48572 Electrical Power Systems
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48520 Electronics and Circuits
Recommended studies: an understanding of electric circuit theory is essential to this subject, as well as the solution to ordinary differential equations. It is assumed that the students have prior knowledge in the following: Complex numbers and its application to the analysis of AC circuits. Circuit analysis. Fundamentals of electrical machines. MATLAB programming to solve simple problems
Description
The subject introduces the basic methods used in the analysis and design of electric power networks. Its purpose is to give students a working knowledge of modern power system theory and practice. Techniques introduced in earlier circuit analysis subjects are further developed and applied to power system problems.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Apply models in power system apparatus for the purpose of power system modelling and analysis. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Analyse power systems under steady-state, transient and faulted conditions. (D.1) |
| 3. | Demonstrate proficient use of specialised laboratory equipment for testing power system parameters and behaviour (D.1). |
| 4. | Professionally communicate technical information following industry norms (E.1). |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
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.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
Teaching and learning strategies
Class time is used for quizzes, seminars, tutorials and laboratories. Seminars will further explain the online materials, starting from system components and building up to their interconnection and the analysis of overall system behaviour. There will be a short closed-book quiz (30 minutes) at the beginning of some seminars. Feedback on quizzes will be provided during tutorial sessions. Feedback on other assessment tasks is also available on request. Tutorials will concentrate on reinforcing fundamental concepts through drill problems and design exercises. Laboratories will reinforce fundamental concepts and provide opportunities for verification of power system behaviour from model predictions. Students are required to complete pre-class tasks such as reviewing knowledge, reading the textbook and practising problems to build a strong foundational knowledge.
Seminars
Students should learn the new content using the available online materials before attending the seminars. Seminars will contain "whole-class activities" including group discussion, group work on solving realistic problems which will help students to follow the textbook content.
Tutorials
Tutorial problems are provided online and will focus on the application of the theoretical study. Students should attempt the provided problems before coming to the tutorials. Tutorials will be used to discuss any difficulties that students encountered during preparation activities.
Labs
Laboratories are structured sessions that allow students to put into practice the theory developed in seminars using specialized equipment or virtual lab tools. Students will need to collaborate and work in a group of two. Laboratories generally involve preparatory work. Experienced laboratory staff will assist in the running of the laboratories and provide immediate feedback to students.
There will be a consultation time available each week with the coordinator and students will be able to discuss their progress in detail.
Content (topics)
The subject is structured into two modules, and content is organized as follows:
- System Components and Steady-State. You will develop a knowledge of 3-phase power systems, voltage, current and power relationships, load and generation characteristics, 3-phase power transformers, capacitance, inductance and equivalent circuits of power lines and cables, calculation of faults using symmetrical components.
- Transient Analysis. You will develop an understanding of computer analysis of 3-phase switching transients, and 2-machine electromechanical transients
Introduction to Power system
Overview of power system -power in single phase AC system - complex power -three phase systems - power in three phase balanced system - power transformers -equivalent circuit of a transformer - auto transformers -tap changing transformers.
Per unit system, power flow and load modelling
Per unit system with applications -power flow between two nodes -load modelling concepts and different load models.
Transmission line parameters
Resistance of the transmission line - inductance of single conductor - inductance of single phase two wire system -inductance of 3 phase system -inductance of stranded and bundled conductors - double circuits - capacitance of two wire conductor -capacitance of three phase line - effect of earth on line capacitance - capacitance of bundled conductors - capacitance of double circuit.
Transmission line model
Short transmission line model - medium length line model or nominal π model - long transmission line model - voltage and current waves - surge impedance loading of the line.
Symmetrical components and fault analysis
Symmetrical faults
Analysis of three phase symmetrical faults - determination of short circuit capacity (SCC) - fault analysis using Z-bus matrix - numerical examples.
Symmetrical components
Basics of symmetrical components - sequence impedance of a star connected load - sequence impedance of a transmission line - sequence impedance of synchronous generator - sequence network of a loaded synchronous generator.
Unsymmetrical faults
Analysis of different types of three phase unsymmetrical faults-Z-bus matrix using symmetrical components - fault analysis using Z-bus matrix - numerical examples.
Power system transients
Transients with AC source -re-striking voltage -double frequency transients -traveling waves on transmission lines -traveling waves in open end line and short circuited line -line terminated through a resistance.
Transient stability
Swing equation -single machine on infinite bus (SMIB) model -rotor angle response to sudden change in power input -equivalent single machine system -stability based on equal area criterion -stability during sudden input power change -stability during 3 phase fault -numerical example.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online tutorial practice
| Intent: | To provide the opportunity to practice small exercises relating to the tutorial content. |
|---|---|
| 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): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 2: Tutorial quiz
| Intent: | To provide with the opportunity to demonstrate consolidated knowledge of tutorial content. |
|---|---|
| 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): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
Assessment task 3: Group laboratory assignments
| Intent: | To test skill and understanding of complex laboratory apparatus, and to verify theoretical predictions of power system behaviour. |
|---|---|
| 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): D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 24% |
Assessment task 4: Case study assignment
| Intent: | Students apply the knowledge learnt in the subject to analyse an authentic case study which demonstrates their understanding of power systems |
|---|---|
| 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): D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 26% |
| Length: | 3000 words |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
Grainger, J. J. and Stevenson, W. D., Power System Analysis, McGraw-Hill, 1994.
References
Elgerd, O.I., Electric Energy Systems Theory, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 1983.
Saadat, H., Power System Analysis, McGraw-Hill Primis custom publishing.
Nagsarkar, T.K. and Sukhija, M.S., Power System Analysis, Oxford University Press.
Students are advised not to restrict themselves to the above mentioned textbooks but to refer to books in the power system discipline to widen their knowledge in the subject.