Electrical Power Systems (H6103)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

This module covers all the major concepts required for a good understanding of modern electrical power networks, as well as their operation.

It involves practical work using simulation software and hands-on laboratory work.

Topics normally include the following:

• power system structure, important aspects of power system operation, complex power, the symmetrical three-phase system, per unit system
• power system components, synchronous generators, transformers, transmission lines, the characteristics of the loads, voltages, currents and powers at sending and receiving ends
• voltage and reactive power control, the relationship between frequency and power, as well as interconnectors
• load flow analysis, power flow equations, admittance matrix, numerical techniques, iterative power flow algorithm
• fault analysis, systematic short-circuit computations, unbalanced system analysis, symmetrical component theory, power system reliability
• basics of power system stability, cascading failures and resilience
• economic dispatch and optimal power flow
• renewable energy basics (solar, wind and other renewables)
• introduction to smart grids and future power systems.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 35 hours of contact time and about 115 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.