Course coordinator
Dr Yi Cui
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
This course covers power system planning, operation and management issues as well as reliability in a deregulated environment. The course will give a comprehensive overview of power system reliability. Evaluation of generation, transmission and distribution system reliability and their impacts on system planning will be covered. It will address the factors affecting power system expansion planning, operation and management as well as reliability in an electricity market including system adequacy, security, ancillary services market, decision making and other management issues. Students are assessed by tutorial, assignments and examination.
ELEC7309 introduces students to the fundamental concepts of power system reliability and planning within the context of the competitive electricity market. The course is divided into two parts: planning and reliability.
- Part I focuses on the reliability analysis of complex power systems. This section follows the traditional separation of reliability assessment into three hierarchical levels: generation, transmission, and distribution. It concludes with defining and calculating traditional reliability indicators (e.g., SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, EENS) across all three levels.
- Part II addresses power system planning issues, including economic concepts in planning, generation and transmission planning, and emerging techniques for distribution system planning.
The course aims to equip students with advanced concepts in power system reliability and planning, providing valuable skills for professional practice in power systems operations and planning.
Changes in response to previous student feedback
- The topic of reliability has been moved to Part I, as Part II planning builds upon several concepts introduced in reliability analysis.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Fundamental knowledge on power systems analysis (ELEC4300 or ELEC4310) and basic probability principles.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(ELEC4300 or ELEC4310) or (ELEC7303 or ELEC7313)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Yi Cui
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Teaching staff do not have access to the timetable system. If you need help with your timetable allocation of classes and learning sessions, please email timetables@eait.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to enable you to:
- Apply fundamentals ofﾠreliability analysis to power systems and demonstrate the calculation of basic reliability indices for smallﾠexamples.
- Identify core reasons and conditions leading to the increased probability of failure of key network components, such as transformers and power lines.
- Explain theﾠsocio-economic reasoning behind defining minimum reliability standards and penalties for not meeting them.
- Use of reliability indicators for decision-making in power systemﾠplanning with a main focus on extension planning.
- Identify stakeholders in power systems and explain their economic motivations related to power system planning.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a range of common optimisation techniques used to solve power system planning problems.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Construct a basic modelling of power system components for reliability evaluation and planning
LO2.
Design methodologies to solve power system generation system reliability calculation and generation planning.
LO3.
Investigate calculation of reliability indices for combined generation and transmission systems.
LO4.
Formulate reliability concepts to transmission, distribution and interconnected systems, especially in planning.
LO5.
Design power systems reliability and planning in the context of the deregulated environment.
LO6.
Develop load forecasting models for short-term and long-term power system planning
LO7.
Construct transmission and generation expansion models for both regulated and deregulated power systems.
LO8.
Develop a simple peer-to-peer energy trading algorithm for distribution system planning analysis.
LO9.
Select suitable technology options for generation and transmission planning problems using cost-benefit analysis.
LO10.
Investigate challenges and tools for solving large-scale power system planning problems.
LO11.
Construct small-scale planning/reliability problems using power system packages and toolboxes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Assignments | 40% Individual |
Assignment 1 22/08/2025 5:00 pm Assignment 2 12/09/2025 5:00 pm Assignment 3 26/09/2025 5:00 pm Assignment 4 17/10/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final exam during exam period
|
60% Individual |
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
Assignments
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40% Individual
- Due date
Assignment 1 22/08/2025 5:00 pm
Assignment 2 12/09/2025 5:00 pm
Assignment 3 26/09/2025 5:00 pm
Assignment 4 17/10/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10, L11
Task description
Task Description:
Four assignments will be given for the whole course. Assignments 1 and 3 are worth 5% each, while Assignments 2 and 4 are worth 15% each. Thus, the total weight for four assignments is 40%.
Assignment 1: Assignment 1 will be based on the Power System Reliability part of the course covering the topic of Generation Reliability analysis.
Assignment 2: Assignment 2 will be based on the Power System Reliability part of the course covering the topic of Generation, Transmission, and Composite System Reliability.
Assignment 3: Assignment 3 will be based on the Power System Planning part of the course covering the topic of Power System Economics.
Assignment 4: Assignment 4 will be based on the Power System Planning part of the course covering the topic of Transmission and Generation Planning.
Students will get at least one week time to work on their assignments. All the assignment questions will be made available via Blackboard.
Criteria & Marking:
Understanding of the course content will be tested by short answers, problem-solving and PowerFactory Simulations.
These assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (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
All assignments will be submitted online via Blackboard unless specified otherwise.
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 assignments with feedback and/or detailed solutions with feedback will be released to students within 7-14 days, where the earlier time frame applies if there are no extensions.
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.
Final exam during exam period
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60% Individual
- 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, L07, L08, L09
Task description
Task Description:
The final exam will examine the full course, i.e. reliability and planning sections of the course.
This final exam will be an on-campus invigilated exam.
- The final exam will be scheduled at a fixed time for all students – i.e. students will complete the exam simultaneously.
- Students will be required to use the Casio fx-82 series or UQ-approved and labelled non-programmable calculator for this exam.
- Students are not allowed to use computers or any software to solve the problems. No marks will be given if the students use a computer to solve problems.
- Assessment types will be from the following items: Short Answer, and Problem solving. The exam will be a closed-book exam.
- Further details will be discussed and announced during the semester lecture/applied class scheduled events.
- To pass the course (GP 4 and above) the students must get at least 45% in the FINAL EXAM.
Criteria & Marking:
Understanding of the course content will be tested by short answers, short essays and problem-solving.
Students are required to explain their procedures and algorithms with the formula/equation number used for each section of problems.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative AI or MT tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To pass the course, you must achieve at least 45% in the final exam. If you do not achieve at least 45% in the final exam, your final grade will be capped at a 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 |
| 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: Falls short of satisfying all the requirements for a Pass: 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 course (GP 4), the student should be able to demonstrate the application of fundamental concepts of power systems reliability and planning in at least one of the three main fields, generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. This includes the problem solving in the area of reliability assessment and planning and forecasting methodologies. |
| 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 apply the fundamental concepts of reliability and planning for at least two of the three main fields, generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. This includes the problem solving in the area of reliability assessment and planning and forecasting methodologies. |
| 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, the student should show the ability to apply the fundamental concepts of reliability and planning for all of the three main fields, generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power. In addition the student should demonstrate basic risk management, decision making and engineering economics skills applied to power system planning. This includes the problem solving in the area of reliability assessment and planning and forecasting methodologies. |
| 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. This includes the problem solving in the area of reliability assessment and planning and forecasting methodologies. |
Additional course grading information
Percentages will be rounded to the nearest integer before grades are calculated. For example, 84.5% will be rounded to 85% and 84.4% will be rounded to 84%.
To pass the course, you must achieve at least 45% in the final exam. If you do not achieve at least 45% in the final exam, your final grade will be capped at a 3.
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 and 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.
Assignment submission: These assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (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.
Final exam: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative AI or MT tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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
The commercial software useful for this course is available in most of the computer labs of the School of EECS.
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 |
Lecture Series The Lecture Series will cover the following topics:
Several Guest Lectures will also be organised on the broader industry practices in power system planning and reliability. The recording of the lectures will be made available on the same day of the Lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Applied Class |
Case-based Learning Sessions
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11 |
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.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: