Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce the fundamentals and applications of power electronics, which is the field of engineering that deals with the design and control of circuits that convert and regulate electrical energy. By taking this course, students will:

- Learn about the key power electronics converters and their applications in various domains, such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, smart grids, and industrial drives.

- Gain a comprehensive overview of the power electronics components that are essential for building any power electronics system, such as switches, diodes, transistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and filters.

- Acquire the skills and techniques necessary to analyse and synthesise power electronics circuits for controlling the flow of energy by using modern power electronics devices, such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, and SiC devices. The course will cover the principles of steady-state and dynamic analysis, switching characteristics, losses, efficiency, and thermal management.

- Apply the theoretical knowledge learned in the course to practical problems by simulating, designing, building, and testing a custom power converter. The course will include laboratory sessions and a project work, where students will design, implement, and evaluate a power electronics converter for a specific application.

Outline Of Syllabus

In the first semester, students will work on a power dc/dc converter case study, where they will learn the basics of power electronics, develop a simulation model of a power converter and simulate its behaviour at different operational points, and design, build and test a power converter based on the previous analytical and simulation work.

In the second semester, students will explore the key power electronics components, associated technologies, and applications. They will also understand how power electronics shapes society, the impacts it has on the environment, and the ethical issues involved. During the course, students will learn about the performance of several modern switching power devices and the role of passive components in energy management. They will also learn how to select the right active and passive component for given specifications. They will analyse and synthesise circuits for all key conversion stages: ac-dc, dc-dc, dc-ac, and ac-ac. They will learn about the impact of electromagnetic interference caused by power electronics converters and how to minimize it. They will also learn about the different protection circuits and cooling systems to avoid overheating. They will also study the interaction between the converter, the grid, and the load. Finally, the course will cover specific essential control schemes.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module a student will be able to: 

Apply knowledge in mathematics and analytical thinking to solve complex problems in power electronics for energy management.(C1)

Analyse complex problems to reach substantial conclusions using data sheets, first principle in mathematics, figures and data.(C2)

Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to complex electrical power electronic circuits recognising the limitations of the techniques employed. (C3)

Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources like data sheets for example to address complex problems. (C4)

Design solutions for complex energy management challenges that incorporates health and safety and environmental challenges. (C5)

Apply system approach to the solution of complex power electronics systems. (C6)

Distinguish the environmental and societal impact of energy management with and without power electronics and identify how life cycle assessment can improve Co2 reduction (C7).

Examine the ethical concerns when not using power electronics in selected applications and provide alternatives during the design aspect (C8)

Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader of a team when working in the laboratory environment. (C16)

Intended Skill Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended skill outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module, it is expected students will be able to: 

Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate the complex operations of a power converter. (C9)

Use simulation skills to understand power converter performance change when changing operational parameters. (C9)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture. 

Tutorial sessions will assist students to help with problem solving through tutorial sheets.

Additional tutorial sheets will be provided at the start of the module for home learning and self-study. Further problem solving is practiced during private study.

Practical knowledge is gained due to the attendance of the laboratory where students will design, build and test a power converter and to the attendance of the cluster room where students will learn about modelling of power converters.

One industrial lecture provides students to hear about real challenges in power electronics.

One research lecture will give students to hear about latest research activities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Summative assessments:

The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on power electronics, assessing knowledge outcomes in 1, 2 and 4.  

The laboratory report assesses skill outcome 1-2. 

Formative assessment:

The in-lab demonstration of results will give students the opportunity to receive immediate feedback on the correctness of their results and help identify any issues with the constructed board. Assessment will take place early at after milestone 1 of the experiment to provide early feedback allowing student guidance which will help them with their practical work so they can finish in time.

In semester 2 students will be asked to conduct a test and answers will be discussed in-class allowing students to reflect what they learned so far.

General Notes

N/A