This module aims to provide the learner with specialised know how in the area of Smart Grid technologies particular emphasis is placed on the evolution of the existing electricity network to enable the operation of a network where demand follows supply. Emphasis is placed on the communications aspect of ICT with an introduction to Embedded hardware programming. On completion of the module the student will be well placed to assess and evaluate the choice of technology necessary to achieve objectives in the Smart Grid arena.
Smart Grid: Smart Grid description, main actors, participating entities, communications network overlay, regulatory regime, demand side management, emerging communications standards.
Embedded Microcontroller Development: Ultra low power microcontrollers, power states, A-D limitations, Choice of Clock modes, Architecture of a RISC 16bit CPU, Addressing Modes, Registers, Input/Output ports, Reset considerations, Watchdog timers. Low cost development tools for rapid prototyping. Problem-Solving and debugging.
Wireless Technology: Information carrying capacity, Shannon capacity, time domain, frequency domain, noise floor, narrow band, wide band, fade margin, link budget
Analog to Digital conversion: Single/Dual slope, SAR, Sources of error, Dynamic range, resolution, quantisation error
