WM9P3-15 Energy Systems Integration
Introductory description
Renewable energy technologies cannot effectively contribute to a net-zero world as stand-alone technologies. Instead they have to become part of a much wider and integrated energy supply, storage, and distribution system. Existing electricity grid and distribution systems have to be re-engineered to have the capacity to handle such an integrated energy system, something they were never designed for. This module will explore the technologies which are necessary for the complex and continually evolving integrated energy systems to cope with the rapidly changing demands of renewable energy systems. Students will use electricity grid and distribution systems simulation modelling software to identify critical performance issues that may arise from the incorporation of renewable energy generation technologies alongside existing generation technologies, and be provided with the necessary knowledge and understanding for them to be able synthesis suitable engineering solutions. The module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face lectures, seminars, and online guided synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Module aims
The transition to renewable energy will require such technologies to be integrated with existing energy generation technologies and in particular to integrate their use within existing electricity grid and distributions systems. These systems were not designed for, and not optimised for, using renewable energy. They will require engineering modification adaption to ensure their reliability. The renewable energy technologies being introduced will need to be designed and developed with this in mind, or they will fail to deliver the engineering performance required. The principal aim of this module is provide the students with the necessary understanding of the key challenges and solutions associated with re-engineering existing energy systems to ensure the required engineering performance of the new renewable energy technologies can operate safely and reliably, integrated within a diverse energy generation mix.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Introduction to existing electricity grid and instruction systems and their operational characteristics
- Transmission technologies – including HVDC
- Overhead lines, cabling and switchgear technologies
- Transformer technologies
- Grid protection systems
- Grid resilience
- Real and reactive power
- Demand /load side control
- Grid inertia and stability
- Types of grid converters and their function related to renewable energy generation
- Synchronous and non-synchronous generation
- Active distribution and dispersed generation networks
- Micro-grids
- Smart grids
- Electrical energy storage technologies
- Using grid and distribution network simulation software
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of the major components and performance characteristics of power transmission and distribution systems.
- Apply systematic knowledge and understanding of power transmission and distribution systems to specify the requirements for a single source renewable energy generation system grid connection.
- Analyse electricity grid and distribution systems using simulation modelling software to identify critical performance issues that may arise from the incorporation of renewable energy generation technologies alongside existing generation technologies.
- Design suitable engineering solutions that will enable engineering issues and challenges associated with integrating multiple-source renewable energy generation systems into an existing electricity grid and distribution system.
Indicative reading list
Patel, M. 2021. Wind and Solar Power Systems: Design, Analysis, and Operation. CRC Press. ISBN 978 0 367 47693 9.
Oskouei, M. 2020. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources Into the Power Grid Through PowerFactory. Springer. ISBN 978-3030443757.
International
This module is part of the MSc Renewable Energy program delivered at the Azerbaijan State Oil & Industry University in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Subject specific skills
- Analysis of complex energy systems, including the use of, and evaluation of output from, appropriate software tools.
- Energy systems adaption and improvement
- Energy systems design & synthesis
Transferable skills
- Systems thinking
- Evaluation and judgement
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Presentation of highly complex technical data
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 sessions of 1 hour (39%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 9 sessions of 1 hour (17%) |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | 24 sessions of 1 hour (44%) |
| Total | 54 hours |
Private study description
Directed by a module study guide issued at the start of the module. This will direct students to relevant text and journal readings and other learning activities, including flipped classroom activities, with indicative time allocations for each.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Assignment | 100% | 60 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
A report which analyses and evaluates the potential of an existing energy supply and distribution system to accommodate a distributed renewable energy supply network and proposes technically justified solutions for upgrading such a system to become a suitable and sufficient integrated energy system. |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
- Verbal feedback given during seminar/tutorial sessions,
- Written individual formative feedback on the assignment report.,
- Written cohort-level summative feedback on the end of module examination
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.