Skip to main content
Module Search
A street in Durham, with old buildings and people walking down the street
 

ENGI4487: Smart Energy Networks 4

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3371

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview and describe the characteristics of energy networks.
  • To explain the working principles of systems for integrating renewable energy sources.
  • To explain the technical constraints and potential solutions related to smart energy networks.

Content

  • Future energy systems
  • Advanced metering infrastructure
  • Demand side management
  • Renewable energy integration
  • Overview of power system operation
  • Fault analysis and protection
  • Stability analysis and control

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • An appreciation of the impacts of increasing renewable electrical power generation on the existing infrastructure of electrical power systems.
  • A knowledge of modern design trends in the areas of energy distribution and consumption.
  • A knowledge of power system protection and fault calculations.
  • A knowledge of advanced smart grid technologies in future energy systems.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
  • M7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (exam assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures20Weekly1 hour20 
Surgeries20As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the yearOptional attendance as required10 
Revision Classes11 hour1 
Preparation and Reading69 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination2 hours100No

Formative Assessment

N/A

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.