RENEWABLE/CONVENTIONAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION AND HVDC/FACTS

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: Antonio TESTA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to give the students tools to be able to analyse and understand the

operating principles of the main components of a power system with specific attention to the inverter-based components as well the interactions among the parts when the power system is both in secure and alert operating conditions.

 In particular, basic knowledge of the models of generators, transmission lines, loads and main power electronic devices will be provided as well as advanced knowledge of the principal regulations about voltage and frequency variables.

 

Knowledge and understanding

On successful completion of the module, the student will be able to:

Understand and apply the principles of the main components of a power system and power electronic converters used in transmission systems.

Select suitable characteristics of the main components of a power systems and frequency and voltage regulators in the generators.

Selection of the main active devices, analysis of the power converters and feedback loops.

The students will be able to solve practical design problems and produce technical reports.

 

Making judgements

Ability to properly evaluate the operating conditions of power systems in steady and transient conditions, considering also the variability introduced by the renewable nonprogrammable sources.

The students will be capable of properly evaluating the performance of various power converter topologies.

 

Communication skills

Ability to discuss with specialists’ interlocutors, issues related to the power generation from conventional and renewable power sources, analysis of modern power systems with the integration of inverter-based technologies.

 

Learning skills

On successful completion of the module, the student will be able to:

• identify the main quantities that characterize a power system.

• Calculate the electrical variables in an electrical network.

• know the equivalent models of the main components of a power system.

• Model an electrical network using the models and related parameters correctly.

• Describe the control of the network through the variables P, Q, V, and delta.

• Simulate and evaluate power flows.

• Analyze network conditions that can create problems of instability and insecurity.

Course Structure

Lectures are used to convey knowledge and are organized as follows:


1) Lecture notes are outlined: first the main points, then the minor points that elaborate on or explain each main point;

2) Relevant and concrete examples are provided before the lesson, selecting examples that are familiar and meaningful to students;

3) Students can interrupt the lecture to ask relevant questions, make comments, or request a review.

4) Periodic summaries are included throughout the lecture.

5) Lectures begin with a question, a problem, a current event, or something that captures the students' attention.

6) Active learning techniques are used (technological aids, such as multimedia presentations).

7) Simulation sessions are used to test and grasp theoretical concepts.

Required Prerequisites

The students should have a working knowledge of:

1)  ac three-phase electrical circuits,

2) trigonometry, basic calculus, complex numbers, and phasor concepts

Attendance of Lessons

Class attendance of no more than 70% of teaching hours is expected, except as provided for in Article 27 of the RDA and in the Regulations for the recognition of the status of working students, student athletes, students in difficult circumstances, and students with disabilities.

Students are encouraged to attend all class meetings because it is assumed that lectures, demonstrations, and discussions facilitate their learning.

Detailed Course Content

13 HVDC transmission

14 FACTS technologies

15 Power Electronics Technology for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Generation

16 Control strategies of Grid-Connected Power Converters

Textbook Information

Mircea Eremia, Chen-Ching Liu and Abdel-Aty EdrisAdvanced Solutions in Power Systems HVDC, FACTS, and Artificial IntelligenceIEEE Press Wiley20169781119035695
Narain G. Hingorani, Laszlo GyugyiUnderstanding FACTS: Concepts and Technology of Flexible AC Transmission SystemsWiley-IEEE Press19999780780334557
R. Teodorescu, M. Liserre, P. RodriguezGrid Converters for Photovoltaic and Wind Power SystemsWiley-IEEE Press20119780470057513

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1HVDC transmission and technologiesMircea Eremia, Chen-Ching Liu and Abdel-Aty Edris  Advanced Solutions in Power Systems HVDC, FACTS, and Artificial Intelligence.Course notes
2 FACTS technologiesUnderstanding FACTS: Concepts and Technology of Flexible AC Transmission Systems. Wiley-IEEE Press.Course notes.
3Power Electronics Technology for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Generation. Control strategies of Grid-Connected Power Converters.R. Teodorescu, M. Liserre, P. Rodriguez. Grid Converters for Photovoltaic and Wind Power Systems. Course notes.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

- Oral exam: 2 or 3 questions on the topics listed in the program,