MSc Electrical Power Systems Engineering / Course details
Year of entry: 2025
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Course unit details:
Smart Distribution Networks
| Unit code | EEEN60322 |
|---|---|
| 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 Electric Distribution Networks
- Distribution network topologies, including UK voltage levels; GSP substation & 132kV network; BSP sub & 33kV network; primary sub & 11 (6.6) kV network; distribution sub & LV
- Distribution network components; Focus on specific features: high R, 3-phase & 2-phase feeders, placement of CBs and switches, reclosers & sectionalizers, link-boxes.
- Load modelling: Classification of loads; static ZIP models; dynamic model (IM)
2. Electric Distribution Networks Analysis
- Distribution load-flow: Algorithms: forward-backwards sweep; weakly meshed networks
- Distribution losses and voltage drops; Significance of distribution losses and drops; Calculations; LV sizing based on drops for Urban network
- Distribution network reconfiguration; Radiality conditions with and without DG; Minimum loss configuration; Reconfiguration of urban networks (6.6kV); reconfiguration of rural networks (11kV).
3. 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
- Storage and heat pump technologies and their challenges
4. Integration of low-carbon technologies and methods
- Technical issue and challenges for integration of DGs into the distribution networks
- Technologically Advanced Solutions 1: OLTC on 11(6.6)/0.4kV transformers; On-network voltage regulators; AVRs on DGs; Energy storage
- Technologically Advanced Solutions 2: Shunt and series connected compensation - D-STATCOM, SSSC, UPFC and DVR; Automation of switching devices; Fault Current Limiters
- Technologically Advanced Solutions 3: New operational and control schemes, including:
- Demand side management
- DG rescheduling
- Permanent and temporary network meshing
- Advanced co-ordinated voltage control
- Technologically Advanced Solutions 4: Controlled EV charging; Advanced co-ordinated DSM;
- Active Network Management technologies (near real time)
5. Distribution network Automation
- Distribution network communications; Role of comms; Principles of comms systems
- Smart metering
- Auto reclosing arrangement
- Enhanced outage management system (fault detection, isolation & restoration, Service restoration algorithms)
- Remote controlled switches (Active management of DGs)
6. Microgrids
- Introduction to AC Microgrids (Concept, Definition, Structure, Mode of Operation)
- Power Electronics as an Integral Component of Microgrids; Modelling
- Microgrid Stability and Control; Different Control Methods
- Introduction to DC Microgrids (Configuration and Applications)
7. Environment and Economics
- Carbon emissions
- Efficiencies and emission factors
- Environment Economics and Costing
Aims
This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 2025/26 and may be subject to change due to many newly prepared teaching materials. Please see Canvas / course unit related emails for any further updates. The unit aims to: Describe the main concepts and technical analysis behind smart distribution low-carbon networks. 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 successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to: | Topic |
| ILO 1: Design, evaluate and compare different types of electricity distribution networks (Voltage levels, HV, MV, LV Topologies and configurations, Loads and load modelling, Voltage regulation, Approximate methods) | Smart distribution networks technologies |
| ILO 2: Develop, analyse and compare static and dynamic load models, distribution network power flow, minimum loss configuration (algorithm with PF), optimal network reconfiguration (via radiality & PF), significance of distribution losses and voltage drops calculation; Analyse and solve problems of small dimensions. | Network Analysis |
| ILO 3: Create, evaluate and analyse a variety of distribution systems with varying levels of renewables, new demand types, distribution flexibility and low carbon technologies. | Low carbon technologies |
| ILO 4: Design, analyse and judge installation of new plant (AVRs on DGs; OLTC on 11(6.6)/0.4kV transformers; On-network voltage regulators; Shunt and series connected compensation - D-STATCOM, SSSC, UPFC and DVR; Automation of switching devices; FCLs); Solve and analyse problems of small dimensions. | Technologically Advanced Solutions 1 |
| ILO 5: Design, analyse and compare new operational and control procedures (DSM and DSR; Generation constraint management; Dynamic network reconfiguration; Permanent and temporary meshing of networks; Advanced voltage controls at (a) voltage level (s); Dynamic circuit and transformer ratings; Controlled EV charging; Advanced DSM; Active Network Management technologies (real time)); Solve and analyse problems of small dimensions. | Technologically Advanced Solutions 2 |
| ILO 6: Formulate and analyse principles of smart metering in the UK and USA; analyse and evaluate Auto reclosing arrangement, Enhanced outage management system (fault detection, isolation & restoration), Service restoration algorithms, Remote controlled switches and Active management of DGs. | Distribution Network automation |
| ILO 7: Formulate the concepts of microgrids and define and explain various configurations and applications of microgrids. Design a micro-grid concept, develop and analyse control of AC microgrids. | Microgrid technologies and control |
| ILO 8: Evaluate and analyse Carbon Emissions and Environment Economics and Costing. | Environment |
| ILO 9: Create a model for software simulations; Use a power system analysis software to carry out studies on the model; Critically evaluate results of computer simulations. | Software |
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 80% |
| Report | 20% |
Feedback methods
.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 6 |
| Tutorials | 6 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 108 |