Study information

Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLESmart Grids and Sustainable Energy Systems CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM031 MODULE CONVENERProf Zhong Fan (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 25
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Progress towards Net-Zero is bringing a revolutionary change in 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 smart grid network architecture, enabling ICT technologies and standards, demand management, data analytics, cyber security, integration of low-carbon technologies such as intermittent renewables, electric vehicles, and storage. This module assesses their impact on network planning, economic design and operation, security, reliability and system resilience, as well as societal benefits.
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to help you understand the key Smart Grid concepts with a focus on the smart grid network architecture, enabling ICT technologies, 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 enabling ICT technologies, and critically evaluate the associated advantages and challenges (M2)

  2. Evaluate the applicability of different smart grid solutions under a variety of low carbon energy scenarios (M7)

  3. Understand the state-of-the-art technologies used in digitalisation and decarbonisation of the power network and to increase the customer engagement in the operation and control of the network (M3, M10)

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. Evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with the digitalisation of engineering systems (M5, M9)

  2. Application of IoT, industry 4.0 and digital twin technologies within engineering systems (M6)

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. Demonstrate improved written, graphical and oral communication skills (M17)

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: 

  • Introduction to Smart Grids, Smart grid architecture, the 4Ds of energy systems 
  • Backbone of smart grid: communication networks architecture, layered model, physical layer, MAC protocols 
  • IP addressing, IoT networks 
  • Smart grid comms, IEC 61850, Time synchronisation 
  • Cyber security and privacy, Public-key cryptography, blockchain 
  • Data analytics and machine learning for IoT and SG 
  • Industrial IoT, digital twin and industry 4.0 
  • Demand side management, prosumers, and VPP 
  • Renewables, multi-vector energy systems and energy storage 
  • Interoperability, standards, case studies, and testbeds 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
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 12 Tutorials
Guided independent study 114 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
N/A      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework report 70 3000 words All Written
Presentation 20 10-min recorded video and slides All Written
Quiz 10 1 hour All 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
Coursework report Coursework report (3000 words, 70%) All Referral/Deferral period
Presentation Presentation (10-min recorded video and slides, 20%) All Referral/Deferral period
Quiz Quiz (1 hour, 10%) All Referral/Deferral 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

Basic reading: 

  • Ammar Rayes; Samer Salam, 2022. Internet of Things from Hype to Reality 
  • Andrew S. Tanenbaum; David J. Wetherall, 2014. Computer Networks. 5th Ed. 
  • Shady S. Refaat; Miroslav M. Begovic, 2021. Smart Grid and Enabling Technologies. 

 

 

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) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 22nd March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 27th May 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Smart Grid, Low Carbon Technologies, Renewable Energy, IoT, Communications, Cyber Security, Demand Side Management

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