Course coordinator
Dr Hui Ma
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
Probability and reliability theories to optimize maintenance process and modern asset management techniques. Cause of failure and asset management strategies for transformer, underground cable, switch gear, and transmission/distribution network. Signal processing and data analytics for power system asset condition management.
This course covers asset management of modern power system assets such as transformers, overhead lines, cables, switchgears, and other transmission and distribution network equipment. The course provides knowledge about the principles of operation and management of typical power system assets, includingﾠtheir failure modes, insulation aging mechanisms, and techniques for health condition assessments. Factors affecting important over-stresses occurring in power networks (includingﾠfault currents,ﾠand lightning and switching overvoltage) are studied and acceptance testing are reviewed.ﾠPrinciples ofﾠmanaging electrical assets in power networks in various stages of the life cycle are covered, including specification, procurement, operation and maintenance,ﾠand replacement.ﾠThe latest techniques of sensing, signal processing and data analyzing for power system asset management are introduced.
Based on the previous student feedback, the latest development of energy big data analytics and cyber security in power system asset management is included.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students should have a background in basic power systemﾠanalysis including complex impedances, transients and three-phase systems.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3300 or ELEC3310
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Hui Ma
Dr Yi Cui
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
- Understandﾠthe area of asset management inﾠpower industries.
- Understand the purpose, operations and failure modesﾠof major power system assets.
- Identify various condition monitoring and diagnostic techniques of power system assets and analyse measurement results.
- Identify the impact of these condition monitoring techniques in deregulated environments.
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify critical situations where high system stresses can occur and specify measures to reduce these stresses or alleviate their effect.
LO2.
Describe the failure modes of the main types of assets, which are the key components in large high voltage electric power systems.
LO3.
Identify types of condition monitoring techniques required to detect impending failures.
LO4.
Describe electrical tests that will give confidence that dangerously-high potential rises will not occur on exposed conducting parts of high voltage systems.
LO5.
Analyse collected datasets to the management of large populations of similar electrical power system assets.
LO6.
Evaluate strategic asset management policies for electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Assignment submissions
|
20% |
22/08/2025 5:00 pm 17/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Research Report
|
10% |
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
Report due on October 31 (Friday). |
| Presentation |
Presentation
|
10% |
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
Presentations will take place in week 13. The presentation schedule will be advised on Backboard in Week 12. |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
60% |
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
Assignment submissions
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/08/2025 5:00 pm
17/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Two Problem solving assignments will be uploaded to the Blackboard. Students should upload their completed solutions to Blackboard by the due dates/time. Each assignment carry equal marks.
The solution of thses assignments will be released within 7 days.
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
Submit through Blackboard
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.
Extensions are limited to 7 days as feedback will be provided within 7-14 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.
Research Report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
31/10/2025 5:00 pm
Report due on October 31 (Friday).
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
A. Students should nominate a particular type of power system asset that they wish to study.
B. Students will prepare a report including:
- Possible failure modes of the asset based on a review of literature
- Descriptions of TWO commercially-available condition monitoring systems identified by internet searches
- A discussion about the potential benefits and limitations of these two monitoring systems.
C: Students must provide a bibliography that lists all references. All material included in the report must be supported by an appropriate reference.
At least EIGHT pages are required (in font Times New Roman size 12, single column, double line space).
Page Margins - Top - 2.54 cm ; Bottom - 2.54 cm ; Outside - 2.54 cm ; Inside - 3.18 cm
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
Report must be submitted via Blackboard.
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.
Extensions are limited to 7 days as feedback will be provided within 7-14 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.
Presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025
Presentations will take place in week 13. The presentation schedule will be advised on Backboard in Week 12.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will present their findings from their REPORT (Assessment 3). Each student will have a 10 minutes in-person presentation which includes: 7 minutes presentation (no more than 5 PowerPoint slides should be used in the presentation) and 3 minutes questions and answer.
DATE FOR THE PRESENTATION IN THE LAST WEEK OF SEMESTER WILL BE ADVISED VIA 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 presentation slides independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
This is an in-person presentation.
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.
Extensions are limited to 7 days to ensure students can receive feedback with sufficient time to incorporate into their final assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Final examination will be based on the material covered throughout the course. This is an invigilated exam on campus.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course (GP 4 and above), students must get at least 40% in the Final Exam. If a student does not fulfil the 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 | 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. Course grade description: Serious deficiencies in quality of performance in relation to learning objectives |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Clear deficiencies in performance, but evidence that some basic requirements have been met |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: As evidenced by failing to successfully complete basic assessment tasks |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To successfully pass the subject (GP 4), the student should have a sound knowledge about the technology of power system assets including failure modes and condition monitoring techniques. They should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the field by providing adequate answers to examination questions and completing assignments that adequately cover most of the main points required. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To obtain a CREDIT (GP 5), the student should have a good knowledge about the technology of power system assets including failure modes and condition monitoring techniques and they should be able to show that they can under take simple economic studies and have an appreciation of holistic aspects of electricity network asset management. They should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the field by providing better than adequate answers to examination questions and completing assignments that cover all of the main points required. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To obtain a DISTINCTION (GP 6), the student should have an excellent knowledge of power system assets including failure modes and condition monitoring techniques. They should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the field has been expanded by wider personal study to facilitate very complete answers to examination questions and outstanding assignments. |
| 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. |
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
The 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.
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 organizations 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
Lecture notes,ﾠtutorial materialﾠand lab sheets will be available in the course home-page on the Blackboard.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction to Power System Asset Management Introduction to the course - modern electricity networks and asset management. Learning outcomes: L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 12 |
Applied Class |
Applied Class Starting from week 2. More information will be available through blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Abnormal Currents and Temperature Rise Factors affecting load and fault currents. Calculation of short-time temperature rise in assets using thermal time constant. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Week 3 and Week 4: High Voltage (HV) Insulation Introduction to properties of insulation - gas, liquid and solid dielectrics. Composite insulation, Characteristics of insulation aging Learning outcomes: L02 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Abnormal Voltages and Travelling Waves Resonant, harmonic, ferroresonant, switching and lightning overvoltage. Travelling waves and calculation of lightning and switching surges. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Surge Arrester and Insulation Coordination Surge arresters fundamentals and its condition assessment. Surge arrester placement and co-ordination of other power system equipment (e.g. transformer). Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Week 7 and Week 8: High Voltage Testing and Diagnostic Methods of Insulation Purpose, types, requirements and standards of high voltage (HV) testing, HV measurement systems, condition monitoring. Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Insulation condition monitoring Demo Laboratory demonstration on various insulation condition monitoring techniques. Laboratory notes will be uploaded to the Blackboard. More information will be provided on the Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Power Transformers Introduction to power transformer technology: construction, windings, insulation, tap changers. Voltage and current transformers. Failure modes, testing and special condition monitoring methods. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Power System Earthing Fundamentals Earthing methods, earthing resistance measurements, power system earthing principles, failure and condition assessment of earthing systems. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Arcs and Circuit Breakers Characteristics of arcs. Current interruption by circuit breakers and switches.Modern types of circuit breakers and their failure modes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Data Analytics for Power System Asset Condition Monitoring; Maintenance of Power System Assets Data Analytics for Power System Asset Condition Monitoring; Maintenance of Power System Assets Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Applied Class |
Week 13: Student Presentation Student presentations to fulfill the requirement of Report and Presentation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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: