42090 Introduction to Sustainable Microgrids
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree co-owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours co-owned by FEIT
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
Microgrids are small-scale electrical energy grids that can operate either autonomously or interconnected with other grids. This subject aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the design principles and control strategies for sustainable microgrids. Efficient, reliable and sustainable energy is a key feature of global change and energy protection systems such as microgrids play a major role. Students learn about basic microgrid background and structure; distributed generation; energy storage (capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, etc.); converter types and functions; power dispatch and energy management; hierarchical control structures; microgrid modelling; microgrid stability; microgrid protection; storage technology; and battery characteristics. Case studies are used to illustrate the concepts discussed.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Describe sustainable microgrids and the challenges of implementing them in communities. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design and evaluate new microgrids considering consumer behaviours and technical requirements to improve the resilience of power supply. (C.1) |
| 3. | Analyse cost and benefits of microrgid technology to support low-carbon power system operation and energy efficient operation. (D.1) |
| 4. | Evaluate the design of a current microgrid to determine its reliability, sustainability and possible improvements. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, and influence stakeholders, and apply expert judgment establishing and managing constraints, conflicts and uncertainties within a hazards and risk framework to define system requirements and interactivity. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering should note that this subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge 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.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject runs a series of workshops. Each workshop will include different activities including a short lecture, question and answer session, problem solving activities, laboratory training and working on a design-based group project. This subject will introduce microgrid (MG) components (distributed generation and energy storage), MG modelling, MG operation and control, protection, stability analysis and controller design. The design projects will develop your technical expertise, problem solving skills, design skills, and research skills. Other activities are seminars and discussions including collaborating with peers and finding answers to student questions on technical content and project design. Prior to the block teaching activity, you are required to study the subject topic notes, the design project requirement, and associated readings and prepare questions relating to the content. You are advised to use both the subject topic notes and recommended references.
All students are expected to attend all workshops, as one builds on to the next. The teaching aims to provide you opportunities to engage in MG modelling and analysis, operation control, MG design, and sustainability analysis. Workshops are designed to encourage interaction between students and the lecturer. You will have the opportunity to raise any doubts and questions in relation to the workshop topics and in particular the design projects, and receive the feedback from the lecturer. Continuous feedback will be given in combined forms of oral, written, email, online, etc., during workshops and through assessment tasks.
Problem solving questions relevant to the workshop topics will be solved interactively in groups. You are encouraged to work through exercise problems and practise on the case studies in the recommended references. You are required to solve the design projects collaboratively within your assigned group. The laboratory exercises are part of the design training where you have more opportunities to discuss your questions with the lecturer and/or tutors.
Content (topics)
- Basics of microgrid (background, system components and functions)
- Microgrid modelling (distributed generation, load and distribution line, plus energy storage technology and modelling)
- Microgrid operation and protection schemes
- Microgrid control (modelling techniques, microgrid stability and control)
The content will be taught in three modules:
- Topic 1+2 (Microgrid energy storage)
- Topic 1+3 (Microgrid operation and protection)
- Topic 1+4 (Microgrid control)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Problem Solving
| Intent: | To demonstrate students’ knowledge of modelling microgrid components and analyse their performance. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and C.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Project Proposal
| Intent: | To create a project proposal, define a scope for design project, and negotiate the scope and outcomes with the academic mentor(s). |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | 800-1000 words |
Assessment task 3: Project Presentation
| Intent: | To communicate students’ design project progress and their understanding of microgrid basics, such as basic components, energy storage, control, operation, protection. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 10-minute presentation, followed by 5-minute question/answer session |
Assessment task 4: Team Product/Prototype Delivery
| Intent: | To demonstrate students’ ability to deliver a product or prototype. Students must demonstrate their capacity to solve problems, create solutions, work in teams, communicate professionally, and manage the timelines. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | A 10-minute demonstration will be required, followed by question/answer sessions |
Assessment task 5: Final Report
| Intent: | To demonstrate students’ knowledge, technical approach and understanding of technical results of design projects. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 4000-5000 words |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject students must achieve an overall mark of 50% or greater.
Required texts
There is no required textbook for this subject
Recommended texts
1. Fengquan Zhou and Ruisheng Li, Microgrid Technology and Engineering Application, 2016, ISBN 978-0-12-803598-6.
2. G. Masters, Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems, June 2013, ISBN-13: 978-1118140628
Other resources
Additional reference material, such as other books or papers, will be communicated during the class.
Lecture notes and lecture slides will be provided.
You will use Matlab/Simulink for your project.