacity at any one time in
its power generation system (At this time, there was only
10%)
• Provide portable power stations (“genset”) in densely
populated areas to ensure supply (e.g. KL, city area) Power Plants & Grid in Malaysia (2014)
Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/01/14/major-blackouts-in-malaysia/
Malaysia 1996 blackout (minutes 0:30 to 6:58)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpBHGO23TF4
 Case #1 : Aug 3, 1996
Sequence of event
• A transmission line near Paka Power tripped at 5.17pm causing all
power stations in Peninsular Malaysia to collapse resulting in a
massive power failure (Paka Power was the largest at that time)
• The cascading effect of the trip shut down supply in sequence at
all power stations.
• Supply was black to normal by 11pm at Paka and Dungun in
Terengganu, Kalumpang and Rawang in Selangor, Cheras in Kuala
Lumpur and Damansara in Petaling Jaya.
• The estimated loss incurred by the manufacturer on that day
alone is RM 123 Million according to Association of Malaysian
Manufacturers (FMM).
• In fact, TNB itself had to bear a loss of RM 13.6 million and an
additional RM 10 million for equipment damage.
The remedies
• TNB recommended to reduce overdependence on power
generated from these stations → to lower the risk of major
system failure.
• TNB was expected to spend between RM50mil to RM100mil per
year in the next five years to improve reliability and security of
nation’s electricity distribution.
• The government later approved five private power producers
(IPP) to join the electricity generation business→This indirectly Power Plants & Grid in Malaysia (2014)
caused TNB's major shares to fall sharply and revenues reduces.
Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2005/01/14/major-blackouts-in-malaysia/
16
17
18
https://youtu.be/nd3teNgUq8E
 August 14th, 2003 Blackout in US
 50 million people affected.
 USD 6 billion in losses.
 Main cause determined to be
untrimmed trees in the Cleveland area
→ causing “cascading effect”
 When a line hits a tree, the line is
short circuited→the line tripped
 It causes other lines to pick up the
load → causes increased load
(resistance) on the other line
 It caused increased heat on other line
→ line to sag more → line to hit
overgrown tree → more lines trip
 Understanding what causes power outages

• What are the

main cause of
power
blackout?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2MI4irr_J8
 Activity – analogy of interconnected power system
and “cascading effect“ blackout
• The cars = power stations (many
sizes/capacity)
• The cable = transmission and distribution
system.
• The big wheels = the total load from all
consumers in the power system
• Explain what’s going on in this pic?
• Relate this analogy to the power system
operation based on what happen if:
• One/many of the cable snapped?
• One/many of the car broke down?
In recent news (2022) in Malaysia – 2 minutes

https://youtu.be/PzN0uHY4zXA
Activity
Based on the following video list of power system requirement
:
1. Explain what do you understand about each
requirement?
2. Is there any other objective you can think about?
 Power System Reliability
• Explain what do
you understand
about power
system reliability

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UOLObWZRRQ
Some basic objective/goal/requirements of Power
System

Stable Reliable Secure Efficient

Environmentally Economical &

Smart Safe
friendly Affordable

Sustainable Other?
Goal of the Electrical Power System
• From the Malaysian Grid Code (MGC), the Electrical Power System is to ensure
that the system is Safe, Reliable and Economical.
• “Safe” means that the operation of the power system should protect all users
from danger, hazard or any risk to them.
• “Reliable” means that the operation of the power system is consistently good
in quality or performance
• “Economical” means that the operation of the power system provides good
value or return in relation to the money, no waste & not too expensive. The
energy bill (tariff) should also be fair to both power utilities and consumer.
 Goal of the Electrical Power System
• To provide electricity to its customers efficiently and with a reasonable assurance of
continuity and quality.
• Continuous and good quality electricity supply depend on the Reliability of the power
system, which depends on Adequacy and Security :
Reliability = Adequacy + Security
• Reliability = an indication on how the power system will perform the task for which it
was designed or intended, for a specified time and in a specified environment
• Adequacy = an indication on how sufficient the capacity of the power system (G,T & D)
able to cater for demand either during normal or contingency condition.
• Security = an indication on the ability of the power system to withstand/endure
disturbance (this is sometimes known as Resiliency) and continue to deliver power to the
consumer.
• Redundancy = The duplication of critical power components or functions of a system
with the intention to increase reliability of the system (i.e. usually in the form of adding
backup/standby equipment in case the main equipment fails)
• Stability = The ability of the grid system to regain a state of operating equilibrium after
being subjected to a disturbance (i.e. voltage, frequency are back to stable and normal
operating condition after disturbance)
 Goal of the Electrical Power System
1. It must supply power, practically to meet
customer demands everywhere.
2. It must supply power to the customers at all
times.
3. It must be able to supply the ever changing
(increasing and decreasing) load demand at
all time
4. The power supplied should be of good quality
(voltage and frequency within nominal range)
5. The power supplied should be economical.
6. It must satisfy necessary safety requirements.

29
 Goal of the Electrical Power System
• The delivered power must meet certain
minimum requirements with regards to the
quality of the supply.
• The following determine the quality of the power
supply:
i. The system frequency must be kept
around the specified 50 Hz with a variation
of +/- 0.05 Hz.
ii. The magnitude of bus voltages are
maintained within narrow prescribed
limits around the normal value (Generally
voltage variation should be limited to +/-
5%)
• Voltage and frequency controls are necessary for
reliable operation of power systems.
 Frequency requirements
• Frequency fluctuations are detrimental to electrical appliances.
• The following are a few reasons why we should keep strict limits on frequency
deviations :
i. Three phase a.c. motors run at speeds that are directly proportional to the
frequency. Variation of system frequency will affect the motor performance.
ii. The blades of steam and water turbines are designed to operate at a
particular speed. Frequency variations will cause change in speed. This will
result in excessive vibration and cause damage to the turbine blades.
iii. Frequency error may produce havoc in the digital storage and retrieval
process.
iv. …and many others.
Therefore it is essential to keep the system frequency constant and within the
tolerance.
 Voltage requirements
• Both over voltage and under voltage are detrimental to electrical
appliances.
• For example:
1. Electric motors will tend to run on over speed when they are fed with
higher voltages resulting vibration and mechanical damage.
2. Over voltage may also cause insulation failure. For a specified power
rating, when the supply voltage is less, the current drawn is more and
it will give rise to heating problems→ insulation failure
3. …and many others.
• Therefore it is essential to keep the system voltage variation within the
tolerance.
Causes of Voltage Sags in Peninsular Malaysia, 2018-2020
Main Components
in Power
Generation And
Transmission
System
 Electrical Power System/Grid/Network
• Electrical Power System is system consists of synchronized power providers
(generations) and consumers (loads) that are connected by transmission and
distribution lines (and transformers) and operated by one or more control centers.
• It is a network of electrical components deployed to supply, transfer, and use
electric power.
• It is sometimes called “Power Grid” or “Power Network”
• EPS is “almost” similar to our human body :
• Brain → control center/grid system operator
• Nerve system → communication system
• Heart → generation
• Blood vessel → transmission and distribution
• Muscles/organs/cells → load
 Main Component of Electrical Power Systems
• Every power system has three major system:
1. Generation: source of power, ideally with a specified voltage and frequency – all
equipment in the power stations.
2. Transmission system: transmits power from the generation; ideally as a perfect conductor
at high voltage level for long distances – equipment includes : T-lines, cables, substations
etc.
3. Distribution system: transmits power at lower level, scattered over a shorter distance but
over a large geographic area - equipment includes : OH or UG lines, cables, substations etc.
• The following component exists/connected in each of the system above:
1. Load or demand: consumes power and energy.
2. Protection, Automation & Control equipment: coordinate the power supply, voltage and
current. This component exists at ALL level of power system (G, T and D) – also known as
auxiliary equipment.
• Also, all power system equipment are categorized as “Primary Equipment” and “Secondary
Equipment” – do you know what’s the difference?.
Electric power system configuration and structure
Malaysia’s
power grid
(the National
Grid)
Power Plants & Major transmission lines in Peninsular Malaysia (2014)

Latest power grid , click here:

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/publicatio
ns/poster/Malaysia%20Electricity%20&%20Gas
%20Pipeline%20Infrastrutuce.pdf

Source : Malaysia GSO website

Power System Connection In Peninsular Malaysia ,nominal/standard voltage level and
maximum demand

Step up to either
500kV, 275
or 132kV

11/.4kV

at 400V or 230V

400V or 230V Note that, there’s also 500kV line in Peninsular Malaysia!
Malaysian’s Nominal Voltage Regulations based on the Grid Code
 Do you know what it means by contingency?
• “Contingency “ is a conditition where one or more
power system primary equipment such as
generator, transformer, transmission line etc are not
functioning.
• It also define as the change of the device state (LIVE
or DEAD) which may caused by planned/unplanned
outage transformer substation or circuit breaker
due to maintenance activities.
• During contingency situation, other equipments are
allowed to operate beyond the normal regulated
voltage values, but, only for a certain period to
avoid damage to the existing equipment.
• After the non-functional equipment are back to
service, then, the operation is resumed back to
normal regulated values.
 Malaysian’s Nominal Frequency Regulations based on the Grid
Code
• CC6.2.3 Grid Frequency Variations
CC6.2.3.1 The Frequency of the Grid System shall be nominally 50Hz and shall be controlled within the
limits of 49.5Hz - 50.5Hz unless exceptional circumstances prevail.
•
CC6.2.3.2 In exceptional circumstances, the System Frequency could rise to 52Hz or fall to 47Hz but
sustained operation outside this range is not envisaged. Design of User's Plant and Apparatus must enable
operation of that Plant and Apparatus within that range in accordance with the following:
Today’s Power Utilities Companies in Malaysia

UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA

Key sources of
important
information of
Malaysia’s energy
and power system
1. Energy Commission
 The Energy Commission website

https://www.st.gov.my/
 ST Annual reports

• http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/download-page/category/87-annual-reports.html
Energy Malaysia magazine – latest info, trend, issues in our energy and
power system

https://www.st.gov.my/en/web/download/listing/112
 National Energy Balance report

https://www.st.gov.my/en/web/download/listing/111
ST Reports On Peninsular Malaysia’s Generation Development Plan

https://www.st.gov.my/en/web/download/listing/169
Other reports / statistics by ST
Peak Demand in Peninsular Malaysia, 2018-
2020

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Laporan_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
Question : why this peak demand trend is
important to the power utility (TNB) ?

http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/download-page/category/87-annual-reports.html
 Installed Capacity in Peninsular Malaysia, 2019 & 2020

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Laporan_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
 GENERATION MIX

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Laporan_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
Percentage of RE Electricity Capacity in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah,
2019 & 2020

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Lapora
n_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
 Maximum/Peak demand or load
• Maximum demand (MD) is the capacity (or highest level) of electricity usage, and it
works to assess the level of capacity (load) of electricity used by customers.
• MD is measured in kW/MW, and it is calculated as the highest amount of power
measured within any consecutive period of thirty minutes in a certain period (either
month or year).
Installed capacity Mix & energy mix in Peninsular Malaysia, 2020-2039

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Laporan_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
 Reserve Margin Projections, 2020-2039
Reserve margin (operating): The amount of unused available capability of an
electric power system (at peak load for a utility system) as a percentage of total
capability.

Reserve Margin = ((Total Generation Capacity – Peak Demand) / Peak Demand)x100%

https://www.st.gov.my/en/contents/files/download/87/Laporan_Tahunan_ST_2020.pdf
2. Malaysia Energy Information
Hub (MEIH)
https://meih.st.gov.my/home
3. Grid System Operator (GSO)
 Grid System Operator

https://www.gso.org.my/LandingPage.aspx
https://www.gso.org.my/LandingPage.aspx
 2021

https://www.gso.org.my/LandingPage.aspx
2022
 2021

https://www.gso.org.my/LandingPage.aspx
24 hours Msia’s total demand profile (2021)

https://www.gso.org.my/LandingPage.aspx
2022
Largest single site (capacity) power plant in South East Asia & Malaysia in 2022 is in
Melaka

https://youtu.be/A-Vf8jJap_8
4. TNB Annual Reports
 TNB Annual reports

https://www.tnb.com.my/suppliers-investors-media-relations/annual-reports
5. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
(SEDA) MALAYSIA
https://www.seda.gov.my/
Issues, challenges
and impact in
Power Generation
& Transmission
System
 Activity
• Before we begin, lets watch the following videos and discuss what are
the issues, challenges and impact in the power system generation
and transmission (PSGT)system from 2 perspective:
• Caused by the PSGT system to the people, economy, environment
etc.
• Faced by the PSGT system (power utility e.g TNB)
• Think about the cause and how to tackle those issues.
 China faces severe drought amid a record-breaking heatwave – BBC News

• What is the issues

?
• Why consumers
are asked to
reduce
consumption?
• What is the main
cause?
 Nature of power grid
1. Electrical energy in typical large power system cannot
be stored → it is typically consumed immediately it is
generated
2. No “ideal” voltage sources exist – expect voltage
variation.
3. Power demand /Loads/Current are seldom constant
(constantly changing) and are typically not entirely Daily curve
resistive
25000
4. Transmission system has resistance, inductance, 20000

capacitance and power flow limitations & losses

MW Load
15000

10000
5. Power system is subject to disturbances, such as 5000
faults, lightning strikes-line will trip, thus some load 0

will be disconnected.

1
518
1035
1552
2069
2586
3103
3620
4137
4654
5171
5688
6205
6722
7239
7756
8273
Hour of Year

6. Some simple system has no redundancy so power

system will not work if any component fails – require Yearly curve
tradeoffs between reliability vs cost.
What are some issues and challenges of the generation
& transmission system?

Generation Transmission
• Technical • Technical
• Not able to supply enough load • Not able to supply enough load
• Tripping due to disturbances– e.g. loss of • Tripping caused by disturbances– e.g. loss
fuel, voltage, synchronization. of voltage
• Economic • Economic
• Shortage of fuel supply • Land price – getting more expensive
• Rising fuel cost • Cost of materials - fluctuate
• Social/Political • Social/Political
• Environmental impact- pollution • Price and availability of land

• …can you identify more? • ……can you identify more?

Most common power
quality problems on
power system

• Source : Introductory
Chapter: Power System
Harmonics— Analysis, Effects,
and Mitigation Solutions for
Power Quality Improvement
Ahmed F. Zobaa, Shady H.E.
Abdel Aleem and Murat E. Balci,
2018
 Energy Costs
• Electric generating technologies involve a tradeoff between fixed
costs (primarily capital costs to build them) and operating costs
• Hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar = high fixed/initial costs, but low
operating costs
• Natural gas = low fixed/initial costs but relatively high operating
costs (dependent upon fuel prices)
• Coal in between.
• Total average costs depend on :
• Fixed costs
• Operating costs
• Capacity factor (ratio of average power production to capacity).
 Average Fuel Price

Source = http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/download-page/category/87-annual-reports.html
Environmental impact
 Average Efficiency of Thermal Plant in Malaysia

https://meih.st.gov.my/statistics
https://knoema.com/atlas/Malaysia/CO2-emissions
CO2 Emissions from 1990 to 2011
https://www.mosti.gov.my/web/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/8.Malaysia-1st-Biennnial-Update-Report-to-
UNFCCC-BUR-1-Dec-2015.pdf
the end