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EEEN40090

Academic Year 2025/2026

Power System Design (EEEN40090)

Subject:
Electronic & Electrical Eng
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Electrical & Electronic Eng
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Federico Milano
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores power system operation with a particular focus on the components of both transmission and distribution grids relating to secure network operation and protection. The module discusses the following topics.

Power system transients classification by time scale.
Renewable generation: Technical constraints that can limit the accommodation of renewable generation at various voltage levels and connection points within the grid.
Surge phenomena: Lightning. Lightning induced transients. Switching transients.
Short circuit calculations: Analysis of power systems under symmetric/asymmetric short circuit conditions according to IEC 60909.
Power system protection: Principles, components and coordination of power system protection systems, design and application to selected power systems.
Stability: Analysis of the transient, voltage and frequency stability of basic power systems. Discussion of the causes and remediation actions of blackouts through the analysis of real-world events.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the concepts underlying the occurrence of transients in power systems over a range of timescales.

2. Be able to describe the main functions, requirements, and elements of power system protection mechanisms.

3. Be able to identify and analyse power engineering problems involving three-phase ac system short-circuit calculations according to the IEC 60909 standard.

4. Be able to analyse and design solutions to power system protection coordination problems.

5. Describe system security constraints, including the (N-1) precautionary principle.

6. Articulate the range of technical constraints that can limit the accommodation of renewable generation at various voltage levels and connection points within the grid.

7. Be able to analyse basic power systems for transient, voltage and frequency stability.

8. Articulate the range of remedial actions that can be implemented to prevent the occurrence of blackouts.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

30

Tutorial

6

Specified Learning Activities

18

Autonomous Student Learning

66

Total

120


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures; problem-based learning; after-math analysis of real-world power system blackouts

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

EEEN30070


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
EEEN40780 - Grid Design and Security


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Report on a real-world power system blackout. Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous Assessment: Assignment 1 Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous Assessment: Assignment 2 Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
10
No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester examination End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

First and second assignments - feedback to class on assignment tasks Third assignment - individual feedback (on demand) Class test - feedback to class on numerical questions

Name Role
Professor Federico Milano Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Georgios Tzounas Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ignacio Ponce Arancibia Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32, 33 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26, 29, 30, 32, 33 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32 Tues 11:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32, 33 Wed 12:00 - 12:50