The module provides students with an understanding of smart grids and their operation. It also familiarises students with active network management techniques and introduces students to active network devices.  

There will be presented the network evolution from passive networks to active networks and smart grids and their associated smart technologies. 

The similarities and differences between CENELEC Smart Grids and IEEE Smart Grids standards will be discussed. 

The role of energy storage in Smart Grids will be introduced. 

1. LO1: Demonstrate knowledge of the main concepts and principles relating to Smart Grids and active network devices. 
2. LO2: Recognise the role of Smart Grids in building more flexible and resilient power systems. 
3. LO3: Understand active network management techniques and their role in control of modern power systems.  
4. LO4: Systematically identify the techniques used for demand side management.  
5. LO5: Understand DC technology-based control devices and their operation in transmission and distribution networks 

The module will be delivered in the Spring Semester through a blend of online teaching and learning material, guided study, and on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, feedback sessions). A number of industrial Case Studies are structured within the module to illustrate some of the key themes, these case studies reflecting both documented evidence and experience of the lecturers associated with the module. In this way students gain a better understanding of some of the many issues associated with this broad-based subject. 

Structured problems are also integrated within the module notes and students are encouraged to discuss their 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 outcomes. 

• Skills developed and practised through the module include:  

• Analysis of similarities and differences between CENELEC and IEEE Smart Grids standards.  

• Systematically understand 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.  

• Analysis of power quality issues when distributed generators are connected to the network. Quantify the level of voltage sags for different case studies.  

• Discuss 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 impact of active control devices on future network configuration and operation. 

• Develop practical engineering skills through real case studies from industry. 

• Demonstrate independence in reporting and analysing results. 

There are two assessments on the module:  

One summative assessment will be an individual Exam (60%) which covers MLO 1, 2, and 5. 

The exam consists of four equally weighted compulsory questions, 2 questions from Smart Grids section and 2 questions from Active Network Devices section. The questions are reflecting the main themes of the module including open-ended questions on the theoretical content of the module and numerical questions.  

Feedback on the summative exam will be provided in the form of generic cohort feedback and individual grade. 

Feedback on formative work will be verbal in class. 

The second summative assessment will be Coursework (40%) which covers MLO 3 and 4.  

CW has two elements:  

Part A: Modelling and simulation of a network using PSCAD/EMTDC software tool for assessing the Distributed Generation impact on power quality. (20%) 

Part B: General design of a community smart energy system for a specific load demand to achieve a localised balanced area with distributed generation and storage. (20%) 

Students will have the opportunity to understand how their assessment will be marked and how the feedback corresponds directly to the marking criteria. The detailed marking scheme is provided along with the coursework on the front sheet.  

Feedback on the coursework is provided on the Front Sheet marking scheme highlighting the positive and negative points and suggesting ways of improving the performance. See Appendix 1 for Assessment criteria. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:  

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be set at component level. The remit of the reassessment will be set by the module leader mapped against the module learning outcomes. 

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. 

• Introduction to Smart Grids.  

• 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.