Course coordinator
Professor Tapan Saha
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Overview of power system modelling, load flow analysis, symmetrical and unsymmetrical fault calculation, power system stability, application of software tool for power system analysis, distribution network and voltage regulation, basic market structure.
Modern power systems have grown larger with many interconnections between neighbouring power systems. Electricity grid of today is also significantly changing due to renewable energy generations. Solar PV, wind and pumped hydro being the common renewable sources, they create significant challenges and opportunities for a grid operation. Proper planning, operation and control of such large power systems require advanced computer-based techniques. This course will provide a strong foundation in classical methods and modern techniques in power systems forﾠundergraduate senior level and Masters level electrical engineering students. Course content includes the concepts of power system for various normal and fault conditions. The course will train students with modern computer-based techniques for solving a wide range of power system problems, which includes load flow, balanced and unbalanced faults and transient stability analyses. This course will also provide knowledge about the challenges faced by the electricity industry due to the proliferation of distributed generation and customers' active participation. Laboratory experiments and computer simulation with PSS/E software will be an integral part of learning in this course.
Response to student feedback: WebAssign tool has been dropped from 2025 offering based on student feedback received in 2024.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Prerequisite for this course is ELEC3300 or ELEC3310. This course introduces introductory concepts of electrical energy conversion and utilisation. Students should have knowledge in 3 phase AC, circuit theory, concepts of real and reactive power and fundamentals of Synchronous machines.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3300 or ELEC3310
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ELEC4300
Course contact
Lecturer
Professor Tapan Saha
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There will be scheduled practical sessions in this course. In addition, students will perform SIMULATIONS using the PSS/E Simulation software. A number of PSS/E based assignments will be provided for students' submissions. Students can install PSS/E Xplore version of the software in their personal desktop/laptop from this below link.
EAIT Download link: https://secure.eait.uq.edu.au/dl/PSSEXplore340302.exeﾠ
More information is available through Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to expose students to the concepts of power system operation for various normal and fault conditions. The students are also exposed to laboratory experiments and a modern commercial simulation software PSS/E for solving and designing a wide range of power systems problems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply the basic modelling of power system components for steady state system analysis
LO2.
Apply the appropriate methodologies to solve power system steady state operating conditions
LO3.
Solve load flow problems of large power systems with appropriate models of transmission line, transformer, generator and loads
LO4.
Analyse symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults in power systems
LO5.
Explain why stability is important to normal operation of power systems
LO6.
Apply basic stability techniques into power system analysis
LO7.
Solve power system analysis problems using PSS/E software to fulfil certain specifications of generation, transmission and demand
LO8.
Explain basics of power systems structure in a deregulated environment
LO9.
Explain Power Distribution network and voltage regulation
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Hardware experiments and simulation by PSS/E
|
30% |
PSS/E simulation -1 28/03/2025 4:00 pm PSS/E simulation -2 17/04/2025 4:00 pm PSS/E simulation -3 16/05/2025 4:00 pm PSS/E simulation -4 30/05/2025 4:00 pm Two Hardware Experiments 30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
15% |
10/04/2025 8:10 am
In-semester exam is based on the contents covered on the topic of Transmission and Distribution Line: Transmission and Distribution Line Modelling and Analysis. The exam will be scheduled during the tutorial time of 10 April 2025. This is a 60-minute invigilated in-semester exam. |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
55% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
The final exam will assess all materials presented during the course. This is an invigilated on-campus exam. |
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
Hardware experiments and simulation by PSS/E
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
PSS/E simulation -1 28/03/2025 4:00 pm
PSS/E simulation -2 17/04/2025 4:00 pm
PSS/E simulation -3 16/05/2025 4:00 pm
PSS/E simulation -4 30/05/2025 4:00 pm
Two Hardware Experiments 30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific, Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07
Task description
Hardware experiments: Two practical hardware experiments will be performed by the students at the Industry 4.0 Energy TestLab in Hawken Engineering Building S202. More information about the schedule is available in Blackboard. There will be no reports submission for the laboratory experiments. Students' work in the laboratory will be assessed during the lab sessions. Each lab will have 3% of marks and total marks will be 6% for two experiments.
Simulation: Students will complete four assignments using computer simulations on transmission line modelling for steady state power flow, load flow, short circuit analyses and transient stability using the PSS/E software. Students will be required to submit FOUR reports for the PSS/E simulation. Each simulation report will carry 6% marks and total marks for the simulation will be 24% for four reports.
- PSS/E simulation -1: Transmission line modelling for steady state power flow
- PSS/E simulation-2: Load flow
- PSS/E simulation -3: Short circuit analyses (both balanced and unbalanced)
- PSS/E simulation -4: Transient stability
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
PSS/E Simulation reports are to be submitted through the course Blackboard Online system.
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.
This course uses a progressive assessment approach where feedback and/or detailed solutions will be released to students within 14 days.
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.
In-semester exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
10/04/2025 8:10 am
In-semester exam is based on the contents covered on the topic of Transmission and Distribution Line: Transmission and Distribution Line Modelling and Analysis. The exam will be scheduled during the tutorial time of 10 April 2025. This is a 60-minute invigilated in-semester exam.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
In-semester exam content will be as below.
- Fundamentals of three phase and per unit quantities
- Transmission line modelling
- Power transfer and compensation techniques
This is an invigilated exam conducted during the tutorial time. More information will be provided through Blackboard.
To pass the course (GP 4 and above), students must get at least 40% in the combined two closed book exams (In-Semester and Final Exam)
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course (GP 4 and above), students must get at least 40% in the combined two closed book exams (In-Semester and Final Exam). Ifﾠa student do not fulfil 40% requirement, but their overall mark is 50 or more, then theﾠoverall mark will be capped at 49%, grade capped at 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | None |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
In class submission at the end of exam time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
The final exam will assess all materials presented during the course. This is an invigilated on-campus exam.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L09
Task description
The final exam will examine the full course, with a special emphasis to transmission line, load flow, fault analysis, transient stability, distribution systems, and electricity market structure.
The final exam will be scheduled at a fixed time for all students – i.e. students will complete the exam simultaneously. The exam will be a closed book exam.
Students will be required to use Casio fx-82 series or UQ approved and labelled non-programmable calculator for this exam. Students are not allowed to use computer and any software to solve the problems. No marks will be given if the students use computer to solve problems.
Assessment types will include short answer, short essays and problem solving.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course (GP 4 and above), students must get at least 40% in the combined two closed book exams (In-Semester and Final Exam). Ifﾠa student do not fulfil 40% requirement, but their overall mark is 50 or more, then the overall mark will be capped at 49%, grade capped at 3.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 - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | NONE |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
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. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the course. Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however, no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course: Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study Inability to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Presents inappropriate or unsupported arguments Inability to apply knowledge and skills Communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete, confusing and not appropriate to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all the requirements for a Pass: As evidenced by failing to successfully complete basic assessment tasks and so receive a final percentage grade of between 47 and 49%. Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study Attempts to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Presents undeveloped arguments Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills Communicates information or ideas with limited clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline |
| 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 the following: - Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Identifies data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Develops routine arguments or decisions Acceptable application of knowledge and skills in power systems operations Uses some of the conventions of the discipline to communicate appropriately |
| 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,ﾠthe student should demonstrate the below criteria. Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Considered evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification Effective application of knowledge and skills Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an effective level. |
| 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,ﾠthe student should demonstrate the below criteria. Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study Critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Perceptive insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives Extensive application of knowledge and skills Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at a professional level. |
| 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 below criteria. Mastery of content Expert and critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications Significant and sophisticated insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills Exploits the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an expert level |
Additional course grading 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
Use of AI
All assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Any student who enrols in a course must not be given exemptions or partial credit from their previous attempts for any piece of assessment. This is a University of Queensland policy.
SUPPLEMENTARY ASSESSMENT
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where PPL 3.10.09 Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow.
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
Handouts
Any handouts including contact sheets, lecture notes and practical experimentsﾠwill be available on the course homepage through
UQ Blackboard log-on Learn.UQﾠ
It isﾠstudent’s responsibility to make these documents available for their use.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures on various topics Series of lectures covering transmission and distribution system modelling, load flow analysis, balanced and unbalanced fault analysis and transient stability analysis for bulk power systems. Challenges in power system due to energy transition and electricity market structure in Australia will also be introduced. Two lectures will be delivered by the industry experts. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Contact Contacts will start second week of the semester. Contacts will take place during 2nd week to 8th week (6/3-17/4), 9th week to 13th week (1/5-29/5). However, public holidays will be excluded. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Practical |
Hardware laboratory experiment and Simulation by PSS/E software Use PSS/E software to solve power system problems and hardware experiments in the Industry 4.0 Energy Test laboratory. Details of this will be announced through course Blackboard site. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07 |
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 - 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: