Course coordinator
Dr Chandima Ekanayake
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
This course will focus on design of transmission and distribution protection schemes. This will include fundamentals on protection, relay design and protection schemes for transmission lines, transformers and bus. Additionally the course will focus on settings of feeder and transformer protection schemes, and selection of current and voltage instrument transformers for those protection schemes. The issues surrounding power quality and how these affect power systems will be also addressed. This will include measurement and modelling techniques to identify power quality problems and mitigating techniques. Impact of electrical overstress on the design and operation of power systems and electronic equipment will be discussed and protection systems will be built to "eliminate" equipment malfunction and damage due to electrical overstress.
A single fault in a power system can cause outages for thousands of civilians. In this course, we will explore how to protect power systems against such events, through the design of power system transmission, as well as distribution level protection schemes. This will include fundamentals on protection, relay design and protection schemes for transmission lines, bus,ﾠtransformers, reactors and generator, as well as the impact of distributed generation, e.g. reverse power flow, on existing protection schemes. Additionally the course will focus on selecting current and voltage instrument transformers for specific settings of feeder and transformer protection schemes. To apply this learning to the real world, students will also have the opportunity to participate in practical simulations and hardware labs, as well as a series of lectures on industry practice conducted by experienced professionals. In previous years students highly appreciated the content covered in this course. To encourage students to discuss the content covered in the class two in-class assessments were introduced. An oral presentation is introduced in place of mid semester exam.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Basic electrical engineering concepts covered in ELEC3310 and fundamental understanding of the operation of power systems.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3300 or ELEC3310
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC4300 or ELEC4310
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ELEC4301 or ELEC7304 or ELEC7311
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Chandima Ekanayake
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
More information on scheduling lab classes will be available through blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
- To be able to interpret existing power system protection schemes.
- To acquire the skills to solve power system protection settings and coordination problems for a given power system.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
In-class assignment submission
|
20% |
Assignment submission 1 19/08/2025 3:50 pm Assignment submission 2 7/10/2025 3:50 pm
Due in the applied class |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
A report on software exercise
|
20% |
26/09/2025 5:00 pm
More information will be available through Blackboard. |
| Presentation, Reflection |
Individual presentations and viva
|
10% |
Slides due 5:00pm 17/10/2025 Presentations week 12 & 13 - 20/10/2025 - 31/07/2025
Presentation slides due in Blackboard by 5:00pm 17/10/2025. Invigilated presentations conducted during week 12 and 13. More information provided on Blackboard. |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-class assignment submission
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Assignment submission 1 19/08/2025 3:50 pm
Assignment submission 2 7/10/2025 3:50 pm
Due in the applied class
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Two assignments need to be completed during the applied class in Week 4 and Week 10. More information on assignment will be available in Blackboard. All submissions are collected during the class. Overall worth of these submissions will be 20 marks. The assignments are equally weighted. Note that this is not an identity verified or supervised assessment. Students have the freedom to discuss with peers in the class.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In-class
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Marked submissions with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 14-21 days where the earlier time frame applies if no extensions.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
This assessment takes place in a scheduled class and a 100% penalty will be applied to late submission.
A report on software exercise
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
26/09/2025 5:00 pm
More information will be available through Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This is mainly based on PSCAD simulation exercise. PSCAD training will be provided for 5 weeks starting week 3. More information about the simulation exercise will be available through Blackboard. A completed report based on the simulation exercise has to be submitted. More information related to structure of the report will be provided through Blackboard. A viva is conducted during the presentations to discuss about your understanding about the content covered in the report and report marks will be weighted based on the student performance during viva. More information related marking criteria will be available through Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Submission through Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Feedback is given to students before the presentations scheduled in week 12 and 13.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Individual presentations and viva
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Slides due 5:00pm 17/10/2025
Presentations week 12 & 13 - 20/10/2025 - 31/07/2025
Presentation slides due in Blackboard by 5:00pm 17/10/2025. Invigilated presentations conducted during week 12 and 13. More information provided on Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
These individual presentations are based on the PSCAD report/content covered in the course including labs and filed visits. A viva is conducted after the presentation to assess the student's understanding about the software-based exercise. Report marks will be weighted based on the performance in viva. More information will be available in Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Blackboard submission
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Oral sessions may be scheduled with multiple markers. Max extension may be limited by feedback timeline. Students who are approved an extension will need to attend the make-up session in week 13.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
If student does not attend the presentation and viva that will result in 0 marks for the "Individual presentation" and "the report on software exercise".
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam will assess all materials presented during the course. This is an invigilated on campus exam.
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course students must achieve at least 40% for the final exam and 50% of the overall course marks. The course grade is calculated based on the overall course marks only when final exam hurdle is passed.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To successfully pass the course (GP 4), the student should have knowledge of the fundamentals of understanding the principles of operation of protection system components i.e. fuses, relays, circuit breakers, instrument transformers and their applications for the design of protection systems for transmission lines, reactors, transformers, bus, and generators. Students should also have knowledge of power quality problems and their mitigating techniques |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To obtain a credit (GP 5), in addition to criteria for a GP of 4, the student should show the ability to solve problems of relays settings, circuit breakers and instrument transformers settings for the design of protection systems for transmission lines, reactors, transformers, bus, and generators. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To obtain a distinction (GP 6), in addition to criteria for a GP of 5, deeper understanding of the course has to be demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To obtain a high distinction (GP 7), in addition to criteria for a GP of 6, the student should demonstrate the ability of original thinking and/or cross migration of ideas from other areas of knowledge by solving advanced level application oriented problems. |
Additional course grading information
To pass this course students must achieve at least 40% for the final exam and 50% of the overall course marks. If final exam mark is less than 40% the grade is capped at 3. ﾠ
Your overall mark will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.ﾠFor example, 84.9 will be rounded to 85 and will receive a grade of 7 and 74.4 will be rounded to 74 and will receive a grade of 5. The course coordinator reserves the right to moderate marks.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
PSCAD Software
PSCAD software is installed in EAIT lab computers.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Excursion |
Field visit In this course it is planned that an excursion to a relevant factory or substation will be organised. More information is available through Blackboard. Exact dates will be informed to the students well in advance once the industry confirms the dates. This may be scheduled outside of class hours. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures on various topics Series of lectures covering fault analysis and various protection schemes used in the power systems. Some of the lectures will be covered by the industry experts. Following topics will be covered in this course : Fault analysis, symmetrical components, Relay operation, Different types of relays, Relay coordination, Unit protection, Instrument Transformers, IEC 61850 requirements, effect of renewables on protection schemes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Applied Class |
Applied Classes Questions on fault calculations and various protection setting calculations will be discussed during these general contact hours. In week 4 and 10 in-class assessments are conducted. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 7 |
IT Computing |
PSCAD Simulation Students will learn to use PSCAD software based simulations for checking relay settings for distance and over current protection schemes. Feedback for the PSCAD activities will be given during the in-class sessions. More information will be available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Hands on experience on relay characteristic Students will test relay characteristics on a Siemens distance protection relay Siprotec 7SA87. More information will be available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: