MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGR12 – ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL PROPULSION
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MECHGR12
MECHM018
ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICAL PROPULSION
MSc, MEng
15/6
September
March
Dr R. Bucknall (Module Coordinator)
Various Guest Lecturers
Prerequisites
Mathematics to second year undergraduate level to include complex number theory, ordinary differential
equations linear, non-linear 1st order and linear 2nd order homogenous with constant coefficients.
Electricity at first year undergraduate level to include basic theory and circuit analysis i.e. Kirchoff’s Laws,
Ohm’s Law, Faraday’s law, Thevenin/Norton equivalent circuits, single-phase, three-phase and dc circuit
analysis.
Course Aims
To achieve competency in using analytical methods for understanding the design and operational
behaviour of electrical power systems under steady-state and transient conditions. To provide technical
knowledge in electrical power system technologies such as generators, cables, distribution and
protection, and end-use equipment so as to appreciate the design features for different electrical power
distribution and electrical propulsion systems. To use computer based software (PSCAD is used
presently) and with understanding of their algorithms become proficient at calculating performance
parameters in small and large scale electrical power systems used in electric vehicle, electric ship or
grid systems.
Students having successfully completed the course will have the ability to:

Appreciate the range of electrical power systems and understand why different designs
are used in different power and propulsion applications.
 Analyse electrical power systems so as to calculate key parameters such as torque, speed,
efficiency, and power under steady-state and transient conditions.

Use computer based simulation tools to analyse electrical power systems with an understanding
of the mathematical algorithms upon which such tools are based and apply this skill to the design
and analysis a specified electrical power and propulsion system.
Understand the ‘state of the art’ in electrical power systems and appreciate advances in technologies and
control that are influencing future designs.
Content
Electrical power system types; impedance and admittance methods of analysis; load flow; fault analysis –
symmetrical and non-symmetrical faults; harmonic analysis; protection; synchronous generators and their
control – AVR and Governor; modern control methods for networks; smart networks; electrical propulsion in
ships; electrical propulsion in road vehicles; traction electrical propulsion; smart networks; DC and AC
distribution systems for land and sea transmission networks; impact of new technologies such as offshore
power generation.
Method of Instruction
Levelling (2 hrs); Classroom lectures (22 hrs); Computer based learning (2 hrs); Classroom
tutorials (6 hrs); Revision (2 hrs). Laboratory demonstration is also provided.
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:

Written Examination (2 hours, 65%) to be sat in March.

1 piece of coursework (10 hours 35%) to be submitted in March
The examination rubric is:
Answer THREE questions (from eight offered) in 2 hours.
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The coursework rubic:
Design an electrical power system: Students choose either an electrical power and propulsion system for
a ship or an electrical power system that integrates an offshore wind farm with the national grid system or
to an island network.
Resources
There are various papers provided by the lecturer covering the
course. PSCAD electrical system simulation package.
Renewed electrical power laboratory.
Recommended text book:
Power Systems Analysis and Design, J. Duncan Glover , Mulukutla S. Sarma, Thomas
Overbye. ISBN-10: 0534953670 Cengage Learning, (2008 revised). Available at UCL Libraries.
Additional Information
Guest lectures are invited to give lectures on specific topics. E.g. Electrical traction systems
(Network Rail); marine electrical propulsion (Converteam/GE); BAE Systems Hybrid Bus propulsion.
Visits are arranged to a Power Station and National Grid Control Centre and an electrical ship.
Learning Outcomes1 MECHGR12, MECHM018
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating
environment N/A
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to
learn independently
As with all taught modules on the programme a significant amount of self-learning is expected by
way of additional reading (directed and current) and analytical problem solving.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member
or leader
N/A
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
The module is designed to present new subject matter at M level understanding of
which is then tested by an exam and a case study design exercise.
1
EAB website htto://www.enoab.oro.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than
MEng last accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
The module is designed to teach students the underpinning theory required for understanding the
design and behaviour of electrical power systems under steady-state, transient and faulted
conditions. This is reinforced through analysis and computer bases studies. Application studies
include large, small and micro-electrical systems.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
The whole subject area is rapidly developing with electrification of transport and national grid
systems and the module strives to keep up to date with latest developments feeding in output from the
department’s research including electrification of transport and offshore power
generation/distribution studies and including industry lectures in topical areas.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
The module is designed to accept students with basic electrical analysis skills with strong
mathematical skills and presents new subject matter at M level specifically focused on electrical
power and propulsion systems, the understanding of which is then tested by an exam and a single
substantial piece of coursework that involves both design using computer based and analytical skills.
Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
The module strives to keep abreast of the state of the art and provide students with the tools to
understand these and appreciate advances in technology and control that are influencing future
designs. Students are taught fundamental knowledge and are exposed to new and emerging
technologies through lectures on specific topics that exposes the universities own research activities
and from industrial lecturers in fields such as electrification of transport, low carbon shipping,
offshore power generation, etc. The assessed design/case study undertaken as part of the course is
in topic fields such as marine electrical propulsion and offshore renewable power systems.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Analytical analysis of load flow, harmonic analysis, transient analysis, fault analysis, etc. are provided
as part of the taught course in the form of class examples and tutorial sheets for self-study. Problem
solving is initially for single cases with set boundary conditions e.g. load flow analysis is initially
undertaken without consideration of AVR or governor action. Once mastered students move on to
examine larger systems with boundary conditions extended or removed. Students are provided the
opportunity to use computer based software and given an understanding of the algorithm design, to
enable them to become proficient at calculating performance parameters in more complex systems
whether in an electric vehicle, electric ship or grid system.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
N/A
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Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
N/A
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations,
and how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
N/A
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
N/A
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
Students are exposed to regulations both national and international e.g. Lloyds Register Rules are
used for marine electrical propulsion systems, and are expected to refer to these when undertaking
their design case study work. The case study work is focused in current developments and supported
by specific lectures by in-house researchers and industry lecturers e.g. offshore wind farm
design/case study is supported by a site visit and guest lecturer. Students are also given directed
reading and encouraged to read relevant publications/magazines.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
N/A
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
Students learn engineering techniques in classroom by first grasping fundamental analysis of steadystate, transient and fault analysis and behaviour building up from simple systems to large power
systems using hand analysis before using computer simulation. The commercial and industrial
constraints are inputted in the design / case studies where commercial and industrial design
limitations are applied though analysis of industry data sheets. This is reinforced by in-house and
industry lecturers working in specific fields e.g. making students aware of commercial developments
e.g. AC and DC power distribution is discussed in context of all types of electrical power systems.
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