MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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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 marke
• 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

To select unit EEEN40352, you need to have selected unit EEEN30131 (Power System Analysis) in your 3rd Year.

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).

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.

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

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• 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