Class Syllabus

This course introduces the operation of large-scale power systems from a modern point of view. We will define and discuss the major problems in power system analysis, operations, and economics. We will talk about different formulations and tools that are commonly used in practice, and how they are changing when large amount of renewable resources and large loads are present in the grid. Open problems and current approaches are discussed in each of the these topics. No previous power engineering background is required. Familiarity with senior undergraduate level linear algebra and calculus is assumed. For more information, see detailed syllabus.

Class: MW, 10:30am-12pm, ECE 031. No class on Oct 21st.
Instructor: Baosen Zhang, zhangbao@uw.edu, Office: ECE M310
Office Hours: Wednesdays at 2:30pm, ECE M310

Textbook and References:

  1. We will use the following textbook:
    • Power System Analysis, A Mathematical Approach, by Steven Low. It can be found at https://netlab.caltech.edu/book_reg/. You may need to register to get access. Please note that this book is still in the draft stage, so there might be some errors and typos.
  2. These references can be helpful:
    • Power System Generation, Operation and Control, by A. Wood & B. Wollenberg
    • Computational Methods for Electric Power Systems, M. L. Crow
    • Convex Optimization of Power Systems, J. Taylor
    • Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra, Boyd and Vandenberghe
  3. We will sometimes use the material provided by Tom Overbye, Ned Mohan and Bruce Wollenberg and Marija Ilic. Many thanks to them for making their course materials publicly available.
  4. I will try to respond to emails within 24 hours. Please write EE554 in the subject.

Schedule of Classes:

  1. Logistics of the course, introduction to power system analysis. Book chapters 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
  2. Bus injection model, power flow equations. Book chapters 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6

Coding and AI

  1. You can use whatever software you like. Newer languages like Python and Julia are recommended. Both have active communities developing power system toolboxes, like PyPSA, PowerModels, PandaPower and many others. Some of you maybe more familiar with Matlab and it has established tools like MatPower. UW also has access to PowerWorld and please contact me if you prefer to use it.
  2. You may use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude. For some larger problems, you perhaps should. Please clearly indicate how these are used in your homework solutions. Please remember that you’re ultimately responsible for the answers.

Grading Structure:

  1. There will be weekly homework assignments. No late homework would be accepted.
  2. Grade distribution: homework 80%, class participation 20%.
  3. Bonus points for finding typos and mistakes in the textbook.
  4. You’re encouraged to discuss homework questions with other students. However, the solutions must be your own.

Homework Assignments:

  1. Homework 1, due on 11:59pm on Oct 9th, 2026. Submit to https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1917157.

AI Policy:

AI tools present opportunities that can contribute to your learning and academic work. If you use such tools, you must clearly state where they are used and how they contributed to your work. Otherwise, using these technologies may violate academic standards of the University.

For other course policies, please see the detailed syllabus.