This course is aimed at giving students with an ICT background a view on the structure and operation of modern and future electrical networks (smart grids), also pointing out the aspects referring to the interaction between power and energy systems and ICT contents. Starting from an overview on the evolution of the power and energy systems towards the construction of supergrids in high voltage bulk transmission systems and of microgrids in electrical distribution systems, the course addresses in a specific way the topics referring to the structure and operation of Medium Voltage and Low Voltage distribution systems, highlighting the contributions of the ICT sector to network modernization with increasing levels of automation, control, communication and data management. At the end of the semester, the student will have to gain knowledge on a set of aspects that enable him/her to dialogue with the operators of the electrical distribution system by using appropriate terminology and showing adequate competence in discussing about basic network-related problems. In addition, the student will have to gain competence in formulating optimization problems referring to the electrical distribution networks, choosing the most suitable methods to solve these problems. Finally, the student will be able to interact in an effective way with the network operators to discuss about the application of ICT solutions to the smart grid.

The students who pass the exam will be able to understand the basic concepts referring to the structure and operation of the electrical networks at the transmission and distribution levels; use the correct terminology to address power and energy systems problems referring to smart grids; interpret appropriately the role of smart grids in the current energy system context; formulate analysis and optimization problems referring to smart grid applications and choosing the suitable solver; understand the role of distributed generation and resources in active distribution network management and demand-side management, and their connections with ICT solutions for communication, control and data management.

The prerequisites include the knowledge of matrix calculations, complex numbers, basic electrotechnics (direct current and single-phase alternating current circuits), automatic control (transfer functions, feedback control) and electrical measurement (measurement accuracy, principle of operation of the instrumentation for electrical measurement).

Introductory concepts: Structure of the electricity transmission and distribution systems. Emergent paradigms: smart grids, supergrids, microgrids. Energy and electricity supply. Capacity and energy provisions, supply adequacy, load balancing. Role of ICT for smart grids. Layer-based representation of power and information flows. Electricity transmission and distribution: Three-phase systems in balanced and unbalanced conditions. Characteristics and modelling of generators, lines, transformers, loads and storage systems. Technical evolution of the network infrastructure. Meshed, radial and reconfigurable weakly meshed network representations. Notes on service continuity and reliability. Smart distribution network analysis and optimization: Matrix-based representation of the network. Power flow calculations in radial and weakly meshed networks. Fault analysis, calculation of the short-circuit currents. Principles of network protection. Relays, switchgears, protective devices. Measurement technologies and applications. Distribution substations and distribution grid automation. Notes on the IEC Standardization. Optimal reconfiguration of distribution networks: objective function, constraints, solution methods and heuristics. Examples of optimal operational planning: problem formulation, solution methods and heuristics. Distributed generation and resources: distributed generation schemes, autonomous systems, grid-connected systems, islanding operation, microgrids. Notes on distributed generation (from renewable sources and combined energy production) and storage technologies. Distribution network models with distributed resources, active distribution network management. Probabilistic power flow calculations. Effects of the diffusion of the distributed resources. Evolution of the standards. Interface with the networks, local voltage control, frequency control. Virtual power plants. Integration of fluctuating renewable energy in transmission and distribution systems. Demand-side management: technologies for electrical load management. Customer interactions with smart metering systems, assessment of the controllable load. Thermostat-controlled loads. Aggregate residential load. Demand response concepts and programmes, demand flexibility, impacts of demand-side management on customer choices. Specific aspects of ICT applications for smart grid operation. Analysis of real cases.

The lectures present the course contents, with possible numerical examples and calculations. No experimental activity is planned.

There is no commercial book covering the contents of this course. The material (slides and handouts) used during the lectures and course activities will be available on the web portal.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

The exams will be composed of 3-4 open questions (with possible related subquestions) and 1-2 questions involving calculations (with possible related subquestions).

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

The exams will be composed of 3-4 open questions (with possible related subquestions) and 1-2 questions involving calculations (with possible related subquestions).