45167 - Principles of Electrical Engineering (Graduate Course)

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed, in its first part, to complete the knowledge of electrotechnics, introducing to power electronic components and circuits for the production, transmission and management of the electrical energy (with the clear need to recall the fundamentals of the induction and synchronous machines).

The course second part covers: the sustainable production of the electric energy through the integration of the renewable energy sources in the power grid, focusing on photovoltaic, solar thermal and wind energy conversion; introduction to the economy of electric energy; medium- and long-term scenarios for the development of an environment-compatible electrification (with particular reference to the different energy storage techniques and to hydrogen economy).

Course contents

1. Control systems for management of the electrical energy

1.1 Static conversion of the electric energy (rectifier, chopper, inverters, frequency converters);

1.2 Electrical machines drives ;

1.3 Power electronic circuits for the production and transmission of the electrical energy;

1.4 Electromagnetic interference (EMI): generation and reduction.

2. Solar energy conversion in electrical form

2.1 The solar radiation;

2.2 Photovoltaic conversion (solar cells: electronic structure of semiconductors; competing technologies);

2.3 Structure of a photovoltaic system; pv modules and their interconnection; storage, control and power conditioning;

2.4 Solar thermal systems: parabolic concentrators (dish and trough), central receiver tower and heliostats field converters;

2.5 Economic and environmental factors;

2.6 Planning and dimensioning of grid connected and stand-alone pv-plants.

3. Wind energy conversion in electrical form

3.1 Main components of a wind turbine;

3.2 Horizontal and vertical axis turbines;

3.3 Wind power electro-mechanical conversion by induction or synchronous generator;

3.4 Energy transfer to the ac grid;

3.5 Control and protection aspects.

4. Elements of the electrical energy economy

4.1 Cost and value of the renewable energies: methodologies for the evaluation of the production costs; environmental benefits and technical limits;

4.2 Assessing the cost-effectiveness of the energy systems;

4.3 Medium- and long-term scenarios for the development of electrification;

4.4 Electromagnetic energy storage system;

4.5 Hydrogen economy.

Readings/Bibliography

Reference books:

I.E.A., Renewables for power generation – status & prospects, 2003 edition.

I.E.A., Energy to 2050 – Scenarios for a sustainable future, 2003.

I.E.A., World Energy Outlook 2004, OECD/IEA 2004.

Domenico Coiante, Le nuove fonti di energia rinnovabile, Franco Angeli Editore, 2005.

S. Heier, Grid integration of Wind Energy Conversion Systems, John Wiley Ed. 1998.

G. Sarlos, et al., Systemes Energetiques, Traite de Genie Civil de l'Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne, vol. 21, 2003

N. Mohan et al., Elettronica di potenza: convertitori e applicazioni, Edizioni Hoepli, 2003.

T. Markvart, Solar Electricity, John Wiley Ed. 1994.

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures are held according to the academic calendar. Students can prepare a case study whose evaluation is part of the final assessment.

 

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral test. All the didactic support is provided to students during the course.

Teaching tools

All the necessary documentation is distributed during the lesson hours.

Ten exam sections are available during the year (when the teaching activity is suspended)

Links to further information

http://www.die.ing.unibo.it/pers/negrini/nome.htm

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Negrini