OVERVIEW

The course covers topics that constitute the basic knowledge of electrical power systems with applications to the scenarios characterizing the current energy transition. The course features two mutually integrated contributions. The first contribution concerns the description of traditional and renewable electricity production plants, distributed generation systems and polygenerative microgrids, electric mobility systems, technological, economic and regulatory aspects for energy communities. The second contribution presents descriptive, methodological and technological aspects for the management of electrical energy systems. It addresses the economic definition of the operating point, the dispatching of generation resources, examines the structure of the electricity market and the possible services to be offered to the network.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is focused on the current energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. The architecture of the national electric power system is described by analyzing the main characteristics of electricity production, transmission and distribution systems. The evolution from centralized to distributed generation is highlighted and the main features of energy generation and storage systems are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to polygeneration microgrids (equipped with renewable power plants, high performance cogeneration and trigeneration units, storage batteries, flexible loads, etc.) and energy communities, taking into account the most recent EU and national policies related to energy markets and incentive mechanisms. The main tools used to design and manage the aforesaid energy infrastructures are described together with the basic economic and environmental indicators for the evaluation of the profitability of investments in the sustainable energy sector. Moreover, the role of electric mobility within these new energy scenarios is described and deeply analyzed.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main aim of the course is to enable students to acquire knowledge and methodologies of analysis for the study and management of production, distribution and storage energy systems, with particular attention to the field of renewable sources, microgrids, energy communities and energy markets, as well as electric mobility. The objective is the acquisition of knowledge on issues concerning complex structures such as the electrical system in order to make the student able to interact with specialists of technical sectors in working groups that operate in large Utilities or in energy management structures.

At the end of the course, students will have acquired useful skills in order to develop technical-economic analyses of the main energy systems that are at the basis of the current energy transition.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical and applied frontal lessons (4 hours per week), including some seminars held by business experts.

The course presents theoretical lectures, seminars and exercises with the development of application examples. The lessons are integrated with seminars on current issues and the presentation of "test cases". 

The topics covered are highly topical and offer prospects for master's degree theses on research projects coordinated by the course teachers in collaboration with companies in the electrical energy sector.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Basic concepts about the architecture of the national electric power system. Load diagrams. The national electrical balance.
• Electricity production power plants: fossil fuel and renewable power plants.
• Distributed generation and polygeneration microgrids: technological and operational management aspects.
• Electric mobility systems: main characteristics of vehicles and charging infrastructures.
• Economic definition of the operating point, dispatching of generation resources, continuity of service and management in normal, alert and emergency conditions.
• Electricity dispatching and functioning of the electricity market.
• Regulation services offered by energy production plants and other possible market players within the electrical power system.
• Description of the forms of incentives for energy production by renewable power plants and high performance cogeneration units, with reference also to energy communities: technological, economic and regulatory aspects.
• Analysis of business plans in the energy production sector: analysis of real case studies with calculation of economic indicators.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda:
- Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy systems for all.
- Goal 9. Build a resilient infrastructure and promote innovation and equitable, responsible and sustainable industrialization.
- Goal 12. Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns.
 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Handouts and teaching materials provided by the teachers.

Books recommended by the teachers.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

as per academic calendar 1st semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral interview

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it ), the School's disability liaison.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Verification of the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practical methodologies for the analysis and management of power generation and distribution systems.

EXAM SCHEDULE: by appointment agreed with the professors in compliance with the general University calendar.