Course unit details:
Smart Grids & Sustainable Electricity Systems
| Unit code | EEEN60352 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
1. Introduction to Smart Grids
- Definition of smart grid and its main features
- Drivers for smarter grids and the energy trilemma/quadrilemma
- Conventional power system and smart grid
2. Integration of low-carbon technologies
- Revision of the main definitions and concepts of: power system planning and long-term security; energy market; short-term security; power system operation and traditional UC, ED and OPF formulations
- Introduction to low-carbon technologies
- Impact of low-carbon technologies on the long-term and short-term security
- Impact of low-carbon technologies on the energy market
- Impact of low-carbon technologies on power system operation
3. Decarbonisation of heat and transport
- Electrification of heating and heat pumps
- Electrification of transport and electric vehicles
- Modelling of low-carbon technologies through efficiencies and emission factors
4. Flexibility in low carbon electricity systems
- Definition of flexibility, its sources and potential benefits
- Flexibility in the supply side and relevant generator parameters
- Demand-side management and its potential benefits
- Residential flexible loads and a possible categorisation
5. Introduction to Electric Distribution Networks
- Main concepts of distribution system and network, in particular the current UK distribution networks
- Network overhead lines, cables and configurations
- Load profiles and load characteristics
- Low voltage network design and voltage regulation
- Voltage drop calculation and examples
6. Low-carbon technologies – technical aspects and their impacts
- PV impacts and challenges: PV components, grid or off grid connections, PV generation profiles, impact of small PV systems
- EV impact and challenges: EVs, specifications and demand, EV changing methods and their impact on distribution networks
- Other low-carbon technologies and challenges (storage and heat pump technologies)
7. Integration of low-carbon technologies and methods
- Technical issue and challenges for integration of DGs into the distribution networks
- Smart metering
- Demand site management technologies for improving LV network operation
- Advanced Distribution Management System – off line control
- Active Network Management technologies – real time control
- Role of ICT technologies
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Describe and analyse the main concepts behind smart grids and low-carbon networks, two prominent changes in power systems.
- Allow students to understand and assess the impacts of low-carbon technologies and new loads (e.g., electric vehicles and heat pumps) on the power system.
- Explain environmental concerns as well as the technical, economic and social (the energy quadrilemma).
Learning outcomes
On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
ILO 1 Describe what is meant by smart grids and explain the drivers and challenges of low carbon technologies*
ILO 2 Model a variety of distribution systems with varying levels of generation/demand flexibility and low carbon technologies*
ILO 3 Evaluate the technical, environmental, and economic impact of flexibility and low carbon technologies*
ILO 4 Use a power system analysis software.
The above ILOs are developed and assessed.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 20% |
| Written exam | 80% |
Written examination
Four questions, answer all questions
Duration: 3 hours
Calculators are permitted
This examination forms 80% of the unit assessment
Course Work- Laboratories
Coursework Report - 10 pages.
Feedback is provided online through Blackboard.
This course work forms 20% of the unit assessment
Feedback methods
.
Recommended reading
- publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1003778/smart-systems-and-flexibility-plan-2021.pdf)
- A survey on smart grid technologies and applications, G. Dileep, Renewable Energy, 2020
- A survey on electric vehicle transportation within smart grid system, N. Shaukat, et al., Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2018
- Making demand side response happen: A review of barriers in commercial and public organisations, Catarina Araya Cardoso et al., Energy Research & Social Science, 2020
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 6 |
| Tutorials | 6 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 108 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Haiyu Li | Unit coordinator |
| Eduardo Martinez Cesena | Unit coordinator |