OVERVIEW

The teaching unit covers topics that represent the fundamental knowledge of electrical power systems through a modelling and practical approach. The focus is primarily on the study of generation and distribution systems in terms of design synthesis and verification, considering the evolution of implementation and regulations of electrical installations dictated by safety and environmental sustainability needs.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the basic topics related to the operation, the design and the planning of electrical distribution systems, analysed as systems of interconnected elements and represented by mathematical or circuital models. Special attention is paid to practical operating conditions, focusing on safety and sustainability aspects.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

To solve problems related to the analysis of the operation of electrical systems, with emphasis on load-flow calculations in radial systems and the evaluation of the effects of shunt faults, using dimensional and in "per unit" values.

To design and verify various interconnected components of electrical power systems, considering thermal criteria, quality of service requirements, energy and economic aspects.

To define properties and characteristics of protection systems for electrical distribution systems,critically distinguishing between possible alternative solutions.

PREREQUISITES

Skills in solving AC electrical circuits, algebraic and differential equations, calculations using trigonometry and complex numbers.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical and practical lectures (4 hours per week), with examples to solve examination problems.

Laboratory activities and seminars (additional hours not used for assessment).

Students having disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders can request suitable aids for the examinations. Such aids will be defined according to specific needs, together with the Referent for the Polytechnic School of the Committe for the inclusion of Students with Disabilites and with SLD. Students in such conditions are invited to get in touch (via e-mail) with the Teacher a sufficient time before the examination, inserting in copy the Referent for the Polytechninc School (https://unige.it/en/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html), without sending any document about their disabilites.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Architecture of electricity generation and distribution systems: characteristics and needs of energy consumers; load diagrams for single and complex users; power generation: power plant types, classification and scheduling strategies to meet load demand; references to distributed generation and polygeneration microgrids.
• Electrical circuit modelling and design. Calculation of electrical line parameters. Theory of long lines. Wavelength concept. Modelling and analysis of electrical lines.
• Per-unit system: definitions and steady-state applications.
• Steady-state sinusoidal regime for the electrical system. Load-flow problem.
• Electrical system faults (overcurrents): calculation of symmetrical short-circuit currents. Definition of short circuit power. Analysis of dissymmetrical faults. Method of symmetrical components. Definition of sequence impedances. Sequence filters.
• Power system protection. Types and attributes of protection systems associated with various operating conditions and system components. Characteristics of selective protection systems. Protection systems against short circuit and overload. Automatic circuit breakers and fuses.
• Designing and test criteria for cable lines.
• General background on electrical safety. Reliability and safety definitions. Safety of persons, direct and indirect contacts. Description of earthing systems.
• Power factor correction systems: technical and regulatory aspects.
• Photovoltaic systems: theoretical and constructive aspects. System components, types of modules and installation possibilities. Calculation of producibility. Design of a photovoltaic system.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- R. Marconato, “Electric Power Systems”

- W.D. Stevenson, “Elements of Power System Analysis”

- F. Saccomanno, “Electric Power Systems – Analysis and Control”

- G. Pratesi, “Le Protezioni dei Sistemi Elettrici di Potenza” (in Italian)

- R. Benato, L. Fellin, “Impianti Elettrici” (in Italian)

- F.M. Gatta, “Impianti Elettrici” (in Italian)

For particular categories of students (working students, non-attending students, students with specific learning disorders, etc.) lecture recordings and possibly handwritten handouts are available in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/8716/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For each semester, students must take a written exam (duration: 2 hours) consisting of solving numerical exercises on the topics described in the Learning Outcomes section. The written test can be taken jointly or separately. Candidates who successfully pass the written examination, which is valid indefinitely, may take the oral examination (duration: about 1 hour for each module), with a variable evaluation of up to 4 points compared to the result of the written test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment of the acquisition of practical and theoretical knowledge in calculation methods for the design and operation of electrical power systems.

The written examination will assess the student’s ability to solve numerical problems.

The oral examination will allow verification of the student's ability to restate and argue about the theoretical and practical methods concerning the sizing, verification, and protection of electrical systems.

The quality of the presentation and the correct use of specialized vocabulary, as well as the ability and autonomy of reasoning, the correct use of units of measurement, and the recall of previously defined cultural prerequisites will also be evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Following the analysis of the teaching evaluation questionnaires, the texts of the solved and to-be-solved written tests are made available on the corresponding AulaWeb site.