Electric Energy Systems Protection and Communication

Unit code: NNM6002 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study covers applied and creative knowledge and skills in the areas of electric energy systems protection and communication. The unit is delivered in two parts:



Part A - Protection: Part A investigates the planning, design and operation of protection systems in electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems. Design standards and performance requirements are critically reviewed and different principles and types of protection systems (over-current, impedance, differential, backup, fuses) are hypothesised. Application of protection systems to generators, motors, transmission lines, transformers, busbars, and distribution networks will be diagnosed. Sources of over-voltages and lightning impact on transmission and distribution networks will be debated. Surge propagation theory, circuit interruption theory and operation of instrument transformers will be assessed.

Part B - Communication: Part B deconstructs the relationships between power system automation, control, and communication concepts and technologies, as integral elements of a state of the art power system network, i.e. a smart grid informed by the IEC 61850 protocol. Power system automation, protection and control concepts will be explored with examples from real world applications such as SCADA technologies. Part B will also revise the communication technologies, network topologies, and standardization efforts in the power systems communication arena, and analyse the effectiveness of the relevant standards, communication architectures, and protocols developed for use in these networks. Security concerns in power system communication networks will be outlined and the importance of developing and maintaining a secure network against cyber-attacks will be further substantiated.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Hypothesise and adapt different protection schemes applicable to generation, transmission and distribution systems and evaluate the effectiveness of the adaptation;
  2. Design contemporary protection systems including relay settings and protection coordination to meet emerging challenges and enhance the objectives of Planetary Health;
  3. Design communication media and architectures for protection applications in power systems;
  4. Critically evaluate recent innovations in power system communications to generate insights into the operation of modern protection schemes;
  5. Investigate communication standards, protocols and architectures most commonly employed in power system protection and distribution networks for a reliable and secure network; and
  6. Collaborate with others with responsibility and accountability for own learning in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Laboratory Work
|
Grade: 30%
Simulation reports on the application of protection schemes in power systems networks (Individual)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 20%
Project 1
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 30%
Project 2
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Group presentation on Project 2 and contribution (Individually assessed)

Project 1 report on investigations into the development of communication-assisted protection schemes (1000 words) (Individual)
Project 2 Report on powerline bushfire mitigation principles and techniques (2500 words) (Group project includes individual submission of a team reflection and peer review proforma)

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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