KD7070 - Smart Grids

The module will be delivered through lectures and knowledge will be consolidated in seminar and laboratory sessions. The theory, analytical and design procedures of existing and future power networks will be thoroughly investigated in formal lectures. Seminars will use case studies and typical problems to exemplify theory. Lab sessions will provide you with the opportunity to gain practice with software tools and develop their computer modelling skills. Seminar classes and lab sessions be run in an interactive manner, with the you taking a significant role.

Course work complements the delivery of theoretical content though the use of industry standard simulation software (ERACS) to provide experience of system design flow, from concept to analysis and development of design specifications. The assignment will enhance your theoretical knowledge and expose them to new technologies in computer-aided design and analysis of power systems.

eLearning portal and guided reading will be used to support the learning process.

All taught materials will be uploaded to the eLearning portal, and/or or e-mailed to you, including course work, lecture notes, seminar exercises, examples of past exam papers, and references to other supporting resources for additional reading such as relevant journal and conference papers or any other research informed publications and multimedia related to the module content. If further clarifications are required, you are encouraged to contact the module team directly during lectures, seminars or laboratory sessions, or outside of the teaching hours by email in the first instance.

A "Discussion Board" is created on the eLearning platform and you are encouraged to use this as well as fully engage during all contact sessions.

The knowledge acquired in the module will significantly increase your employability within the power industry.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand and apply the techniques and power electronics control principles associated with theory, operation, design, simulation and analysis of different structural components of modern power systems (smart grids) and electrical distribution networks in the presence of renewable energy, electric vehicles and ICT support.

2. Understand the cutting-edge research underpinning the need for high quality of supply and problems that can affect their solution including commercial, practical design and implementation aspects, such as, cost, regulations and standards.
(UK-SPEC SM1fl, SM2fl, D2fl, EP2fl, ET1fl, ET2fl, ET5fl, SM1m, SM2m, SM4m, ET1m, ET2m, ET5m, D4m, D7m)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Formulate numerical methods for modern power system design and analysis, and perform advanced calculations for integration of renewable energy and electric vehicles into the grid.

4. Evaluate appropriate procedures to design simple modern power networks that are legislation compliant, incorporating electric vehicles and different types of distributed generators, and critically analyse network performance using industry standard software packages to determine power flow, voltage levels and aspects of smart grid technologies.
(UK-SPEC EA1fl, EA2fl, SM1fl, D2fl, EA1m, EA2m, EA3m, SM1m, D4m, D7m)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Continuous professional and personal development through independent learning and efficient time management.
(UK-SPEC ET1fl, ET3fl, ET1m, ET3m)

There are two forms of summative assessment:

1. 3hr Examination(60%)(4 questions from 8). This will address module learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3 and 5. Formative exam feedback will be provided via a formal session individually, and also generically to indicate where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to examination questions. Written feedback will be provided on the assignment.

2. Assignment (40%)(1500 words). This will address module learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The assignment will be based upon the use of simulation software, ERACS, to simulate a system and appraise the outcomes. Written feedback will be provided on the assignment.

FORMATIVE FEEDBACK
Formative feedback will be provided in the seminars and laboratories.

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Commercial electrical power systems were first deployed at the end of the nineteenth century and since they have not changed much despite significant developments and availability of new technologies. In this module, you will develop the ability and skills to analyse the limits of existing power networks in meeting modern developments and environmental concerns. You will also learn how to use new technologies, such as power electronics, computing, information and communication technologies (ICT) to develop a ‘smart grid’ that can provide a platform to control a network dynamically in order to provide reliable, efficient and environment friendly electricity supply. You will examine the challenges and benefits of the ‘smart grid’ and enabling technologies. Emphasis is given to the integration of low carbon technologies (renewable energy, electric vehicles), costs, regulations and standards. You will be able to develop/evaluate practical designs using standard simulation software, reinforced by the use of real-world examples and case studies. The module draws from state-of-the-art research conducted by academic staff. The skills and knowledge gained place you in an excellent position for employment or further studies.