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Grid Integration of Renewables (ELEN90077)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Prof. Nando Ochoa Pizzali
Prof. Pierluigi Mancarella
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject develops a foundation for pursuing electrical engineering oriented research in the area of sustainable energy systems. This subject aims to introduce the concepts behind smart grids, future low-carbon energy networks, sustainable electricity systems as well as the main renewable and low-carbon generation technologies. The subject will introduce students to tools and techniques so that distributed energy resources (e.g. distributed renewable generation, storage, electric vehicles, demand response, etc.) may be integrated effectively into the power system in the context of both traditional grids and future smart grids.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This subject will cover the following topics:
- Distributed low-carbon technologies
- Introduction to distribution networks
- Introduction to distributed low-carbon technologies (wind energy, photovoltaic systems, electric vehicles, electric heating, storage)
- Wind Energy: impacts and challenges
- Photovoltaic systems: impacts and challenges
- Electric vehicles: impacts and challenges
- Electric heat pumps and electric heating: impacts and challenges
- Storage: impacts and challenges
Smart Distribution and Smart Transmission Networks
- Distributed low-carbon technologies and active network management
- Towards Smart Grids
- Smart grids - Transmission and Distribution perspectives
- Smart Transmission: HVDC and FACTS, dynamic line rating, post-contingency security, special protection schemes
- The role of future Distribution System Operators
Low-carbon Electricity System
- Towards low-carbon networks: relationship between sustainability and smart grids
- Introduction to low-carbon thermal generation (nuclear, Carbon Capture and Storage, Concentrated Solar Power, biomass, etc.)
- Utility-scale renewable technologies: wind farms; solar farms; other large-scale renewables; utility-scale batteries
- System-level operational challenges and solutions for renewables integration: variability and uncertainty; low-inertia operation; low system-strength operation; minimum load issues; DER visibility; indistinct events; general stability issues; flexibility
- System-level planning challenges and solutions for renewables integration: system adequacy and reliability; capacity credit of renewables and storage; extreme weather events and resilience; role of transmission
- Sector coupling and multi-energy systems: decarbonisation of gas, heating and transport; role of hydrogen
- Distributed energy systems: new technical and commercial architectures for two-sided systems and markets; demand response; aggregators and virtual power plants; distributed energy markets; peer-to-peer trading; local energy communities; microgrids
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject, it is expected that the student will be able to:
- 1. Discuss the importance of active distribution networks and, in general, smart grids;
- 2. Describe the main characteristics and basic operation of distributed energy resources;
- 3. Analyse the steady-state operation of distribution networks and power systems with low-carbon technologies;
- 4. Convey the role of low-carbon technologies in future distribution networks and low-carbon electricity systems.
- 5. Assess the techno-economic impact of wind power and PV generation on distribution networks and power system operation and planning;
- 6. Analyse cost and benefits of different technological alternatives to support low-carbon power system operation and development;
- 7. Use of power system analysis software.
Generic skills
On completion of the subject, it is expected that student will have developed the following generic skills:
- Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals;
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
- Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance;
- Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large;
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
- Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so.
Last updated: 8 November 2024