A web-based power flow simulator for power engineering education

This paper discusses a prototype software package that includes a web-based power flow simulator and a Java-based graphical user interface (GUI) that may be used as a flexible and portable independent front-end for teaching power system operation and control. A setup which provides an interactive distance learning environment capability is also included. Lecturers are given the ability to plan and design new power system scenarios easily, while students will work with these designed scenarios. All that is required is any Java-enabled terminal connected to the Internet. A six-bus, two generator system under light, medium and peak load conditions is used to illustrate the underlying principles of power system operation and control. The power flow simulator, Java GUI and their interfaces, have been implemented using software technologies such as Abstract Window Tools (AWT) and Java Foundation Classes (JFC) and Common Object Request Broker Architecture (OMG's CORBA).