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Unit outline_

ELEC5204: Power Systems Analysis and Protection

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides the basis for the analysis of electricity grids using symmetrical components theory. Such analysis theory is the basis for the understanding of electrical faults and the design of protection strategies to safeguard the electrical equipment, and maintain safety of the plant at the highest possible level. The following specific topics are covered: The types and causes of power system faults; balanced faults and short circuit levels; an introduction to fault current transients in machines; symmetric components, sequence impedances and networks; the analysis of unsymmetrical faults. Review of the impact of faults on power system behaviour; issues affecting protection scheme characteristics and clearance times; the security and reliability of protection schemes; the need for protection redundancy and its implementation as local or remote backup; zones of protection and the need for zones to overlap; the analysis and application of over-current and distance relay protection schemes with particular reference to the protection of transmission lines.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

(ELEC3203 OR ELEC9203 OR ELEC5732) AND (ELEC3206 OR ELEC9206 OR ELEC5734). The unit assumes basic knowledge of circuits, familiarity with basic mathematics, competence with basic circuit theory and an understanding of three phase systems, transformers, transmission lines and associated modeling and operation of such equipment

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jin Ma, j.ma@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s) Rui Chu, rui.chu@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Examination
Closed book final exam.
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Assignment
Take home assignment
15% Week 10
Due date: 03 May 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO6 LO10 LO11
Assignment Lab report 1
Complete and submit a lab report
10% Week 11
Due date: 10 May 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment Lab Report 2
Complete and submit a lab report
10% Week 12
Due date: 17 May 2024 at 23:59
N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO4
Assignment Lab 3 Report
Complete and submit a lab report
10% Week 13
Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59
N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO4

Assessment summary

  • Assignment: Modeling and analysis a power system and its components for short circuit calculation.
  • Lab reports: Laboratory work with the power system simulator that offers a breadth of experimental work with the latest digital relays and some of the experiments are as follows: symmetrical faults, unsymmetrical faults, transient overvoltage, grading of overcurrent protection for three-phase faults, directional control of relay tripping, distance and zone protection.
  • Final exam: End of semester examination.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

!0% per day

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Three-phase power systems, historical developments, characteristics influencing generation and transmission, environmental aspects of electrical energy generation, transmission and distribution systems, energy utilization, balanced three-phase and unbalanced three-phase systems, introduction to short circuit analysis and symmetrical component theory. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 1. Short circuit analysis techniques; 2. General introduction to synchronous machines and its mathematical models for symmetrical fault anslysis 3. Per unit system; 4. Modelling electricity network in per unit system Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO7 LO10 LO11
Week 03 1. Sequence networks; 2. Equivalent circuits and parameters of electricity networks; 3. Generator short circuit current 4. Negative sequence reactance; 5. Zero sequence reactance; 6. Direct and quadrature axis values; 7. Effect of saturation on machine reactances; 8. Transformer positive sequence equivalent circuits; 9. Transformer zero sequence equivalent circuits Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO7 LO8 LO10 LO11
Week 04 1. Overhead line circuits with or without earth wires; 2. Cable equivalent circuits; 3. sequence model of transmission lines 4. symmetrical fault current calculation 5. Impedance matrix 6. Computer aided short circuit current calculations Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO10
Week 05 1. Sequence network models for two-winding and three-winding transformers under various connections 2. Developing sequence networks for complex power systems 3. Using symmetrical component methods to solve unbalanced operational problems. Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Applying symmetrical component methods on unbalanced fault current calculation. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 07 1. Instrument transformers 2. General introduction to fuse, switching gears and protection devices 3 Selection of switching gears and fuse Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 08 1. Protection overview 2. Protection design principles 3. Principles of time/current grading 4. Overcurrent relays Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 09 1. Coordination of overcurrent protection 2. Differential protection Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Principles of distance relays, relationship between relay voltage and ZS/ZL ratio, zones of protection, distance relay characteristics, effect of source impedance and earthing methods Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 11 1. Fundamental concepts of power system electromagnetic transients 2. Modelling power system electromagnetic transients; 3. Time domain solutions and physical interpretations Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Week 12 1 Power system electromechanical transients 2 Relations between the power system electromagnetic transients and electromechanical transients and the application domain of each 3 Developing electromechanical transient study models of a power system Lecture and tutorial (6 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Week 13 1. Overview on power system stability 2. Equal Area Criteria 3. Review and feedback Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7 LO11

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture sessions are very important and students are expected to attend.

Students should participate in the tutorial sessions.

Students should attend and do the laboratory experiments and submit the laboratory reports. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended textbook (available online through university library):

  • Duncan Glover et. al., Power System Analysis and Design. Cengage Learning, 978-1-111-42577-7.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate an understanding the functions of switch gear and other devices
  • LO2. demonstrate a basic understanding electrical safety issues and systems earthing to the extent of the material presented
  • LO3. write reports and present information to communicate engineering information clearly, concisely and accurately at a level commensurate with the expected technical knowledge level of the stakeholders involved
  • LO4. incorporate professional standards for economical, environmental, social and safety issues into the design, implementation and operation of power systems by drawing on Australian codes and standards
  • LO5. design basic protection schemes, drawing on principles and knowledge at hand, as well as other available resources to solve the problem to specifications
  • LO6. use a power system simulator to design, test and confirm protection requirements for a given system within the limits of the material presented
  • LO7. demonstrate an understanding of symmetrical components theory and its application
  • LO8. demonstrate proficiency in determining maximum and minimum short circuit levels in power networks using knowledge of principles and concepts developed throughout the course
  • LO9. apply knowledge of concepts and principles studied to demonstrate why protection systems are required and their respective functions to the extent of the material presented.
  • LO10. demonstrate an understanding of electromagnetic transients happening in a power system when it is disturbed and the corresponding analysis methods
  • LO11. Demonstrate an understanding of the electromechanical transients happening in a power system and the basic stability analysis methods for simplified power system model.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I take over this course from S1 2024. I have no direct access to the students' feedback of the previous years through USS. From what I received from some students, I will make the exam questions more related to what the students see and exercise in the course. I will try my best to elaborate the course knowledge in more details with clear power system application context.

Work, health and safety

Abide by the power lab work, health and safety regulations in the three labs of this course.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.