Study information

Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems - 2022 entry

MODULE TITLESmart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM031 MODULE CONVENERProf Zhongdong Wang (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Progress towards Net-Zero is bringing a revolutionary change in traditional fossil fuel-based power systems and forcing the transition to a low carbon Smart Grid. The main concepts in smart grids and sustainable energy systems will be discussed with a focus on the integration of low-carbon technologies such as intermittent renewables, electric vehicles, heat pumps, HVDC and storage. This module assesses their impact on network planning, economic design and operation, security, reliability and system resilience. Emphasis will be on the integration of low carbon technologies into distribution networks and the applicability of advanced network management strategies to optimise the benefits in implementing economic dispatch and optimal power flow.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to help you understand the key Smart Grid concepts with a focus on the integration of renewable energy resources, demand management and other low-carbon technologies into the power network.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. Understand the concepts of a Smart Grid and critically evaluate the associated advantages and challenges
  2. Describe the technical, economic and societal issues related to the planning and operation of a power network reliant on intermittent renewables and other low carbon technologies
  3. Evaluate the applicability of different smart grid solutions under a variety of low carbon energy scenarios
  4. Use commercial software to perform economic dispatch of generation subject to network constraints
  5. Perform optimal power flow studies on a model of a Smart Grid implemented on a commercial simulator. 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. Apply a range of computational methods to solve engineering problems
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  1. Oral and written communication skills
  2. Effective use of learning resources
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows: 
  1. Introduction to Smart Grids
  2. Renewable energy resources
  3. Low carbon technologies 
  4. Smart Grid solutions
  1. Capacity enhancement and constraint alleviation 
  2. Short-term and long-term energy storage
  3. Design and operation of islanded and network connected micro-grids
  1. Active customer engagement, demand management and Prosumers
  2. Economics of network operation
  3. Energy policy towards a sustainable energy system
 
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 41 Guided Independent Study 109 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 11 Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Laboratories
Guided independent study 109 Lecture and assessment preparation and associated reading

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
None      
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam 70 2 hours 1-3, 7-8 Written
Coursework 20 6-10 A4 sides 4, 6-8 Written
Lab report 10 3-6 A4 sides 5, 6-8 Written
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam (70%) Written exam (2 hours) 1-3, 7-8 August Ref/Def period
Coursework (20%) Coursework (6-10 A4 sides) 4, 6-8 August Ref/Def period
Lab report (10%) Lab report (3 – 6 A4 sides) 5, 6-8 August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Bollen, M.H.J. The Smart Grid: Adapting the Power System to New Challenges 2011
Set Salman, S.K. Introduction to the Smart Grid - Concepts, Technologies and Evolution 2017
Set Gellings, C.W. Smart Grid Planning and Implementation 2015
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 17th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 6th July 2022
KEY WORDS SEARCH Smart Grid, low carbon technologies, renewable energy, economic despatch, optimal power flow

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.