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MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology with Extended Research
Year of entry: 2022
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Course unit details:
Interfacing clean energy systems
| 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 |
| Offered by | Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering |
| 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, including electric vehicles.
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
This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 2020/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.
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.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 32 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 3 |
| Tutorials | 8 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 107 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Geoffrey Baines | Unit coordinator |
| Matteo Iacchetti | Unit coordinator |