MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology with Extended Research

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.

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.
 

ILO 1 - Explain control strategies for energy conversion systems, making appropriate allowances for practical limitations. [Developed] [Assessed]

ILO 2 - Apply methods to construct and evaluate the performance of integrated energy conversion systems. [Developed] [Assessed]

ILO 3 - Identify high-efficiency end-user systems. [Developed]

ILO 4 - Interpret laboratory based measurements on energy conversion systems. [Developed] [Assessed]

ILO 5 - Select appropriate technology and configurations for clean energy systems. [Developed] [Assessed]

ILO 6 - Summarise the technology and characteristics of power electronic converters and electrical machines for the interfacing of energy systems. [Developed] [Assessed]

Lectures with power point, tutorials, laboratory exercise

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. 

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.

1. Power Electronics Handbook by Rashid, Muhammad H. Elsevier Science, 2017. ISBN: 9780128114087
2. Power electronics: converters, applications, and design by Mohan, Ned. John Wiley & Sons, 2003. ISBN: 9781615836345
3. Feedback systems: an introduction for scientists and engineers by Åström, Karl J. Princeton University Press, 2008. ISBN: 9786612607967
4. Electric motors and drives: fundamentals, types, and applications, by Hughes, Austin. Elsevier/Newnes, 2006. ISBN: 9780080522043
5. Photovoltaic Systems Engineering, Fourth Edition by Messenger, Roger. CRC Press, 2017. ISBN: 9781498772785
6. Heat transfer by Winterton, R. H. S. Oxford University Press, 1997. ISBN: 0198562977
7. Introduction to electrical power systems by El-Hawary, M. E. IEEE Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780470411377