Course content

The course will give a solid foundation for the national and international development towards the future’s renewable electric energy system, and different concepts known under the name Smart Grid, from the perspective of electric power engineering. The starting point is the understanding of how design, operation and control of power systems traditionally have been considered, and the course takes a multi-disciplinary approach where power systems and electric power conversion merge together. In addition, the course seeks to give perspectives on the Smart Grid – trends that motivate it, and a discussion of changes that are already taking place, such as the deployment of smart meters and consequences thereof, as well as the view of the electrical engineering industry on the Smart Grid.

As a backdrop for the course, energy and civilization is briefly discussed. An overview of terminology and trends in the development towards the Smart Grid will be given. Smart meters and the challenges faced by the Norwegian energy sector in that context, will be discussed.

The technical foundation for the Smart Grid will be given as a repetition of basic concepts from the study of electric power systems and power electronics for renewable energy. Micro grids will be introduced. Smart Grid electric power systems will be discussed, and differences and similarities between the Smart Grid and today’s grid will be discussed. Technology for integration of wind power, solar power and electric vehicles on a larger scale will be discussed as three important elements of the future Smart Grid.

In the final part of the course, a short introduction to instantaneous power theory will be given. The theory is a basis for advanced power metering and compensation of disturbances in electric power systems under non-ideal conditions, an important issue for the future complex Smart Grid.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
After completing the course, the student shall
- Understand the background for Smart Grid, and the differences between the future Smart Grid and today’s power system, as well as have knowledge about important terminology.
- Have knowledge about challenges faced by the Norwegian energy sector in the years ahead, such as challenges regarding the deployment of smart meters.
- Know the electric power engineering basis for Smart Grid.
- Have knowledge about technology for micro grids and the integration of renewable energy such as wind power, solar power, including the characteristics of these sources, in the power system, and technology and challenges related to charging of electric vehicles on a large scale.
- Have knowledge about instantaneous power theory.

Skills:
After completing the course, the student shall be able to
- Apply and pass on knowledge, perspectives and terminology regarding Smart Grid as a basis for innovation in the energy sector.
- Analyze and perform basic design of Smart Grid power systems.
- Perform basic design of wind and solar power systems, and systems for charging of electric vehicles on a large scale.
- Apply instantaneous power theory to analyze simple cases of non-ideal conditions in the power system.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and mandatory exercises. A number of exercises that seen together comprise a smaller project must be submitted. The course is given in English. The final evaluation will be based on a written examination (counting 75%) and the project work (counting 25%) based on % fulfillment. Final grading will be from A to F. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

TET4115 Power System Analysis, TET4190 Power Electronics for Renewable Energy

Course materials

To be announced at the start of the semester.