| CODE | EPC4104 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Power Electronic Converters and Distributed Generation | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Electrical Engineering | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Objectives: This study-unit provides an in-depth understanding of advanced power converters used for energy conversion in modern power systems. It covers direct AC–AC conversion, DC–AC conversion to high-voltage levels, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the transmission grid, with particular reference to Microgrids and Smart grids. Content: - Multilevel Converters This section explores different multilevel converter topologies, their control and switching techniques, and their advantages, such as reduced harmonic distortion, higher voltage capability, and modularity. Applications in high-voltage transmission and high-power systems (HVDC). Concepts of multi-terminal HVDC will be also discussed. - Matrix Converters Students will examine this innovative converter technology, which enables direct AC–AC conversion with variable frequency and amplitude without the use of a DC link. The structure, operation, and control strategies of matrix converters will be explained. - Grid-Connected Systems and Distributed Generation (PV and Wind) This topic covers power electronic interfaces for grid-connected PVs and wind energy systems. Detailed attention is given to permanent magnet synchronous generators, doubly-fed induction machines (DFIM), and back-to-back converter topology configurations. Control of inverters operating in both grid-following and grid-forming modes, islanding detection techniques and fundamental principles of distributed generation will also be included. Study-unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to provide electrical engineering students with advanced knowledge of modern power converter topologies used in energy conversion, transmission and distribution. It covers direct AC–AC conversion and DC–AC conversion to high-voltage levels in detail. The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid will also be addressed, with consideration of international perspective and standards (grid codes). Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify various power electronic topologies (e.g. multilevel, matrix, grid-connected inverters) and choose the best topology for different applications; - Differentiate between Grid-Forming and Grid-Following inverters control schemes, explain how each operates and identify their typical applications; - Explain how synchronous reference frame control can be applied to implement control of three-phase voltage source converters; - Describe how bidirectional switches can be implemented and how reliable commutation of bidirectional switches can be achieved; - Explain how multilevel inverter topologies can be used to implement converters with voltage ratings several times higher than the voltage rating of individual switching devices; - Describe a range of multilevel inverter topologies and explain their fundamental principles of operation. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Analyse circuit behaviour of power electronic topologies covered in this study-unit; - Perform design calculations to size appropriately specific components of these power electronic circuits; - Select suitably rated components for the implementation of power electronic circuits considered. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Mohan, Undeland & Robins, 'Power Electronics Converters, Application, and Design', John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-58408-8, 2002. - Teodorescu, Liserre & Rodriguez, 'Grid Converters for PV and Wind Power Systems', IEEE Wiley ISBN 978-0-470-05751-3, 2011. - Philip Krien, Elements of Power Electronics, Oxford Press. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-unit: EPC3103 | ||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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