EGH451 Distributed Renewable Electrical Energy Systems

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

The proliferation of renewable power generation is changing the way electricity is generated and delivered, shifting from a centralised towards a more distributed generation model. The renewable energy sources are typically integrated and interfaced with the electricity grid via power electronic converter systems. In this unit you will learn about the structure, layout, and key characteristics of renewable electrical energy systems, from small residential photovoltaic installations to large-scale photovoltaic power plants and wind farms. The unit will also discuss grid connected versus stand alone renewable energy systems, DC and AC microgrids, the concept of smart grid and virtual power plants.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Compose a technical report of an electrical engineering project including figures, tables, diagrams, and code snippets, at an advanced level.
2. Design and analyse a grid integration system of renewable energy source, taking into account technical and regulatory requirements, at an advanced level.
3. Analyse and solve problems pertaining to power converters and electrical machines for renewable resource grid integration, using appropriate mathematical and computing tools, at an advanced level.
4. Assess power converter systems and their performance using theory and modelling to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the converter system at an advanced level.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operation of grid interactive technologies, including key regulatory requirements.

Content

Learning Approaches

Mode of Teaching (contact hours)
Total hours per week: 5
Lectures: 2 hours per week
Tutorials: 1 hour per week
Prac/Lab: 2 hours per week

Learning approaches
The delivery of this unit is through lectures, tutorials, assignment and supplementary learning activities. A diversity of teaching and learning approaches will be used to engage students. You will experience problem solving with progressive levels of practice, including real examples and applications, challenges and feedbacks. You will also be required to appraise power converter principles and their modulation and control, grid codes, synchronization and islanding detection methods, microgrids and virtual power plants.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formative feedback will occur through verbal lecturer, tutor and group interaction throughout the semester. Summative feedback will be provided in the form of written and/or verbal comments on the creativity and overall quality of the design for the submitted work.

Assessment

Overview

The unit will be assessed based on the following evaluating items:
1. Problem Solving assignment
2. Group assignment
3. Final examination

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem solving assessment

In this assignment, the students will analyze and determine the solutions for specific questions on renewable grid integration and related issues. They will use the knowledge gathered in the unit to solve the problems and submit their solutions for marking and feedback.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Group assignment

The students will undertake a design task on grid integration of renewable resources as a group assignment. They will use the knowledge gathered in this unit to analyze, formulate and simulate the problems in the design task and submit their findings in the form of a report. A part of this task can be an open-ended design where students can use their own way of thinking to come up with a solution.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Final examination

The students will use the knowledge gathered in this unit to analyze and solve a number of questions on grid integration of renewable energy sources in a closed book invigilated examination environment. They are provided with the necessary examination material and formula sheet.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Nil

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Teodorescu, R., Liserre, M., & Rodriguez, P. (2011). Grid converters for photovoltaic and wind power systems. John Wiley & Sons.

Bose, B. K. (2019). Power electronics in renewable energy systems and smart grid: Technology and applications.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

In this unit you will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base

1. 
   Relates to: Group assignment
2. 
   Relates to: Group assignment
3. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
4. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
2. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
3. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
4. 
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Group assignment

Course Learning Outcomes

EN53 Master of Renewable Energy

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Final examination
2. Analyse and evaluate Renwable Energy problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
3. Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage projects in Renewable Energy in a way that assures sustainable outcomes over their whole lifecycle
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
4. Effectively communicate Renewable Energy problems, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
   Relates to: Group assignment, Final examination
5. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
   Relates to: Group assignment

EN73 Master of Renewable Energy with Project Management

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Final examination
2. Analyse and evaluate problems in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading-edge research to achieve evidence based, innovative, critically informed solutions and outcomes
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
3. Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage projects in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains in a way that assures sustainable outcomes and strategic objectives over their whole lifecycle
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
4. Effectively communicate problems in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
   Relates to: Group assignment, Final examination
5. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
   Relates to: Group assignment

EN76 Master of Renewable Energy with Data Analytics

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Final examination
2. Analyse and evaluate problems in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading-edge research to achieve evidence based, innovative, critically informed solutions and outcomes
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
3. Apply innovative, systematic approaches to plan, design, deliver and manage projects in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains in a way that assures sustainable outcomes and strategic objectives over their whole lifecycle
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment
4. Effectively communicate problems in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains, related complex data and information, and solutions in contemporary professional formats for diverse purposes and audiences
   Relates to: Group assignment, Final examination
5. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
   Relates to: Group assignment

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
   Relates to: Group assignment
2. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Final examination
3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
4. Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
5. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Problem solving assessment, Group assignment, Final examination
6. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Group assignment