BEEE511 

Module Name Electricity Supply Chain 
 Module Code BEEE511 
Level Five 
 Credits 15  

  

Module Description and General Aims 

The objective of this module is to provide students with detailed knowledge of the electricity supply chain which is formed by electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution. Information covered in this module will include: energy sources and their application; equipment used in power generation; AC and HVDC transmission lines and their parameters; distribution networks; distributed generation and energy storage; basic power system analysis; and electricity market operation. Emphasis will be on maintaining the reliability of power supply and optimising resource usage. At the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the entire electricity supply chain. 

  

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this Module, students are expected to be able to: 

  1. Compare and apply appropriate generation methods involving fossil or renewable energy sources for a given application. 
    Bloom’s Level 4 
  1. Analyse AC and DC power transmission networks and distribution systems. 
    Bloom’s Level 4 
  1. Explain the principles of network operation and evaluate power and voltage control strategies. 
    Bloom’s Level 5 
  1. Demonstrate a clear knowledge of power system studies and conduct basic system analysis. 
    Bloom’s Level 3 
  1. Explain the role of market operators, and the concept of smart grids to achieve network optimisation. 
    Bloom’s Level 2 

  

Student Assessment 

Assessment Type When assessed Weighting (% of total module marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed 
Assessment 1 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Power generation and generators. Students will complete a quiz with MCQ type answers to 30 questions to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of power generation and generators. Due after Topic 3 15% 1 
Assessment 2  Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Transmission and network operations. 
Students will complete a test with about 20 questions each to be answered in less than 100 words and explanatory diagrams to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of transmission and distribution networks. 		Due after Topic 6 20% 2 
Assessment 3 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation / Project / Report 
Example Topic: Generators, transmission and distribution. 
Students plan the power distribution system of an industrial facility and carry out the sizing of cables using software. 		Due after Topic 10 20% 3, 4 
Assessment 4 Type: Project/Exam Example Topic: A project covering the application/ planning aspects of power generation, transmission, and distribution. Final Week 40% 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 
Attendance / Tutorial Participation Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application. Continuous 5% – 

  

Overall Requirements: Students must achieve a result of 40% or above in the exam itself to pass the exam and must pass the exam to be able to pass the module. An overall final module score of 50% or above must be achieved to pass the module once all assessment, including the exam, has been completed. 

Prescribed and Recommended Readings 

Required textbook(s) 

S. N. Singh, 2008 Electric Power Generation: Transmission & Distribution, 2nd Edition, PHI Learning, ISBN 978-8120335608 

 
Reference Materials 

L.L., Grisby, 2012, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, CRC Press, ISBN 9781439856284  

M, Sarma, J.D. Glover, T.J. Overbye, and A. Birchfield, Power System Analysis and Design, SI Edition, 7th Edition, 2022, Cengage Learning 

  

Module Content 

  

Topic 1  

Power generation basics and non-renewable sources  

1. Forms of energy conversion in power generation 
2. Operational principle of thermal power plants  
3. Fundamentals of combined cycle generation and co-generation 

4. Engine generators  
5. Principles of nuclear energy  
6. Environmental hazards of non-renewable sources 

  

Topic 2 

Renewable Sources  

  1. Types of renewable sources and their importance in today’s context 
  1. Fundamentals of hydro-electric power generation 
  1. Fundamentals of wind power generation 
  1. Fundamentals of solar power generation 
  1. Introduction of Distributed generation 

  

Topic 3  

Power transmission networks and configuration 

1. Need for power transmission networks 
2. AC and DC transmission – brief comparison 

3. Basics of HVDC transmission  
4. Transmission through overhead lines and underground cables 
5. Various types of towers and conductor configurations 

Topic 4 

Overhead Lines  

 
1. Overhead line parameters 
2. Need for transposition of conductors 
3. Ferranti effect in long transmission lines 
4. Overhead line design, span, sag calculations, route survey 
5. Insulators and insulation coordination 
6. Surge impedance of lines 

Topic 5 

Underground Cables 

1. Cables and their role in electricity supply networks 
2. Cable types and applications 
3. Cable sizing calculation and de-rating factors 
4. Cable accessories 

Topic 6 

Power distribution and its planning  

1. Power distribution in utility and industry 
2. Distribution system configurations: radial, ring, and mesh 
3. Equipment used in utility distribution networks 
4. Distribution system planning 
5. Load and demand calculations, factors to be considered 
6. Industrial power distribution fundamentals 
7. Distribution architecture and redundant power arrangement for reliable power 

  

  

Topic 7 

Network operation and SCADA  

1. Network operation-control and reliability 
2. Reasons for network failures and addressing root causes 
3. Reliability indicators 
4. SCADA and its components 
5. Data communication fundamentals for SCADA  
6. Introduction of IEC61850 

Topic 8 

Voltage and Power Factor Control 

 
1. Voltage control in transmission and distribution (Voltage regulators and control by on-load tap changing of transformers) 
2. Automatic reclosers for reliability improvement and role of disconnectors 
3. Static VAR compensation  

4. Power factor correction by capacitors (shunt and series compensation) 
5. Synchronous condensers 

Topic 9 

Power System Studies -1  

1. Objectives of power system studies 
2. Short circuit study 
3. Sequence components and application in short circuit calculations 
 

Topic 10 

Power System Studies -2  

1. Load flow and voltage profile 
2. Stability studies and improvement 
3. Harmonic flow and control 

Topic 11 

Smart Grids  

1. Smart grids and infrastructure requirements, benefits 
2. Microgrids  

3. The role of energy storage in modern power systems 

  

Topic 12 

Industry Structure and Market Regulator 

  1. Introduction to sustainability in power systems 
  1. Structural transformation in the electricity sector (Decentralisation, Electrification, Digitisation) 
  1. Global energy transition, recent trends and future development 
  1. Power industry transformation and flexible regulatory framework 
  1. Regulation in power industry-current trends and benefits 
  1. Market operation basics 
  1. Market operations in the UK context 
  1. Role of Network Market operator 

In the final week, students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work and to clarify any outstanding issues. 

  

Software/Hardware Used 

Software 

  • Software: PowerFactory 
  • Version: N/A 
  • Instructions:  N/A 
  • Additional resources or files: N/A 

Hardware 

  • N/A