Power System Operation and Analysis, Specialisation Course

The specialization course is intended to provide sufficient breadth and depth of topics for specialization on the advanced aspects of power system operation, planning and analysis. This course is composed of multiple blocks/modules. More information related to the detailed composition of the actual blocks offered, their learning activities, assessment forms, and logistics of the execution, will be provided at the start of the semester. A brief description of the typical blocks included is as follows.

Block 1: Methods and algorithms for power systems.

The overall aim is to embrace a computational mindset for power systems, through implementation of a select-few advanced analysis methods and algorithms. The module will cover dynamic and static aspects: from time-domain phasor simulations and small-signal methods, to contingency analysis and nose curves, to security constrained OPF. The student will experience first-hand the computational and conceptual motivation behind commonly used methods in power systems. Support will only be provided for Python and Julia, but any programming language may be used. The course offers training in complementary computational skills such as profiling for speeding up algorithms, version control and documentation - which are usually valuable for the master's thesis work.

Block 2: Flexibility in power grid operation and planning

The overall aim is to give a deeper insight into power system flexibility (in general), flexibility in grid operation, and flexibility in grid planning. Topics covered include load analysis and load modeling, demand-side flexibility, operational planning, batteries in the grid, security of electricity supply, long-term grid planning, socio-economic cost-benefit analysis, security of electricity supply, reliability of supply analysis, and risk-based planning and operation. Focus is mostly on distribution system applications, but a large part of the concepts and methods covered in the course are also applicable to transmission systems. The course module aims to be both practically oriented and based on recent research and developments on the topic. It also aims to make students more familiar with working with data sets (grid models, load data, flexibility data...) and developing Python code to use them in power system analysis (simulation and optimization of energy and power flows...).

Block 3: Wind power in electric power systems

The overall aim is to give a deeper insight into a variety of topics related to the integration of offshore and onshore wind power in electric power systems

Content: Norway, like many other European countries, has excellent wind power resources both offshore and onshore and the course will discuss how these resources might be utilized and integrated into the energy and power system in an economically efficient, technically robust and reliable way. Different wind turbine technologies, use of power electronics, design of wind parks, grid integration and network interface and principles for control and system operation are subjects that will be studied. The differences between offshore and onshore wind power will be discussed. Furthermore, the course will present and discuss economy and market issues related to large-scale integration of wind power. After the course, students will have a solid understanding and the ability to explain with confidence the following topics:

• Electrical systems in a wind energy generation system
• Control systems in a wind turbine
• Wind farm control approaches
• Issues related to the grid integration of large-scale wind power plants
• Operation of power systems with significant wind power penetration

The specialization course is intended to provide sufficient breadth and depth of topics for specialization on the advanced aspects of power system operation, planning and analysis. This course is composed of multiple blocks/modules. More information related to the detailed composition of the actual blocks offered, their learning activities, assessment forms, and logistics of the execution, will be provided at the start of the semester.

Lectures, assignments, and mini-projects. The course is given in English.