Course content

The specialization course is intended to provide sufficient breadth and depth of topics for specialization on the advanced aspects of power system operation, planning and analysis. This course is composed of multiple blocks/modules. More information related to the detailed composition of the actual blocks offered, their learning activities, assessment forms, and logistics of the execution, will be provided at the start of the semester. A brief description of the typical blocks included is as follows.

Block 1: Methods and algorithms for power systems.

The overall aim is to embrace a computational mindset for power systems, through implementation of a select-few advanced analysis methods and algorithms. The module will cover dynamic and static aspects: from time-domain phasor simulations and small-signal methods, to contingency analysis and nose curves, to security constrained OPF. The student will experience first-hand the computational and conceptual motivation behind commonly used methods in power systems. Support will only be provided for Python and Julia, but any programming language may be used. The course offers training in complementary computational skills such as profiling for speeding up algorithms, version control and documentation - which are usually valuable for the master's thesis work.

Assessment: Each student will develop a program from scratch, that performs the methods covered in the course. Assessment is based on the programme, including a short meeting where we go through the code (adjusting oral exam). The focus lies on conceptual understanding of the methods, not on programming proficiency.

Block 2: Flexibility in power grid operation and planning

The overall aim is to give a deeper insight into power system flexibility (in general), flexibility in grid operation, and flexibility in grid planning. Topics covered also include load analysis and load modeling, demand-side flexibility, operational planning, energy storage scheduling, security of electricity supply, long-term grid planning, and socio-economic cost-benefit analysis. Focus is mostly on distribution system applications, but a large part of the concepts and methods covered in the course are also applicable to transmission systems. The course module aims to be both practically oriented and based on recent research and developments on the topic. It also aims to make students more familiar with working with data sets (grid models, load data, flexibility data...) and developing Python code to use them in power system analysis (simulation and optimization of energy and power flows...).

Assessment : Assignments are given along with the lectures and will together form the project work in the course. A written report must be delivered based on this project work. Additionally, the code must also be submitted. The course project work is a group work. Individual clarifications will be sought from the group work as needed. All students should be able to explain all parts of the project. Grading will be based on the submitted assignments and any subsequent discussions.

Block 3: Wind power in electric power systems

The overall aim is to give a deeper insight into a variety of topics related to the integration of offshore and onshore wind power in electric power systems

Content: Norway, like many other European countries, has excellent wind power resources both offshore and onshore and the course will discuss how these resources might be utilized and integrated into the energy and power system in an economically efficient, technically robust and reliable way. Different wind turbine technologies, use of power electronics, design of wind parks, grid integration and network interface and principles for control and system operation are subjects that will be studied. The differences between offshore and onshore wind power will be discussed. Furthermore, the course will present and discuss economy and market issues related to large-scale integration of wind power. After the course, students will have a solid understanding and the ability to explain with confidence the following topics:

• Electrical systems in a wind energy generation system
• Control systems in a wind turbine
• Wind farm control approaches
• Issues related to the grid integration of large-scale wind power plants
• Operation of power systems with significant wind power penetration

Assessment: The course is assessed through a mini-project conducted by a group of two students. The mini-project assesses the key topics taught in the module and comprises of a mix of calculations and questions to test reasoning and understanding. A major component of the assessment is the preparation of a technical paper in the IEEE style and an associated poster.

Learning outcome

The specialisation course is intended to provide sufficient breadth and depth of topics for specialisation on the advanced aspects of power system operation, planning and analysis. This course is composed of multiple blocks/modules. More information related to the detailed composition of the actual blocks offered, their learning activities, assessment forms, and logistics of the execution, will be provided at the semester start.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, assignments, and mini-project. The course is given in English.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Power System Analysis -1 and Power System Analysis - 2, or equivalent courses.

Admission to a programme of study is required:

Electric Power Engineering (MSELPOWER)

Energy and the Environment (MIENERG)

Energy and the Environment (MTENERG)

Renewable Energy in the Marine Environment (MSREM)

Required previous knowledge

The student can remain with a maximum of three courses from the underlying year. Prior knowledge corresponding to the courses indicated under recommended prior knowledge cannot be included in the subjects that are missing.

Course materials

Oppgitt og gitt ved semesterstart.