This module will provide you with an introduction to smart grids and their operation. It also familiarises you with active network management techniques and introduces you to active network devices, as well as network evolution from passive to active networks, smart grids and associated smart technologies. Similarities and differences between CENELEC Smart Grids and IEEE Smart Grids standards will be explored, as well as the role of energy storage in Smart Grids.

LO1. Systematically recognise the main concepts and principles relating to Smart Grids and active network devices.

LO2. Recognise the role of Smart Grids in building more flexible and resilient power systems.

LO3. Appraise active network management techniques and their role in the control of modern power systems.

LO4. Identify and appraise the techniques used for demand side management.

LO5. Critique DC technology-based control devices and their operation in transmission and distribution networks.

The module will be delivered through face-to-face teaching and learning material, guided online study and on-campus classes (tutorials, discussion and formative feedback sessions). These are used to explain the main principles of smart grids and to develop your understanding of the material and its engineering relevance. Industrial Case Studies are used to illustrate some of the key themes, so that you gain a better understanding of many of the issues associated with this broad-based subject. Structured problems are also integrated within the module notes and you are encouraged to discuss solutions within the class tutorial environment. Students are expected to undertake all the tutorial questions and to relate them to the examples used during classes. This strengthening of knowledge in each module theme will help students towards meeting the learning outcome.

Subject-Specific Skills:

• Analyse similarities and differences between CENELEC and IEEE Smart Grids standards.
• Appraise active network management techniques and their applications.
• Evaluate the value of demand side management in smart grids.
• Apply advanced power system dynamic simulation techniques using PSCAD/EMTDC software tool.
• Analyse power quality issues when distributed generators are connected to the network and quantify the level of voltage sags for different scenarios.
• Interpret the characteristics of faults that might damage sensitive equipment and propose protection measures.
• Evaluate the operation and control performance of power electronics-based AC/DC conversion in power networks.
• Evaluate the impact of active control devices on future network configuration and operation.

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4):

• Apply engineering principles to the solution of complex problems {M1}
• Evaluate solutions from first principles and discuss limitations {M2}
• Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed {M3}
• Critically evaluate technical literature to solve complex problems {M4}
• Design solutions for complex problems while considering industry standards {M5}

Transferable/Employment Skills (Graduate attributes):

• Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information (ICT01)
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding (ICT02)
• Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures (ICT03)
• Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems (IECA01)
• Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change (RR02)
• Identify and articulate own skills, knowledge and understanding confidently and in a variety of contexts (RR03)

The module is 100% summatively assessed using two components, weighted as follows:

1. 1.5 hour written examination (all questions compulsory) 60% covering learning outcomes of LO1, LO2 and LO5.
2. Written individual assignment (report of 800 words) 40% covering learning outcomes LO3 and LO4.

Formative feedback is provided during the tutorials, discussion and feedback sessions.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme. If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

Re-assessment in this module will be based on the original original format of the failed component(s) during the Resit Examination period covering all of the original LOs.

• Introduction to Smart Grids and intelligent electric systems
• CENELEC Smart Grids Standard. IEEE Smart Grids Standard
• Network evolution from passive network to active network and Smart Grids with the associated technologies.
• Role of energy storage in Smart Grids
• Active Network Management techniques with case studies from industry.
• High voltage and medium voltage DC technologies
• Voltage control.
• Demand Side Management.
• PSCAD/EMTDC tutorial.