AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module addresses the theoretical, methodological, and technological aspects concerning the protection and the stability defense of the electrical power system, considering the impact of the energy transition. The criteria and modern techniques for protecting the electrical system are investigated, as well as the interface requirements and inherent characteristics of Inverter-Based Resources. The proper modeling and simulation of the systems under analysis support the theoretical study.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Analyze the main functional characteristics of protection devices in relation to the electrical quantities involved and the boundaries of the protection zone.
• Represent the behavior of the electrical system under fault conditions in the impedance and admittance domains.
• Analyze and describe in depth the protection requirements and behavior of modern electrical systems with converter-interfaced renewable energy sources.
• Select, design, and coordinate the main types of protection systems—overcurrent, distance, differential, and time-domain protection—according to the system’s characteristics.
• Develop phasor and EMT (electromagnetic transient) models of transmission and distribution systems using MATLAB/Simulink simulation tools, in order to support protection system design.
• Describe protection strategies and criteria for geographically extended systems, including HVDC systems, and taking into account modern monitoring techniques and the use of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs).
• Communicate technical analyses, simulation results, and design aspects of protection systems clearly and effectively, both in written and oral form, to highly qualified technical audiences.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of a structured combination of theoretical lectures and guided classroom exercises.

Teaching activities are complemented by practical computer-based sessions, during which students use MATLAB/Simulink simulation software for the analysis and modelling of electrical systems.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's disability liaison at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course covers the following topics:

• Fundamental definitions and concepts related to the protection and defense of power systems. 
• Key functional characteristics of protection and measurement devices.
• Fault behavior and modeling of power systems dominated by synchronous machines.
• Introduction to modeling and simulation techniques for electrical energy systems.
• Overcurrent protection: fundamental theory, operating characteristics, and limitations.
• Distance protection: fundamental theory, operating characteristics, and analysis in the impedance and admittance domains.
• Differential protection: fundamental theory, operating characteristics, typical applications.
• Time-domain protection: fundamental theory, operating characteristics, and fault location techniques.
• Protection coordination techniques, application areas, and operational limitations.
• Modeling and fault behavior of electrical systems with renewables and Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs).
• Interface protection requirements for IBRs, fault ride-through (FRT) capabilities and compliance aspects.
• Fault behavior and protection strategies for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.
• Monitoring strategies for large-scale, geographically distributed power systems.
• Protection criteria and strategies for active distribution networks.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Information on the academic calendar is available at the following link:
https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11955/studenti-orario 

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a practical exercise followed by an oral interview.

The practical exercise consists of developing, within the MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment, a computer model selected from topics proposed by the professor among those outlined in the specific learning objectives. This must be accompanied by a technical report critically describing the methodology employed and the results obtained. The submission is due at least one week prior to the oral interview.

The oral interview, lasting approximately 45 minutes, is conditional upon a positive evaluation of the practical exercise.

The exam date is arranged by appointment upon request.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination aims to assess the acquisition of theoretical and methodological knowledge.

The practical exercise evaluates the student’s ability to use design support tools based on modelling and simulation, as well as to accurately model electrical systems and their associated protection systems.

The oral examination assesses the student’s ability to present and discuss the theoretical and methodological aspects. During the oral exam, clarity of exposition, appropriate use of technical terminology, autonomy and critical reasoning skills, and proficiency in referencing interdisciplinary aspects will be evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.