A PC Based Integrated Software for Power System Education

This paper presents the implementation of an integrated software package to run under PC-DOS for the analysis and design of Electric Power Networks. Graphics and windows are embedded in the user interface to form the basis of the interactive environment. System configuration is entered graphically, while system data is entered directly through tabular windows. A variety of analysis programs are provided in this environment such as different types of load flow solution techniques. In addition, this paper demonstrates a novel use of PC enhanced graphics capability to display the real and reactive power flows by means of animation. A modular interactive expert system is an element of this environment. Popular features such as help menus and icons selection menus are also included. The modular design of this environment permits the user to interface any custom made analysis package regardless of the computer language used. This environment proves to be useful for educational and research purposes. Recent work in CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) areas show a clear trend toward more sophisticated user interfaces. One of the primary goals of any interactive environment is to enhance the bandwidth of communication between the user and the application program. Wider bandwidth of communications means that more information is conveyed to the user in a shorter period of time. The user interface is the aspect of the program that governs the communication between the user and the application.