34574 - Static Electric Energy Conversion (Graduate Course)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide skills for the analysis and the design of power electronic converters. Main topics are the topologies of AC/DC, DC/DC, DC/AC and AC/AC converters, the criteria for sizing, and the control strategies. Specific industrial applications of these converters, such as UPS, motor control, and active filters, will be analyzed.

Course contents

Prerequisites
Basic skills in mathematics, physics and electrical engineering.

Course Contents

AC/DC converters
Single-phase and three-phase bridge rectifiers. Effects of the line impedance, impact on the grid of diode and SCR rectifiers.

DC/DC converters
Two quadrant choppers. Pulse Width Modulation, hysteresis current regulators, PI based current regulators.

DC/AC converters
Introduction to current source inverters.

Single-phase voltage source inverters. Basic structure, square wave modulation, Pulse Width Modulation, output current ripple analysis, input current analysis.

Three-phase voltage source inverters. Basic structure, square wave modulation, Space Vector Modulation and generalized Pulse Width Modulation, output current ripple analysis, input current analysis, hysteresis current regulators, PI based current regulators in a stationary reference frame, PI based current regulators in a synchronous reference frame.

Multilevel inverters. Diode-clamped inverters, cascaded inverters, square wave modulation, Pulse Width Modulation.

AC/AC converters
Back-to-back converter. Structure and modulation strategy. Introduction to matrix converters. Grid interface of variable speed generators.

Space vectors and zero sequence components
Direct and inverse transformations, properties.

Power conditioning systems
Active Filters. Structures and control strategies.

The lessons are supported by exercises with Personal Computer involving the analysed power electronic converters.

Readings/Bibliography

It is not necessary to buy specific books. The pdf files of the slides utilized during the lessons are indispensable and sufficient for the preparation for the exam, and are available on VIRTUALE (https://virtuale.unibo.it/). For further considerations:

Title: Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design, 3rd Edition
Authors: Mohan Ned, Undeland Tore M., Robbins William P
Editor Wiley&sons
Published: 2003
ISBN: 978-0-471-22693-2
482 pages

Teaching methods

The frontal lessons in the classroom are supported by computer-based exercises conducted in the classroom (MATLAB-Simulink). During these exercises, students will be able to analyze in detail how the main static converters work.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral examination with final grade, which is based on the discussion of 3 course topics (one of the topics can be freely chosen by the student), and the discussion of a report (prepared by the student) with simulation results concerning some power electronic converters.

 

During the oral exam, students will be required to demonstrate a solid understanding of the theoretical principles and fundamental concepts governing the operation of various types of power electronic converters, as well as the ability to apply them effectively to the analysis and interpretation of relevant physical and engineering phenomena. The evaluation will prioritize critical mastery of the topics, the ability to connect the various aspects of the discipline, and the appropriate use of technical and scientific language. Preparation limited to the mere rote memorization of facts, without an actual understanding of the concepts and their practical implications, will be considered insufficient for passing the exam.

 

During the oral exam, calculators and reference materials are not permitted. The use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity. There are no midterm exams.

 

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities.

We recommend contacting the University Office responsible for support services in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it):] . The office will evaluate the students' needs and, where appropriate, propose possible accommodations. These must in any case be submitted for approval at least 15 days in advance to the course instructor, who will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lessons are carried out using a computer and a projector (PowerPoint). PDF files of the PowerPoint slides shown during the course, as well as the Simulink models used during the in-class exercises, are available on the VIRTUALE platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Office hours

See the website of Angelo Tani