ECE 51501 - Smart Grid
Course Details
Lecture Hours: 3 Credits: 3
Areas of Specialization:
- Power and Energy Devices and Systems
Normally Offered:
Summer
Campus/Online:
On-campus and online
Requisites:
ECE 32100 or equivalent
Requisites by Topic:
Electromechanical motion devices: electromagnetic energy conversion, dc machines, converters for dc drives, induction machines.
Catalog Description:
The course analyzes the history of the U.S. power grid and to the basic concepts on the current electric power system. The main challenges on the transition of the traditional power system with unidirectional power flow to the new and complex system connected to renewable sources and bidirectional power flow capability is also presented in this course. In addition, the impact of distributed generation and electric vehicles is discussed along with cybersecurity and information privacy issues inherent in this new power grid.
Required Text(s):
- Foundations of Smart Grids , dos Santos, E. C., Jr., & Costa, F. B. , World Scientific , January 2026
Recommended Text(s):
None.
Learning Outcomes
A student who successfully fulfills the course requirements will have demonstrated an ability to:
- Explain the structure and operation of both conventional and modern smart grids.
- Develop analytical models for major components in traditional and smart grids.
- Analyze the impact of renewable energy systems connected to the grid.
- Analyze distributed generation impacts on system performance.
- Understand hardware security and cybersecurity principles for smart grids.
Lecture Outline:
| Week | Week |
|---|---|
| 1 | A brief history of the US power grid |
| 2 | Physical structure of the power system |
| 3 | Operational and regulatory components of the power system |
| 4 | Power system measurements |
| 5 | Semiconductor-driven power systems |
| 6 | Photovoltaic systems |
| 7 | Wind energy systems |
| 8 | Power grid security |
Assessment Method:
Homework, exams. (11/2025)