Power Engineering and the Grid module (RE32002)

This module provides an introduction to renewable energy technology and the current status of power and energy. It equips you with a solid understanding of renewable and conventional power generation, power conversion, and the operation of modern electrical power grids such as the UK National Grid.

The module applies conventional power engineering theory to renewables, covering key technical topics. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work within future energy industries, focussing on immediate challenges and technical requirements.

Content in this module provides a strong base to support the specialist renewable energy topics covered later in the programmes and for postgraduate study of renewables and power engineering.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about renewable and conventional power system operation, supply-demand matching, energy trading and the future operation of the National Grid
• gain specialist knowledge of renewable energy generation, power control and conversion, transmission, distribution and typical demands within grids
• investigate the technical requirements and challenges of integrating variable renewable energy systems within fixed-frequency electrical grids
• build and test power engineering systems in a practical laboratory environment
• familiarise yourselves with the future outlook and pathways for renewables, aligning with government targets and rising electrical energy demand for future EVs and data centres

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• explain the technical aspects of power systems in the National Grid
• demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the present energy mix and its future development
• perform 3-phase power engineering calculations, involving real and reactive power, impedance and phase angles
• describe electromechanical generation systems including the operating dynamics of synchronous generators, load angles and grid synchronisation
• specify power and voltage conversion systems for grid-connected renewable generators such as variable-speed wind turbines
• analyse power systems using industry-standard techniques such as phasor diagrams, single-line diagrams and the per-unit system
• understand the challenges and opportunities for renewables within the future energy sector

Assignments / assessment:

• practical lab work assessed by a lab notebook and lab report (20%)
• grid data analysis investigation (20%)
• final exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable:

• seminars
• tutorials
• practical laboratories