ECE4886 Smart grids
Faculty of Engineering
ECE4886 Smart grids is a level 4, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ECE2131.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 2 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before ECE4886
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After ECE4886
No unit lists ECE4886 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit provides comprehensive knowledge about the smart grid and how it should be operated and protected to improve sustainability and energy savings. The core of the unit is intelligent infrastructure for the smart grid and its heightening vulnerability, and how to protect it effectively.
The basic economic fundamentals of power systems and conventional and renewable power generation in regulated and deregulated environments are first introduced. The basic concepts of intelligent control, application of intelligent agents in grid technology, and intelligent components commonly used in smart grids are extensively discussed afterwards. Also discussed is how distribution networks adapt to intermittent energy sources, such as solar and wind, through the use of smart grids, emerging technologies and energy storage systems.
The unit will conclude by defining the smart grid's concept, design and purpose, reviewing current and relevant technologies developed, assessing its vulnerabilities to a cyber-attack, and identifying effective protective mechanisms for the grid.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
| Second semester | Malaysia | On campus |
Assessment
- LaboratoryExerciseThreshold hurdle30%
- Mid-term testQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle10%
- Final assessmentExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Understand fundamental knowledge of power systems and generation.
- 2
Describe the basic concepts and fundamentals of smart grid technologies and their corresponding role in renewable integration and power system operation.
- 3
Design intelligent power systems using grid technology.
- 4
Analyse power system operational characteristics and constraints in the presence of smart grid technologies to identify potential security risks and protective measures to ensure system integrity and supply reliability.
- 5
Describe the required changes in power distribution networks and energy storage systems to accommodate intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories18 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Assessments3 hours
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachIndustry-based learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester, typically comprising a mixture of 3 - 6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6 - 9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
You will be expected to prepare a presentation and a report on a subject related to one of the challenges in smart grids.
Teaching sessions are used to address common learning objectives of all students and provide opportunities for class discussion, with questions encouraged. The lecturer will often pose questions to the class and you will be expected to participate in the interactive experience. Learning in the unit is supplemented by a set of prescribed practical problems. While practical questions contain examinable material, the questions are to be solved as part of your self-study workload. Class sessions during the semester will provide you with opportunities to consult on challenges you may have with solving practical class problems.
Laboratories are intended to provide you with real-world experience in designing, implementing and testing theoretical learnings in a practical setting. Lab demonstrators will assist you in achieving this goal in the lab by providing advice but not solutions. You are expected to debug your own work whilst lab demonstrators provide suggestions.
A variety of active learning techniques are used in this unit.
In Clayton, the unit will have several lectures and lab sessions delivered by industry experts.
Learning resources
Technology resources
Matlab and PowerFactory software.
Where it fits
ECE4886 is part of 5 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- DCBNZMNR01Studying robotics and mechatronics engineering specialisationDecarbonisation and net zeroNo reviews yet
- ECSYSENG04Core List AElectrical and computer systems engineeringNo reviews yet
- ELCVLTMR01ElectivesElectric vehicle technologyNo reviews yet
- PWRENSYS02Studying electrical and computer systems engineering specialisationPower and energy systems engineeringNo reviews yet
- ROBMCTRN04Robotics and mechatronics engineering technical electivesRobotics and mechatronics engineeringNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Reza Razzaghi
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Reza Razzaghi
- Dr Charles Raymond Sarimuthu
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for ECE4886?
You need ECE2131 before you enrol.
When is ECE4886 offered?
In 2026, ECE4886 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
How much work is ECE4886?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does ECE4886 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include ECE4886?
ECE4886 is part of Decarbonisation and net zero; Electrical and computer systems engineering; Electric vehicle technology; Power and energy systems engineering; and Robotics and mechatronics engineering.