2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
ELEC5580M Electric Power Generation and Distribution
15 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Professor Kang Li
Email: K.Li1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Transitioning to low carbon energy involves understanding how power and energy systems evolve. It also entails identifying challenges and opportunities arising from increased use of renewable energy and achieving deep decarbonization across various sectors. This module provides students with an understanding of the layers, components, operation in technical and economic terms, and upcoming technological changes in modern power and energy systems.Objectives
This module has the following objectives:- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various layers and components in modern electric power networks.
- To learn how power systems are operated in technical and economic terms.
- To study the technological changes power systems will be facing in the years to come.
- To explore a set of enabling technologies and technical, economic and regulatory solutions to facilitate a smooth and cost-effective transition.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles to the operation and control solution of complex electric power generation and distribution problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of electric power generation and distribution and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
2. Formulate and analyse complex electric power generation and distribution problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available information using first principles of engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to formulate complex electric power generation and distribution problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex electric power generation and distribution problems.
5. Design solutions for complex electric power generation and distribution problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
6. Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex electric power generation and distribution problems.
7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex electric power generation and distribution problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
8. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
9. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with operation and control of power system generation and distribution systems.
10. Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
11. Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
12. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
13. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Application of science, mathematics and/or engineering principles
b. Problem analysis
c. Application of computational and analytical techniques
d. Searching and using technical literature
e. Design skills
f. Integrated systems approach
g. Sustainability
h. Professional ethics practice
i. Risk management
j. Mitigate security risks
k. Equality, diversity and inclusion
l. Teamwork
m. Communication
Syllabus
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
• Introduction to energy and power systems: energy and power system evolution, energy and civilization, environmental pollutions and climate change challenges due to fossil fuels, Paris agreement on climate change and global commitment to net zero.
• Principles of electric power generation: conventional energy sources (fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric), renewable energy sources (geothermal, wind, tidal, solar concentrator, photovoltaic, biofuels), turbine-based generation vs. thermoelectric generation, distributed generation.
• Principles of electric power transmission and distribution: AC and DC power transmission systems, voltage levels in AC networks, high voltage grid infrastructure (transformers, converters, transmission towers, cables, relay, switchgear), efficiency and power loss, protection and fault detection.
• Traditional power system planning and operation: electricity grid systems; global grid models, European and National Grid, network operation, TSOs, DSOs and load profiles, control and communication networks for grid management, economics of electricity generation and distribution infrastructures, frequency regulatory frameworks, electricity market and trading protocols.
• Current and future trends in power system operation - the path to the smart grid: smart grid-infrastructure, energy storage and electric vehicles, smart operation and flexible loads (microgrids, virtual power plants, V2G, P2G, smart homes), the role of ICT, market mechanisms, business models, policy instruments, smart meters, and design principles for mini-grid.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Example Class | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Lecture | 9 | 2.00 | 18.00 |
| Seminar | 3 | 2.00 | 6.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 99.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students studying ELEC modules will receive formative feedback in a variety of ways, including the use of self-test quizzes on Minerva, practice questions/worked examples and (where appropriate) through verbal interaction with teaching staff and/or post-graduate demonstrators.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course Assessment | Coursework | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 31/07/2024 13:52:03
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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