header

Last Updated S022024

MEE501

Unit Name Power Generation
Unit Code MEE501
Unit Duration 12 weeks
Award

Graduate Diploma of Engineering( Electrical Systems)

Duration 1 year

Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems)

Duration 2 years
Year Level One
Unit Creator / Reviewer Professor Akhtar Kalam, Dr. Akhlaqur Rahman, Dr Munira Batool 
Core/Elective: Core
Pre/Co-requisites Nil
Credit Points

3

Grad Dip total course credit points = 24

( 3 credits x 8 (units))

Master  total course credit points = 48

( 3 credits x 12 (units)+ 12 credits (Thesis))
Mode of Delivery Online or on-campus. 
Unit Workload

10 hours per week

Lecture - 1 hour

Tutorial lectures - 1 hour

Practical/ Lab - 1 hour (where applicable)

Personal Study recommended – 7 hours ( guided and unguided)

Unit Description and General Aims

In this unit students will acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and develop critical analytical and practical skills which can be applied to investigation and resolution of complex problem solving scenarios. Content has been developed to enhance students’ communication skills, individual and group project participation and other professional capabilities important to the field of engineering and power generation. 

The unit covers in a readily accessible format processes by which power is generated with special emphasis on alternative renewable energy generation sources such as solar, wind, biomass and fuel cells. This unit takes into account the many challenges faced due to excess power supply but with a decrease in demand. The unit addresses the global pressures on replacing fossil fuel plants to renewables and the need for cheap and affordable power.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this Unit, students are expected to be able to

1. Determine design needs for power generation taking into account environmental effects.
 
Bloom’s Level 5
 
2. Apply specialist competence to a power generation system to ensure optimal performance.
 
Bloom’s Level 3
 
3. Identify appropriate solutions to problems inherent in power generation for given scenarios.
Bloom’s Level 3
 
4. Utilize a systems approach to analysis, design and operational performance of a power generator.
 
Bloom’s Level 4
 
5. Critically evaluate generation schemes applicable to a given application in order to enhance efficiency.
 
Bloom’s Level 5
 
6. Determine system performance in terms of power transients and disturbances to maintain uninterrupted power distribution.
 
Bloom’s Level 5
 
 
 
 

Student Assessment

Assessment Type

(e.g. Assignment - 2000 word essay (specify topic)

Examination (specify length and format))

When assessed (e.g. After Topic 5)

 Weighting (% of total unit marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed

Assessment 1

Type: Multi-choice test

Description: Students will need to complete multiple-choice quiz questions to demonstrate a good understanding of the fundamental concepts.

 After Topic 3 10% 1, 2 (Topics 1 - 3)

Assessment 2

 Type: Test (Invigilated) 

Description: Students will need to answer some short and/or long answer questions and/or solve some numerical problems.

.
 After Topic 7 25% 1, 2, 3 (Topics 1 - 7)
 

Assessment 3 

Type: Practical (Report)

Description: Simulation of various renewable generation systems and their grid integration using various software tools, e.g., Homer, Matlab/Simulink, etc.

  After Topic 11 20% 5,6 (Topics 1 - 11)
 

Assessment 4

Type: Research (Report)

Description: Detailed discussion on a state-of-the-art topic. It may also include practical simulation tasks. 

 
 
  Final week 35% 3, 4 (All topics)

Homework

Example: May be in the form of reading and understanding the assigned materials, learning those topics which are linked with the upcoming week topic.

 

Topics 2,3, 6,or 7

 5%  

Attendance / Tutorial Participation

Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application.

 Continuous 5%        -

 

Prescribed and Recommended readings

Required Textbook(s)

  1. J.D. Glover, M.S. Sarma, and T.J. Overbye, Power System Analysis and Design, 5th edition, Cengage Learning, 2012 (ISBN 13: 978-1-111-42577-7)

OR

  1. A. Kalam and D.P. Kothari, Power System Protection and Communications, New Age International (P) Ltd Publishers, 2010 (ISBN 978-81-224-2741-7)

OR

   3. N. Mohan, et al., Power Electronics - Converters, Applications, and Design, 1st ed, John Wiley & Sons, 2003

              OR

   4. Zobaa A & Bansal R (eds), Handbook of Renewable Energy Technology, World Scientific Publishing Co Pte Ltd., 2011 (ISBN 13-978-981-4289-06-1)

Reference Materials

  • Power Engineering Journal; IEEE Power and Energy Magazine; IEEE Transactions on Power Systems; International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems.  These are peer-reviewed journals. Other relevant peer-reviewed journals will be advised during the lectures.
  • http://www.power-eng.com, http://www.ieee-pes.org
  • IDC notes and Reference texts as advised.
  • Other material advised during the lectures
 
 

Unit Content

One topic is delivered per contact week.

 

Topic 1

Design Needs for Power Generation Taking into Account Environmental Effects
  1. Historical developments and power industry deregulation
  2. Loads and utility ancillary services
  3. Electricity supply basics
  4. Thermal power plants
  5. Other conventional power plants
  6. Energy storage
 
Topic 2
Fundamentals of Power Generation - 1
  1. Power generation and transmission system
  2. Electric generator – construction and working

Topic 3

Fundamentals of Power Generation - 2
  1. Power plant load and capacity factors
  2. Analysis with reference to thermal power generation system
 
Topic 4
Systems Approach to Analysis, Design and Operational Performance of a Power Generator -1
 
  1. Components of power generation in thermal power plants
  2. Process of power generation in thermal power plants

Topic 5

Systems Approach to Analysis, Design and Operational Performance of a Power Generator -2

  1. Details of distribution systems, circuits, substations, and protection
  2. Maintenance and inspection strategies for power plants

 

Topic 6

Design Analysis and Efficiency Improvement for Power Generation System -1

  1. Different thermal power generation cycles
  2. Improving efficiency of thermal power plants

Topic 7

Design Analysis and Efficiency Improvement for Power Generation System -2

  1. Natural gas power generation
  2. Increase in efficiency by using combined steam/gas cycle (Co-generation, Tri-generation)

Topic 8  

Inherent Problems in Power Generation and Their Solutions

  1. General problems pertaining to power generation (disposing and handling of sludge, power equipment maintenance, manpower, quality of material testing, ensuring high efficiency etc.)
  2. Probable solutions for aforementioned types of power generation
  3. Major issues related to Flue Gas Emission from Power Generation conventional sources and their environmental impact. (Greenhouse Effect)
  4. Actions taken by Govt. and Environmental Organization to resolve them

 

Topic 9

Analysis of Generation Performance in Terms of Power Quality Parameters

  1. Definition and classification of power quality (PQ)
  2. Effects of poor PQ and PQ disturbances
  3. Transients and voltage sag
  4. Harmonics and effects
  5. Generator voltage regulation

 

Topic 10

Introduction to Alternative Sources of Energy and Their Integration - 1

  1. Different Types of Renewable Energy Sources (Hydro, wind, solar, bio, geothermal, fuel cell)
  2. Generation and Integration of Renewable Energy

 

Topic 11

Introduction to Alternative Sources of Energy and Their Integration - 2

  1. Distributed generation
  2. Energy storage as a medium
 
 
 

 

Topic 12

Project and Revision

In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity
will be provided for a review of student work, to clarify any outstanding issues, and to work on
finalising the major assessment report.

 

 

Engineers Australia

The Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Professional Engineer, approved as of 2013. This table is referenced in the mapping of graduate attributes to learning outcomes and via the learning outcomes to student assessment.

Stage 1 Competencies and Elements Competency
1. Knowledge and Skill Base
1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
2. Engineering Application Ability
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
3. Professional and Personal Attributes
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
3.4 Professional use and management of information.
3.5 Orderly management of self and professional conduct.
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.

Software/Hardware Used

Software

  • Software: MATLAB

  • Version: N/A

  • Instructions:  N/A

  • Additional resources or files: N/A

Hardware

  • N/A

Unit Changes Based on Student Feedback

 

  • Topics on sustainability added to Topic 12

footer