MEE513

Unit Description and General Aims

This unit requires mathematical foundations to solve power system operation problems. The unit will provide students with essential knowledge using mathematical techniques to analyse power systems, both under steady state and dynamic conditions. Power systems will be presented as complex networks comprising generators, loads, transmission lines, various apparatus and equipment, e.g., bus bars, switchgears, transformers etc. Concepts such as power, frequency, and voltage control will be examined and different types of transmission/distribution systems and their associated gears will be presented. Models of long, medium and short transmission lines will be introduced to assist in the calculation of power, voltage, current and power factor in an electrical system. Fault analysis in three-phase balanced systems will be studied together with fault calculations in power systems. The unit provides with an understanding to evaluate the response of the complex power system to variation of loads, and to determine how the system can be controlled to supply the loads reliably, while it is economical and safe to the environment.

Lectures will be used to introduce the key concepts and knowledge complemented by laboratories to extend and apply this knowledge. The tutorials focus on applying knowledge in solving engineering-related problems. Assessments are given to students to reinforce their knowledge gained during lectures/tutorials and to improve their information seeking abilities.

Learning Outcomes

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

Student Assessment

Prescribed and Recommended readings

Unit Content

One topic is delivered per contact week.

Topic 1

Overview of Power Systems Engineering

1. Structure and growth of electrical power systems
2. Single line diagram
3. Impedance and reactance diagram
4. Three phase systems
5. Representation of power systems
6. Per unit system of calculations

Topic 2 

Symmetrical Faults and Symmetrical Components - 1

1. Importance of fault analysis in electrical power systems
2. Faults and their types
3. Sequences circuits of loads, generators and lines
4. Sequence circuits of transformers and sequence networks
5. Unsymmetrical fault current calculations

Topic 3

Symmetrical Faults and Symmetrical Components - 2

1. The admittance model and network calculations
2. Branch and node admittances
3. Formulation of YBUS matrix
4. Node elimination

Topic 4

Network Calculations

1. The impedance model and network calculations
2. Bus admittance and impedances matrices
3. Formulation of ZBUS matrix

Topic 5

Power Flow Solutions -1

1. Scope of load flow analysis in power systems
2. Load flow problem formulation
3. Introduction to power flow solutions
4. Gauss- Seidel method: introduction, specification and application

Topic 6

Power Flow Solutions -2

1. The Newton-Raphson method: Introduction, specification and application
2. The Newton-Raphson power-flow solutions
3. Power flow studies in system design and operation
4. Case Study: application of Newton Raphson and Gauss-Seidel method on a practical problem and comparison of results

Topic 7

Power Flow Solutions -3

1. Decoupled load flow analysis: introduction, specification and application
2. Fast decoupled power flow solution;
3. The “DC” power flow solution method

Topic 8

Stability Analysis

1. Scope and significance
2. Stability problem
3. Steady state and transient stability
4. Factors affecting stability
5. Use of digital computer methods for stability studies

Topic 9

Transmission System Planning

1. Load forecast
2. Generation assumption
3. Coincident generation outage
4. Reactive power capability
5. Rating of transmission equipment
6. Economic dispatch and unit commitment

Topic 10

Introduction to Different Software 

1. Software utilization in power system analysis
2. List of practical/commercial software with specifications
3. Algorithm explanation (using PowerWorld etc.)

Topic 11

Modern Power Systems

1. Smart Grids: scope and applications
2. Microgrids and their initiatives in Australia

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.

Software/Hardware Used

Software

• Software: PowerWorld; MATLAB; Python

• Version: N/A

• Instructions:  N/A

• Additional resources or files: N/A

Hardware

• N/A

Unit Changes Based on Student Feedback