ENGM045 | 2025 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Introduction to Power Systems and Plant	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ENGM045	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Dawei Qiu (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	6

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	25

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The modern power system is a complex and highly integrated network comprising a set of power infrastructure. This module provides an overview of the modern power system, and introduce key power system components and basic principles of the power system operation. The module will start from fundamental structure of power systems and then cover key components of power systems. The operations of power systems including energy conversion, power balance, load management will be introduced. Towards the end, the impact of renewable energy, electrification, climate change, AI and carbon market on power systems will be analysed. This module is particularly useful to ensure you have sufficient fundamental knowledge for other advanced modules.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to develop your understanding of modern power system structure, functions, components, and the key indicators impacting power system operations. On successful completion of this module, you will be able to describe the fundamental principles of modern power system and to explain the basic working principles and challenges of key power system components. This module will raise your awareness on technical operational problems in modern power systems.

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 fundamental physical principles of electrical power (M.1)

2 Understand the structure of the modern power system, and identify and describe key power system components and their functions (M.1)

3 Analyse the impact of renewable energy, electrification, climate change, and carbon market on the power system operation (M.1, M.2, M.3)

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

4. Evaluate the balance between power generation and demand within the system (M.2)

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Develop critical thinking skills through analysing and solving problems related to power system
6. Enhance communication skills by effectively conveying technical concepts related to power systems

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Power System Structure:

- Generation, transmission, and distribution

- Centralised vs. decentralised power systems

- Interconnected power grids

- Smart grids

- Microgrids

Power System Component:

- Conventional power plants

- Renewable energy sources

- Energy storage systems

- Distributed generations

- Transmission network

- Distribution network

Power System Operation:

- Energy conversions in power systems

- Power balance between generation and demand

- Load and demand-side management

- HVAC vs HVDC systems

Power System Transition:

- Impact of renewable energy penetration

- Impact of electrification of heat and transport

- Impact of climate change and grid resilience

- AI and machine learning in power systems

- Carbon markets and emission trading

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	20	Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	10	Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	6	Laboratories
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
Quizzes	Typically, 2 hours (one quiz per major topic)	All	Self-assessment with solution answers

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	40	Written Exams	60	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Written exam	60	2 hours	All	Written
Lab Report	40	10–12 A4 sides	All	Marking Comments

2 hours in winter

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	Written exam (2 hours, 60%)	All	Referral/deferral period
Lab Report	Lab Report (10–12 A4 sides, 40%)	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:

Mohamed E. El-Hawary, Introduction to Electrical Power Systems, Wiley, 2008.
Frank Delea, Jack Casazza, Understanding Electric Power Systems, Wiley, 2011.
Pieter Schavemaker, Lou van der Sluis, Electrical Power System Essentials, Wiley, 2017.

Other Resources:

Alexandra von Meier, Electric Power Systems: A Conceptual Introduction, Wiley, 2006.

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

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	Thursday 25th July 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Thursday 6th March 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	None Defined

Introduction to Power Systems and Plant - 2025 entry