Electrical Power and Energy Systems (with Advanced Practice)
MSc

Advanced Practice is normally undertaken over a one semester period and has been developed to enable a student to gain real-world practical experience to enhance their employability and academic learning. Students will receive preparatory sessions to enable them to apply to internship opportunities, which normally include:

Vocational internships with external organisations based offsite
Research or development internships based on campus
Employer-led internships based on campus
Students will undertake an appropriate advanced practice opportunity to meet their skill set and aspirations, related to their course.

All students will be assigned an academic supervisor to provide academic and pastoral support throughout their internship. Students will be assessed through a reflective report on a pass/fail basis. This module does not count towards the overall classification of the degree.

You investigate an area of engineering and work independently to a level recognised to be at the forefront of the discipline. The topic can be in the form of a research project or a design project. Key skills in research and in knowledge application and creation will be developed through keynote lectures and self-managed independent study. You are required to demonstrate the capacity for a comprehensive and objective analysis, and for developing innovative and constructive proposals for the solution to the project topic.

This module will be delivered as a group project, directing students to future demand forecasts, following trends in demand such as the electrification of heating and transport, and using business and government publications on the likely changes to electrical power demand. The implications of these changes on the power network is covered and includes synoptic work. The module will give student to opportunity to develop their presentation and research skills, spreadsheet competence, as well as working effectively in teams.

The microgrid is taught as an application to optimise renewable generation using energy storage systems to meet demand. Mathematical modelling of systems based power flow is demonstrated, integrated with renewable generators, power conversion and load controllers. Computer software to develop models to optimise the generation, and integrate it in the microgrid context using demand side management and storage. Microgrid planning and design forecasting demand, energy management, provision of ancillary services, Operation and control of Microgrids, Microgrid protection, and case studies are used to illustrate and assess the module.

The module provides students with an in-depth knowledge of Power Electronic converters as they are used on power systems to allow efficient transmission of power from generator to consumer. The modules will teach about the operation and design of the main converters and their applications. It provides a generic treatment of various converter topologies with an emphasis on critical design parameters. Applications including HV DC transmission, static VAr compensation and interconnection of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems to utility grid are considered.

The module provides students with in-depth knowledge of the theory and principles of renewable energy technologies used for electricity generation. The module focuses on the principles, design, operation and grid connected applications of wind and photovoltaic technologies, and contrasts these with conventional power systems, such as coal and gas. The module will inform the student of current practices and technological advances in the field of renewables and will provide an opportunity to develop computing and practical skills related to this area.

The module provides students with an in-depth knowledge of the principles of operation, design and utilisation of smart grids to optimise the transmission and distribution of power. It provides a generic treatment of various power system topologies with an emphasis on critical design parameters at distribution level and the evolution to the wider transmission network. The impact on existing networks and future developmental opportunities are considered alongside automation and control requirements. The module will also inform the students of recent technological advances in the field of electrical power transmission and will provide an opportunity to develop practical skills related to this area.

You will investigate how the role of the engineer is becoming more focused on serving society as well as industry and to recognise the impact of engineers’ decisions on society and the environment.

As engineers of the future, you will need to have a sustainable worldview, acknowledging international, cultural, and diversity issues in society. In addition, you will also be expected to solve complex problems with consideration for multi-perspective views, long-term effects, risk, and the impacts of decisions on society.

This module will examine the key topics surrounding sustainability in the context of engineering applications across a range of disciplines and key future challenges such as energy, transport, and construction.

The subjects will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will develop key concepts and knowledge. Seminars will allow more focused examinations of important issues and approaches.