KD7070 - Smart Grids

The module will be taught through lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops, and laboratory experiments enabling students to develop an understanding of the physical effects associated with energy modelling, integration of new technologies and their role in a smart energy system, as well as the policy landscape. No prior knowledge of physics or social sciences will be assumed; reasonable numeracy skills are expected from students.

The theory, analytical and design procedures of the prevailing and future power networks will be thoroughly investigated in formal lectures. Seminars will use case studies and typical problems to apply the theory. Workshop sessions will provide you with the opportunity to practice the use of software tools and to develop computer modelling skills. Laboratory sessions will provide hands-on experience to complement the theoretical concepts covered in the teaching material. Seminar classes and laboratory sessions will be run interactively, with you taking a significant role.

The coursework will complement the delivery of theoretical content by using industry-standard simulation software (such as ERACS, SIMULINK in MATLAB or similar) to gain experience in the system design, from conceptual analysis to development and implementation of design specifications. The assignment will enhance your theoretical knowledge and expose you to new technologies in computer-aided design and analysis of modern 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 e-mailed to you, including coursework, lecture notes, seminar exercises, experiment guidelines and tutorials, examples of previous projects, 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 workshop sessions, or outside of teaching hours by email or via face-to-face meetings. During the laboratory sessions, you will be supported by an academic member and technical support.

A "Discussion Board" is created on the eLearning platform, and you are encouraged to 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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

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. This includes gaining hands-on experience through lab experiment sessions to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
(AHEP4: M2, M5)

2. Understand the cutting-edge research underpinning the need for high-quality supply and problems that can affect their solution including commercial, practical design and implementation aspects, such as cost, regulations, standards, and environmental impacts.
(AHEP4: M5, M7)

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

3. Formulate numerical methods for modern power system design and analysis and perform advanced calculations for the integration of renewable energy and electric vehicles into the grid.
(AHEP4: M2, M3, M5)

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.
(AHEP4: M2, M3)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Identify and analyse ethical concerns in the research-based assignment and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (AHEP4: M8)

There are two forms of summative assessment:

1. .Coursework (CW): Assignment (50%) (1500 words). This will be a literature review of a selected advanced technology used in smart grids in the presence of renewable energy and electric vehicles. This assessment will assess the student’s ability to carry out cutting-edge research and demonstrate understanding of the theoretical, operational, commercial, practical design and implementation aspects. This will address the module learning outcomes: 1, 2 and 5. Written feedback will be provided on the assignment.

2. .Coursework (CW): Assignment (50%) (1500 words). This will address the module learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The assignment will be based upon the use of simulation software 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.

N/A

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Commercial electrical power systems were first deployed at the end of the nineteenth century and since then they have not changed much in structure despite the significant developments and availability of new technologies. In this module, you will develop the ability and skills to analyse the operating limits of the existing power networks and gain knowledge of the latest advances and environmental concerns. You will also learn how to use power electronics, computing, information and communication technologies (ICT) to develop a ‘smart grid’ that can provide a platform to control the network dynamically to provide reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly electricity supply. You will examine the challenges and benefits of the ‘smart grid’ and enabling technologies. Emphasis will be given on the integration of low-carbon technologies (such as renewable energy and electric vehicles) specifically looking at cost aspects, regulations and standards. In addition, you will be able to develop/evaluate practical designs using standard simulation software, reinforced by real-world examples and case studies. The module draws from the state-of-the-art research conducted by the academic staff. The skills and knowledge gained will place you in an excellent position for employment or further studies. This module will introduce you to the role of individual behaviour and social structural issues in delivering the energy transition in multi-vector energy systems (including electricity, thermal, heat, and smart transportation). Substantively, the module will focus on energy systems, the performance of which is highly dependent on user behaviour.