ECE5886 · Smart grids

Overview

The Smart Grid unit provides a comprehensive knowledge about the Smart Grid and how it is to be operated and protected for improving sustainability and energy savings. The core of the unit is intelligent infrastructure for Smart Grid and its heightening vulnerability, and how to protect it effectively. The basic economic fundamentals of power systems and conventional and renewable power generation in regulated and deregulated environment are introduced first. The basic concepts of intelligent control, application of intelligent agents in grid technology, and intelligent components commonly used in Smart Grids are extensively discussed afterward. Also included is how distribution networks adapt to intermittent energy sources (e.g. solar and wind) through the use of smart grids, emerging technologies and energy storage systems. The unit will conclude with defining concept, design and purpose of the Smart Grid, reviewing current and relevant technologies developed, assessing its vulnerabilities to a cyber-attack, and finding effective protective mechanisms for the grid.

Areas of study: E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Electrical engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Energy transitions engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Power systems engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Renewable energy engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Power systems engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Renewable energy engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Engineering Management

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit. The assessments of this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of the advanced learning outcomes and standards expected of Master’s level coursework.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe fundamentals of power systems and generation.
2. Design intelligent power systems using grid technology.
3. Analyse operational considerations of the Smart Grid.
4. Identify security risks to Smart Grids and protective measures to ensure system integrity and supply reliability.
5. Describe the required changes in power distribution networks and energy storage systems to accommodate intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.