POWER SYSTEMS SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION

Information updated until 30/06/2026

CODE	86667
ACADEMIC YEAR	2026/2027
CREDITS	5 cfu anno 2 ENERGY ENGINEERING 11917 (LM-30 R) - SAVONA
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR	ING-IND/33
LANGUAGE	English
TEACHING LOCATION	SAVONA
SEMESTER	1° Semester

OVERVIEW

The teaching unit provides knowledge for the development of simulation and optimisation models of complex energy and electrical systems: distributed generation plants, battery storage systems, multi-energy microgrids and nanogrids, power distribution networks, electric vehicle charging hubs, energy communities, prosumer buildings. Mathematical models are developed in the classroom and implemented using computer tools.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit is designed to provide the students the theoretical and methodological skills necessary for the development of power system simulation and optimization models. The unit aims to provide the students the capabilities to model different power system technologies in off-design and transient operating conditions, through the use of dedicated software, and to develop optimization mathematical models for the design and the operation of energy communities, microgrids, nanogrids, and smart charging infrastructures for electric vehicles.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main purpose of the teaching unit is to provide students competences on the development of power system optimization and simulation models, with a particular focus on distributed generation, smart grids/microgrids/nanogrids, power distribution networks, energy communities and smart electric mobility systems. Students will acquire skills to develop mathematical models for the simulation of the behaviour of both power plants, in off-design/transient conditions, and electric power networks. Moreover, students will be able to develop optimization models to design and daily operate prosumer buildings, energy communities, smart grids and smart microgrids/nanogrids (Optimal Design models and Energy Management Systems). Competences on the modelling of electric storage systems and electric mobility charging infrastructures (vehicle-to-grid V2G, vehicle-to-building V2B and vehicle-to-home V2H technologies, Smart Charging of electric vehicles) will be also acquired.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of power plants.

Knowledge of power and energy systems.

Knowledge of mathematical analysis and systems theory.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit is organized in interactive lectures on theoretical topics, solution of case studies and computer aided exercises (using Matlab, Matpower, Simulink, Simscape, Yalmip, Homer Pro, Recon, DIgSILENT).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- Development of mathematical models to simulate the behaviour of power plants in off-design (partial loads) and transient operating conditions

- Smart grids and smart microgrids/nanogrids: technical and economic aspects, the Smart Polygeneration Microgrid of the Savona Campus

- Modelling of electrical storage systems, high performance cogeneration and trigeneration units, renewable power plants

- Modelling of electrical circuits and power distribution networks

- Electric mobility systems (electric vehicles and charging infrastructures, vehicle-to-grid V2G, vehicle-to-building V2B and vehicle-to-home V2H technologies, Smart Charging of electric vehicles)

- Development of optimization tools to design and daily operate distributed energy facilities, energy communities, smart grids/microgrids/nanogrids, charging hubs for electric vehicles

- Development of Energy Management Systems for smart grids/microgrids/nanogrids, prosumer buildings with demand response, energy communities and charging hubs for electric vehicles.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

STEFANO BRACCO

Ricevimento: Students are received by appointment directly with the teacher via email or phone. Contact details: Stefano Bracco, DITEN, Via Opera Pia 11a, first floor, office no. I.20, 16145 Genova Savona Campus, Via Magliotto 2, Delfino building, office no. 3, 17100 Savona tel. +39-01921945123, mob. +39-3357917372, e-mail: stefano.bracco@unige.it

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/11917/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Each student has to prepare a written report (possibly also in a group with other students) on a developed optimization/simulation model.

A positive evaluation of the written report permits to have access to the oral exam which consists of answers to theoretical questions and the solution of numerical exercises.

Students with a certified learning disability (DSA), a disability, or other special educational needs are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss teaching and examination arrangements that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account and provide appropriate accommodations.
Please also note that requests for exam accommodations or exemptions must be submitted using the form available at this link
https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back , to the course professor, the DIME contact person (federico.scarpa@unige.it), and the relevant office ( inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it) at least seven working days before the examination, in accordance with the guidelines available at this link
https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Evaluation of the acquisition of practical and theoretical competencies in developing optimization and simulation models of power plants, energy distribution and storage systems, power distribution networks, prosumer buildings, energy communities, microgrids/nanogrids and electric mobility systems.