Power System Analysis (ELEN90060)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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AIMS

This subject provides an insight into the fundamental elements to analyse electrical power transmission and distribution systems, with both analytical and simulation tools for analysis of operations of these systems. Problems related to power flow and use of Newton-Raphson and other algorithms such as backward-forward sweep will be discussed. Fault calculation and analysis, symmetrical components, and analytical methods for solving symmetrical (balanced) faults will be covered. Principles, concepts and problems related to power system dynamics and control, particularly for frequency and voltage regulation, will be discussed and analysed in detail. Finally, small-signal, transient, voltage and frequency stability will be introduced and exemplified. Focus will be put on real-world examples, particularly to prepare the student for the ongoing transition towards a low-carbon grid dominated by renewables and distributed energy resources.


INDICATIVE CONTENT

  • Power flow calculations, Newton-Raphson, Gauss-Seidel and backward-forward sweep methods;
  • Fault calculations, balanced and unbalanced, symmetrical components, fundamentals of protection;
  • Frequency regulation and frequency stability,
  • Voltage regulation in transmission and distribution networks, including use of flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS);
  • Voltage stability, small-signal stability, transient stability;
  • Computer simulations.
  •  

Intended learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

  • 1. Interpret the behaviour of the basic components of power systems
  • 2. Compute power flow in transmission systems
  • 3. Compute fault quantities, such as voltage, current and power in transmission systems under normal and fault conditions
  • 4. Ascertain the stability of power systems from operating conditions
  • 5. Use software tools to simulate and study the steady-state and dynamic behaviour of electrical power systems

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed the following skills:

  • Ability to apply basic fundamentals of science and engineering to solve real life problems associated with power systems;
  • Ability for in-depth technical competence in power systems engineering discipline;
  • Ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve practical engineering problems;
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational assessment and self-directed learning;
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with teams;
  • Ability to write technical reports in a clear and concise manner;
  • Ability to present results of technical investigation to a large audience.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ELEN90074 Introduction to Power Engineering
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ELEN90055 Control Systems
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

One written 90 minutes examination at the end of semester. ILOs 1,2,4, part of 3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 90 minutes
Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must exceed a hurdle on the sum of the mid-semester and end-of-semester exams.		End of semester30%

One written 90 minutes examination at mid-semester. ILOs 1,2, part of 3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 90 minutes
Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must exceed a hurdle on the sum of the mid-semester and end-of-semester exams.		Mid semester25%

Three workshop reports completed in groups, (approximately 45-50 hours of work per student). Reports (15 % each) to be submitted in weeks 7, 10 and 14. ILOs 1-5 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 25-30 hours (of work required)
From Week 7 to Week 1445%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorsNando Ochoa Pizzali and Pierluigi Mancarella
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures plus 36 hours of combined workshops/tutorial/consultations
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Luis (Nando) Ochoa luis.ochoa@unimelb.edu.au

    Pierluigi Mancarella pierluigi.mancarella@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    TBA

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    This mode of delivery of this subject is through lectures supported by tutorials and practical hands-on workshops.

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Full set of lecture notes, tutorial sets and model solutions as well as workshops reports are provided. Students also have access to past examination papers and solutions.

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    Two guest speakers from power industry are usually invited to give seminars on technical issues related to their respective companies and how these issues relate to the content of this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Energy Systems
    CourseMaster of Engineering
    Specialisation (formal)Electrical with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Electrical
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025