Power System Supply Chain Management

Unit code: NEE2204 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed through modern power systems, focusing on two interrelated themes: the Power System Supply Chain and Transmission Networks.

Power System Supply Chain:
Students explore the historical evolution and deregulation of the power industry, analysing the structure and operation of electricity supply networks. The unit covers generation technologies, including thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power, and examines distributed generation, energy storage, and ancillary services. Students also study the role of overhead lines, underground cables, substations, and protection systems, integrating operational technologies such as SCADA and auxiliary networks to ensure system reliability and safety.

Transmission Networks:
This section focuses on the critical role of transmission lines as the backbone of the electrical grid. Students analyse transmission line parameters, performance, and power flow through detailed mathematical modelling and simulation. The study extends to steady-state and transient behaviours, including the Ferranti effect, travelling waves, and reactive power compensation using traditional and power-electronic-based methods. Environmental, economic, and sustainability considerations are also addressed to equip students with a holistic understanding of modern transmission planning and operation.



By the end of this unit, students will be able to evaluate, model, and optimise power transmission and distribution systems for safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability within real-world engineering contexts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse and differentiate the components of the power system supply chain and explain how transmission, distribution, and auxiliary networks operate as an integrated system;
  2. Evaluate conventional and renewable energy generation technologies, including hydro, wind, solar, and distributed systems, in the context of sustainable supply and grid reliability;
  3. Apply modelling principles and ABCD parameters to analyse transmission lines of varying lengths and assess steady-state performance and power transfer capability;
  4. Interpret and illustrate transmission-line transient behaviour, including travelling waves and lattice diagrams, to evaluate protection and stability responses; and
  5. Assess the application of AC and DC transmission systems, including voltage selection and compensation techniques, across diverse operational and environmental contexts.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
In-class invigilated test (45 mins) (Individual)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 40%
Lab Exercises (2000 words)(Group)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 40%
In-class invigilated test (90 minutes)(individual)

Tests: These secure invigilated in class assessments have an unpredictable problem-solving scenario format that tests applied understanding, requires explanation of reasoning and process, and involves applying knowledge to new contexts.

Report: Structured group lab report documenting design, implementation, and validation processes in detail. Progressive milestone checks, documented collaboration and individual contributions ensure accountability and support verification of each student’s engagement. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further supports the secure assessment and assurance of each student’s achievement of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
NHEE | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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