Course coordinator
Associate Professor Rahul Sharma
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- 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 provides a broad knowledge on (i) evolution of electricity market, related rules, generator and retailer behaviours and risk management; (ii) power system security/stability issues. Stability or security of the power system is the most important issue in power system operations and management either in a regulated or deregulated environment. System stability analysis is one of the essential skills for an electrical engineer working in the power industry. Following the deregulation over the past 2 decades, many power systems have been pushed toward their stability limits in order to maximise profit in energy trading. This course will cover the essential techniques in electricity market as well as power system stability analysis. Students will learn electricity market management, structure, operations, power system modelling, system dynamics, stability and security assessment, and new challenges in power system stability in an electricity market.
This course is divided into two main sections. Part I focuses on power system security, covering various stability categories, while Part II explores analytical techniques, the fundamentals of power industry deregulation, and the operation of electricity markets. Upon completion, students will gain a thorough understanding of electricity market fundamentals and the security challenges of the physical power system that underpins it. The 2025 offering of the course will focus more on the effect of growing integration of solar generation, wind generation and batteries on the price setting in Australia's National Electricity Market.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Knowledge in power system economics and power systemﾠanalysis is preferred.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ELEC7306 or ELEC7307
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Rahul Sharma
Professor Mithulan Nadarajah
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
At the end of ELEC7310:
- Students should possess a strong foundation in power systems, including operational issues, electricity market concepts, power system stability, and dynamics, along with comprehensive knowledge of mathematical modelling for stability studies.
- Students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in utilising analytical techniques and software tools for stability studies, conducting case studies, interpreting results, and showcasing expertise in electricity economics, power system restructuring, market structures, rules, international experiences, and ancillary services and transmission network pricing. ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
POWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS & STABILITY - Classify power system stability and describe definition and concepts.
LO2.
POWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS & STABILITY - Demonstrate essential knowledge and skills in mathematical modeling of power system and analytical techniques for stability studies.
LO3.
POWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS & STABILITY - Perform case studies on a given test system on transient, small signal and static voltage stability and interpret the results in meaningful ways.
LO4.
POWER SYSTEM DYNAMICS & STABILITY - Apply with commercial grade and research power system analysis software tools (e.g. PSS/E, DiGsilent Powerfactory and PSAT).
LO5.
Market Operations and Analysis - Define electricity market structure, including rules and codes.
LO6.
Market Operations and Analysis - Demonstrate the understanding of electricity market operation from generation, transmission and distribution and collaboratively apply that understanding to current challenges faced by energy sector globally.
LO7.
Market Operations and Analysis - Examine the major issues such as ancillary services and transmission pricing relevant to market operations and security.
LO8.
Market Operations and Analysis - Evaluate existing electricity market structures and mechanisms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Simulation Lab reports | 32% |
Lab Report 1: Power-flow and short circuit 14/03/2025 4:00 pm Lab Report 2: Transient stability 28/03/2025 4:00 pm Lab Report 3: Small Signal stability 11/04/2025 4:00 pm Lab Report 4: Voltage stability 2/05/2025 4:00 pm
Given by specific deadline in the task description |
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
18% |
12/05/2025 12:00 pm |
| Project |
Class Project
|
12% |
29/05/2025 3:00 pm
Presentations will be scheduled in week 13 |
| Examination |
Final exam during exam period
|
38% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Simulation Lab reports
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 32%
- Due date
Lab Report 1: Power-flow and short circuit 14/03/2025 4:00 pm
Lab Report 2: Transient stability 28/03/2025 4:00 pm
Lab Report 3: Small Signal stability 11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Lab Report 4: Voltage stability 2/05/2025 4:00 pm
Given by specific deadline in the task description
Task description
There are four simulation assignments in Module I, power system stability and dynamics: The four assignment items (simulation lab reports) consist of four case studies, namely (1) Power-flow and short circuit, (2) transient, (3) small signal and (4) voltage stability studies in power grids:
Each simulation lab carries 8 marks and due as shown below. Students should submit an individual report for each simulation lab. Any appropriate analytical tools such as PSS/E, Digsilent Powerfactory, PSAT can be used for the simulations.
Power-flow and short circuit: March 14 at 4 pm (8 marks)
Transient stability: March 28 at 4 pm (8 marks)
Small Signal stability: April 11 at 4 pm (8 marks)
Voltage stability: May 2 at 4 pm (8 marks)
This assessment task evaluates 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 or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Through Turnitin link provided 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.
Prac reports are completed outside the scheduled prac class and are marked and returned 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
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 18%
- Due date
12/05/2025 12:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
This will be an in class, on-campus, timed, invigilated and closed book exam. All students will attempt the exam at the same time.
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.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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
In class submission
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.
Class Project
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 12%
- Due date
29/05/2025 3:00 pm
Presentations will be scheduled in week 13
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07, L08
Task description
This is a group assessment item for Module II, in the electricity market operation section. A number of topics will be given in the class. Students will select a topic from the given list and review literature, write a report and make a presentation about the findings in the last week of the semester.
The course teaching team (coordinator and lecturer) reserve the right to vary group marks for each group member in the event of varied contributions to the team effort.
Presentations will take place in class, commencing on 26 May (week 13).
Report is due by 3pm, 29 May.
This assessment task evaluates 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 or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Report has to be submitted Online via Blackboard Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This course uses team-based assessment where oral sessions are scheduled with multiple markers and is time limited. If teams encounter extraordinary difficulties in meeting a deadline, they should contact the course coordinator in advance of the due date. All team submissions received after the due date will either; (1) receive a zero mark (or failing grade), or (2) if an earlier version of the team’s work was submitted then this will instead be graded.
If teams encounter extraordinary difficulties in meeting a deadline, they should contact the course coordinator in advance of the due date.
All team submissions received after the due date will either; (1) receive a zero mark (or failing grade), or (2) if an earlier version of the team’s work was submitted then this will instead be graded.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final exam during exam period
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 38%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
The final exam covers knowledge and skills taught in the course, including all modules in both electricity market analysis and system security analysis. Students will be provided a set of questions. Exam will be on-campus invigilated, closed-book.
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.
Hurdle requirements
In order to pass the course, student must get at least 50% in the final exam.ﾠStudents who could notﾠachieve >=50% on the final exam, even though they got over 50 overall,ﾠwill have their final grade 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. |
| 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. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
In order to pass the course, student must get at least 50% in the final exam.ﾠStudents who could notﾠachieve >=50% on the final exam, even though they got over 50 overall,ﾠwill have their final grade capped at a 3.
Total marks will be rounded off to the nearest whole number before grading.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
The assessment tasks evaluates students’ 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.
There is no partial credit or exemption on assessment itemsﾠgiven in this course for previous attempts by students.
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 Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow.
A grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/
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
Students are encouraged to visit official website of AEMO (Australian Electricity Market Operator), NordPool, CAISO etc. to get more information about electricity market around the world.ﾠ
Some tips for productive group work can be found here.
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 7 |
Lecture |
Lectures - Power system dynamics and stability |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures - Electricity market operations Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Contact Class Learning outcomes: L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Class Project & Revision Lectures and Case Studies Learning outcomes: L05, L06, L07, L08 |
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: