The module is of particular relevance to professionals working in the areas related to generation, transmission or use of electricity who which to gain an understanding of how grids are protected.
Grid Design and Security
Overview
| Module Code | EEEN40780 |
| Module Title | Grid Design and Security |
| Subject Area | Electronic & Electrical Engineering |
| Credits | 5 |
| NFQ | 9 |
| EFQ | 7 |
| Start Date | 19th February 2026 |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Mode of Delivery | Blended |
| Course Leader | Federico Milano |
| Fee | €1,722 Skillnet Funding - €1,000pp **See 'Funding' section below |
| Application Deadline | 13th February, 2026 |
This module explores power system operation with a particular focus on the components of both transmission and distribution grids relating to secure network operation and protection. The module also covers the classification and analysis of power system transients across various timescales, including long term voltage stability, angle and frequency stability, and surge phenomena like lightning and switching transients. A portion will be dedicated to short-circuit calculations under symmetric and asymmetric conditions, adhering to the IEC 60909 standard. Furthermore, the module examines the principles, components, and coordination of power system protection systems, along with an analysis of voltage, frequency and transient stability of basic power systems. The model also provides an in-depth discussion of the causes of and remedial action that followed real-world power system blackouts. Each section will incorporate interactive elements and assessments to enhance understanding and retention. The module will make use of analytical approaches and commercial power system analysis tools to explore example problems in power systems transients and protection.
On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
- Understand the concepts underlying the occurrence of transients in power systems over a range of timescales.
- Be able to describe the main functions, requirements, and elements of power system protection mechanisms.
- Be able to identify and analyse power engineering problems involving three-phase ac system short-circuit calculations according to the IEC 60909 standard.
- Be able to analyse and design solutions to power system protection coordination problems.
- Describe system security constraints, including the (N-1) precautionary principle.
- Articulate the range of technical constraints that can limit the accommodation of renewable generation at various voltage levels and connection points within the
grid. - Be able to analyse basic power systems for transient, voltage and frequency stability.
- Articulate the range of remedial actions that can be implemented to prevent the occurrence of blackouts
This module is designed to give learners an understanding of the basics of power system design and security assessment, including short-circuit analysis, protection design, transient stability analysis and analysis and prevention of power system blackouts
Lectures; problem-based learning; after-math analysis of real-world power system blackouts
The module is eligible to engineers with basic knowledge of ac circuits, electrical machines and power systems.
| Assessment Type | Description | Timing | Open Book? | % of Final Grade | Component Scale | Must Pass? | In-module Component Repeat Offered? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment (Including Essay) | Continuous Assessment: Assignment 1 | Week 7 | 20 | Standard Conversion Scale | No | No | |
| Assignment (Including Essay) | Continuous Assessment: Assignment 2 | Week 11 | 20 | Standard Conversion Scale | No | No | |
| Assignment (Including Essay) | Report on a real-world blackout. The report will have to be submitted along with slides suitable for a ten-minute presentation | Week 14 | 60 | Standard Conversion Scale | No | Yes | |
| Total | 100 |
Please note: Learners can avail of only one of the below funding opportunities per application.
Green Tech Skillnet Funding
Green Tech Skillnet, an organisation dedicated to fostering skills and expertise in the field of green technology, is partnering with UCD micro-credentials to fund the course fee for eligible learners* on relevant, sustainability-focused, micro-credentials. Fees for Eligible Skillnet Applicants are only €1000.
How to access the funding:
- Apply for one of the applicable micro-credentials through the UCD website.
- Clearly indicate on your application that you are applying with the intention of receiving a subsidised place on the course through Green Tech Skillnet’s partnership and that you believe you are eligible for this funding.
- If you are successful, you will receive an offer from UCD.
- Once you have accepted your offer, and provided you meet the eligibility criteria*, you will make the €1000 payment of the micro-credential fee directly to Green Tech Skillnet, and they will cover the remainder.
- Once payment has been made, you can register and join your micro-credential.
*The eligibility criteria, as set out by the Green Tech Skillnet, are as follows:
- Companies must be private enterprises based in the Republic of Ireland.
- Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or publicly funded organisations, such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
- Commercial semi-state companies are eligible, providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
- Sole traders are eligible as Companies.
Eligibility for Trainees:
Key requirements regarding trainee eligibility:
- Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland.
- Trainees must be employed within private enterprise.
- Green Tech Skillnet is required to collect data on the profile of trainees supported and record this data for Skillnet Ireland.
Visit the Green Tech Skillnet website page regarding the Grid Design and Security micro-credential.
UCD Alumni Discount
We are pleased to offer UCD graduates a 42% discount on tuition fees for the Grid Design and Security micro-credential. To avail of this discount you must use your UCD login details when submitting an online micro-credential application so that we can verify your UCD student details. If you cannot remember your UCD login details please contact the UCD Student Desk for assistance.
Organisations Sending 3 Plus Employees
If your organisation plans to send three or more employees to this micro-credential, please contact Maria Keany (maria.keany@ucd.ie), Business Development Manager with NexSys and Energy Institute to discuss availing of a 42% discount.
If you have any questions about this micro-credential, or would like to speak to a UCD staff member, please contact (opens in a new window)microcredentials@ucd.ie.