Module overview
This module introduces students to fundamental issues in the design and operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks. There is a particular focus on understanding how to specify equipment, including through the use of power flow modelling tools such as ERACS and PowerWorld. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts of power flow, protection and earthing, along with the the construction of overhead lines and underground cables.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Components of protection systems, the concept of protection zones, asset specific protection scheme.
- Basic structure of different cables and lines
- The key factors involved in equipment specification and design
- Components used in earthing systems
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Appreciate the conflicting nature of the design requirements of a protection system
- Explain the reasons for system earthing and how it is designed
- Discuss the principles and operation of FACTS and HVDC systems
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Tackle multidisciplinary problems as encountered in real engineering systems
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Design simple protection systems for transmission lines and transformers
- Solve typical problems associated with load flow
- Comply with power system earthing practices
Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use commercial software for power systems analysis
Syllabus
Load flows
- Simple radial and ring feeder load flow calculations; interconnected system load flow by nodal analysis; interactive solution of nodal admittance matrix by Gauss Siedel method, with discussion of other methods.
Protection
- Function of protection system, design criteria of protection systems, components of protection systems, zones of protection, protection schemes, primary and backup protection, transmission line protection, busbar protection, transformer protection, generator protection, protection of industrial power systems and fuse selection.
Earthing of Power Systems
- Reasons for system earthing, earthing resistance, arc suppression coil, earthing transformers, earthing of overhead lines; earthing electrode and soil resistivity, earthing of substations, earthing of low voltage systems.
Overhead Lines
- Transmission line parameters, effect of design parameters on performance, circuit ratings.
Underground Cables
- Types of cables, methods of laying, cable system design, electrical parameters, charging current, dielectric loss and heating, current ratings.
High Voltage Direct Current Transmission (HVDC)
- Advantages and disadvantages, types of HVDC links, reasons for use.
Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS)
- Definition, advantages and disadvantages, FACTS devices and their operational principles.
Smart grids, distributed generation and future power systems
Learning and Teaching
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Revision | 10 |
| Project supervision | 12 |
| Wider reading or practice | 47 |
| Lecture | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 39 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 9 |
| Follow-up work | 9 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Assessment | 50% |
| Continuous Assessment | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External