Practically all electronic equipment, whether domestic or industrial, requires power conditioning to deliver the energy for it to operate correctly. The applications vary widely from power supplies for laptops and mobile phone chargers, through industrial motor drives, hybrid and electric vehicle drives, electric rail transport, to solar and wind energy systems and power transmission and distribution systems. This module will provide you with the skills and in-depth knowledge required for the application of power electronic devices and converters to power systems.



This module will include Static and Dynamic Characteristics, Series and parallel operation, AC and DC Thyristor valves, and Thyristor valve design. Testing principles for High Voltage valves will be discussed. Soft and hard switching, Power converters for modern utilities such as six pulse Thyristor bridge converter, effects of AC supply reactance, inviter operation overlap, HVDC converters and transmission systems will be included in the module. The module will provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of Line Commutated Converters, Voltage Source Converters, DC-DC Converters: Buck, Boost, Cuk, bidirectional Marx converter for PV/solar farm and HVDC grid integration applications. Voltage source converters for HVDC, Multi-level converters, Static Var Compensators, STATCOM, Shunt Compensation, series compensation and other FACTS devices and Systems will be discussed in detail.

A 2500-word individual report weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcome 2 and 3. This will be based on demonstrating a technical understanding of power converter design for a complex real-world problem. Meeting AHEP4 Outcomes: M1, M3, M5, M7, M17

A 2-hour examination weighted at 50%, assessing learning outcome 1 and 2. Several questions to be answered based on topics covered in the module to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of power converters, topologies, principles of operation and applications. Meeting AHEP4 Outcome: M1

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 40% unless otherwise stated.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse, and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and independent study.¿

1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and technical understanding of power electronic converters for modern utilities. (AHEP 4: M1)

Enquiry,

Knowledge and Understanding,

Learning

2. Design and analysis of power converters to solve complex real-world problems. (AHEP 4: M1, M3, M5)

Analysis,

Knowledge and Understanding,

Application

3. Evaluate and reflect on the impact of power electronics on power systems and communicate effectively to a technical and non-technical audience. (AHEP 4: M7, M17)

Problem Solving,

Reflection,

Application,

Communication

Power Electronics Laboratory
Software packages (e.g. PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB, SIMULINK, NI Multisim or equivalent)

Acha, E., Roncero-Sánchez, P., De la Villa-Jaen, A., Castro, L.M. and Kazemtabrizi, B., (2019).¿VSC-FACTS-HVDC: Analysis, modelling and simulation in power grids. John Wiley & Sons.

Ibrahim, N.F. and Dessouky, S.S., (2021).¿Design and Implementation of Voltage Source Converters in HVDC Systems. Springer International Publishing.

Jovcic, D., (2019).¿High voltage direct current transmission: converters, systems and DC grids. John Wiley & Sons.

Mathur, R.M. and Varma, R.K., (2002).¿Thyristor-based FACTS controllers for electrical transmission systems. John Wiley & Sons.

Narain G.. Hingorani and Gyugyi, L., (2000).¿Understanding FACTS: concepts and technology of flexible AC transmission systems. Wiley-IEEE Press.

Yazdani, A., (2018).¿Modern Distribution Systems with PSCAD Analysis. CRC Press.

This module will cover a range of topics providing you an in-depth and detailed understanding of modern power converter systems, their significance for utilities and power transmission, grid integration and renewable energy systems both in medium and high voltage applications including converter topologies, control techniques and practical considerations in design and implementation of these systems. This module will further cover bidirectional converter applications for grid integration in HVDC systems and cutting-edge fault detection techniques and how they are applied to modern power converters providing you with an up-to-date knowledge of latest technologies used in the industry. Empowering tomorrow: Transforming energy with precision and efficiency with Modern Power Converters!