MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Interfacing clean energy systems

Course unit fact file
Unit code EEEN60402
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE UNIT

The unit introduces technology which sits between the energy generation device (solar cell, turbine etc.) and the distribution system and includes interfacing to high-efficiency loads. The unit will give an overview of the structure, function and applications of electrical energy conversion systems, allowing students to select technology and undertake top level design and performance calculations.  

Power Electronic Converters

Three main classes of power electronic converter (AC/AC, DC/DC, AC/DC); components, operational principles and steady-state characteristics, limitations, efficiency, control of systems; system modelling.

Electromechanical Energy Conversion

Motor, generator and actuator technologies, characteristics and efficiency; generator, drive and actuator control and optimisation; effect of typical end-user applications.

Energy Interfacing

Interfacing to renewable energy sources; interfacing to cleaner technologies; full-system energy flows to/from supply and to/from loads; selection of technologies and configurations; system modelling and control; case studies of energy efficiency enhancement; energy storage, system reliability and condition monitoring.

Laboratory Exercises

A practical laboratory looking at power electronic converters.

 

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Introduction to Power Systems EEEN60401 Pre-Requisite Compulsory
Solar Energy Technologies EEEN60421 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

Aims

The unit aims to:

Provide students with an understanding of techniques to connect renewable energy sources and clean technology loads with power transmission systems, allowing systems to be integrated at the design stage, and introduce students to the energy conversion components, systems and control techniques involved.

Learning outcomes

 

On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Developed

Assessed

ILO 1

Summarise the technology and characteristics of power electronic converters and electrical machines for the interfacing of energy systems.

X

X

ILO 2

Select appropriate technology and configurations for clean energy systems.

X

X

ILO 3

Identify high-efficiency end-user systems.

X

 

ILO 4

Explain control strategies for energy conversion systems, making appropriate allowances for practical limitations.

X

X

ILO 5

Apply methods to construct and evaluate the performance of integrated energy conversion systems.

X

X

ILO 6

Interpret laboratory based measurements on energy conversion systems.

X

X

 

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures with power point, tutorials, laboratory exercise

 

Assessment methods

Examination

Duration: 3 hours

The examination forms 80% of the overall unit assessment

 

Course Work

A practical laboratory looking at power electronic converters.

The course work forms 20% of the overall unit assessment and is based on a laboratory report. 

 

 

Feedback methods

Examination - feedback is given after the appropriate examination board.

Lab and coursework assignments - feedback is given via the e-learning platform, normally within three weeks of the submission deadline.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 32
Practical classes & workshops 3
Tutorials 8
Independent study hours
Independent study 107

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Mike Barnes Unit coordinator
Theodor Heath Unit coordinator

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