EEEN40120 Applications of Power Electronics

Academic Year 2023/2024

The module on the application of power electronics provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, uses, and significance of power electronic converters in various domains. The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze, design, and implement power electronic solutions for different applications, ranging from industrial systems to consumer electronics and distribution systems.

📋The purpose of the module is to familiarize students with the essential concepts and functionalities of power electronic converters and their applications in real-world scenarios. It covers the fundamental principles of power electronic converters, including AC-DC, DC-DC, and DC-AC conversion, as well as the control techniques and algorithms employed in power electronic systems.


While not mandatory, some relevant books include:
📒 "Voltage-Sourced Converters in Power Systems : Modeling, Control, and Applications", by Amirnaser Yazdani, Reza Iravani, Wiley-IEEE Press, 2010.
📒 "Instantaneous Power Theory and Applications to Power Conditioning", 2nd Edition, by Hirofumi Akagi, Edson Hirokazu Watanabe, Mauricio Aredes, Wiley-IEEE Press, 2017.
📒 "Control of Power Electronic Converters and Systems", Volume 1,2,3, Editor: Frede Blaabjerg, Academic Press, 2018.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

🎓By the end of the module, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to design, analyze, and implement power electronic solutions for a wide range of applications, including photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, active power filters, power factor correction, and reactive power compensation. They will be able to evaluate the advantages and limitations of power electronic converters, make informed design decisions, and contribute to the development of efficient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

👩🏻‍💻In this module, students learn how to utilize the software tools such as Matlab (Simulink, Embedded Coder for TI), EasyEDA or Altium, and PI Expert.

👩🏻‍🔧In this module, students learn about the hardware implementation of a power converter, which involves selecting components, designing a printed circuit board (PCB), assembling the components, and implementing a control system.

Indicative Module Content:

Applications of Power Electronic Converters are divided in to four major sections with content as follows:

1) Applications of Power Electronic Converters for the Renewable Energy Sources:
Power electronic converters are employed in renewable energy systems, including solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) and Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). They facilitate efficient energy conversion, enabling the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.

2) Applications of Power Electronic Converters for the Distribution Power System:
Power electronic converters are used in Active Power Filter (APF) to mitigate power quality issues such as harmonics, reactive power, and voltage fluctuations. They compensate for the non-linear loads, improving power factor and reducing system disturbances.

3) Applications of Power Electronic Converters for the Transmission Power System:
Power electronic converters are crucial in HVDC transmission systems, which enable efficient long-distance transmission of electricity over high-voltage DC lines. Power electronic converters are utilized in FACTS devices, such as Static Var Compensators (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), to enhance power system stability, voltage control, and reactive power compensation.

4) Applications of Power Electronic Converters for the Consumers:
Power converters are employed in battery chargers for portable electronic devices, Electric Vehicle (EV), and Energy Storage System (ESS). Power electronic converters are employed in Power Factor Correction (PFC) systems to improve the power factor of the loads. Power converters are utilized in LED lighting systems to convert AC power to the appropriate DC voltage and current levels required to power the LEDs. Power electronic converters play a significant role in AC motor drives, enabling precise control of motor speed, torque, and operation.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Lectures

30
Tutorial

6
Laboratories

9
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module on Applications of Power Electronics utilizes a variety of teaching and learning approaches to enhance student understanding and engagement. Some key approaches employed in the module include:

1) 📖Lectures: Traditional lectures are used to deliver foundational knowledge, principles, and theories related to power electronics and its applications. Lectures provide a structured learning environment where students can acquire essential concepts and theoretical understanding.

2) 🪛Labs: Practical laboratory sessions are incorporated to provide hands-on experience with power electronic converters and their applications. These sessions allow students to apply theoretical concepts, perform experiments, and gain practical skills in designing, testing, and analyzing power electronic circuits.

3) 💻Circuit Simulation Models: Lectures include the use of circuit simulation software, such as MATLAB / Simulink, to simulate and analyze power electronic circuits. Simulation models are employed to demonstrate the behavior of different converter topologies, validate design choices, and evaluate system performance under varying operating conditions. Students learn how to set up simulations, interpret results, and optimize circuit parameters.

4) 🔬PCB Design Principles: The module introduces students to the fundamental principles of PCB design. It covers topics such as layout considerations, component placement, routing techniques, signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management. Students learn how to design PCBs that meet the specific requirements of power electronic systems. The module familiarizes students with PCB design software tools commonly used in the industry, such as Altium Designer and EasyEDA.

5) 💡Microcontrollers: The module introduces students to the basics of microcontrollers, including their architecture, features, and capabilities. Students learn about the role of microcontrollers in power electronic systems and their advantages over other control methods. The module may include hands-on projects or lab sessions where students apply their knowledge of microcontrollers to build and test power electronic systems. These projects allow students to gain practical experience in programming, control implementation, and system integration using microcontrollers. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Knowledge of solid state electronics and control theory is strongly recommended.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment 1 Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Assignment: Assignment 2 Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Lab Report: Technical report 1 Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Lab Report: Technical report 2 Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Assignment: Assignment 3 Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

10
Examination: Final exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Voltage-Sourced Converters in Power Systems : Modeling, Control, and Applications.
Amirnaser Yazdani, Reza Iravani,
Wiley-IEEE Press, 2010.

Instantaneous Power Theory and Applications to Power Conditioning, 2nd Edition.
Hirofumi Akagi, Edson Hirokazu Watanabe, Mauricio Aredes,
Wiley-IEEE Press, 2017.
Name Role
Mr Alvaro Ortega Manjavacas Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 22, 24, 26 Tues 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 23, 25, 29 Tues 10:00 - 12:50
Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 23, 25, 29 Tues 14:00 - 16:50
Spring