37444 - Electrotechnics of Energy Systems M

Learning outcomes

The main characteristics of the power electronic devices, of the renewable electric power production and its economic aspects will be presented. Some medium and long term scenario for a sustainable electrical energy production will be analyzed.

Course contents

Prerequisites:

The student should be familiar with the contents of circuit theory, electrical machines and electrical plants which are usually presented in the courses of Electro Technique (for non-electric/electronic engineering students) of the School of Engineering.

Program:

Systems for Electric energy use and control. The structure of the electric power systems: main characteristics of the italian and european power grid. Electric energy transmission with d.c. and a.c. technologies. Power electronics (inverter, rectifier, chopper, frequency converter).

Solar to electric power conversion. Solar radiation characteristics. The photovoltaic conversion: operating principle, fabrication technologies and electrical characteristic of photovoltaic cells; MPPT; photovoltaic systems and their connection to the power network. Thermodynamic solar plants. 

Wind to electrical energy conversion. Main components of a wind generator. Horizonthal axis wind turbines characteristics (power conversion efficiency, pitch angle, yaw angle). Wind generator with induction generator (squirrel-cage rotor, doubly fed machine) and with syncronous generator (wounded rotor, PM machine); power control and connection to the power grid. On-shore and off-shore plants.

Main economic aspects of use of electrical energy. Electric power system evolution towards a sustainable energy transition. Comparison of the different sources of electrical energy: LCOE, environmental aspects and technological limits. Electricity market, smart grid, energy communities. Development of an energy economy based on renewable energies. Use of hydrogen as an energy vector (production, storage, distribution and use). Strategic role and operating principle of the main electric energy storage systems (batteries, supercapacitors, SMES, CAES, flywheels, pumping hydro storage systems).

Readings/Bibliography

The documents which are presented during the lessons can be found on virtuale  

The subjects which are discussed during the lessons are described in the following books which can be found in the library.

1 N. Jenkins, J. Ekanayake, "Renewable energy engineering", Cambridge University Press, 2017.

2.G. Chitarin, F. Gnesotto, M. Guarnieri, A. Maschio, A. Stella, Elettrotecnica: 2 - Applicazioni, Esculapio, 2020.

3.G. Zini, “Green Electrical Energy Storage. Science and finance for total fossil fuel substitution”, Ed. McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.

4.M.H. Rashid, "Elettronica di potenza: dispositivi e circuiti", Paravia Bruno Mondadori Editori.

5.M.H. Rashid, "Elettronica di potenza: applicazioni", Paravia Bruno Mondadori Editori.

6.B. Wu, Y. Lang, M. Zargari, S. Kouro, “Power Conversion and Control of Wind Energy Systems”, Ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.

7.K. Mertens, “Photovoltaics. Fundamentals, Technology and Practice”, Ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

8.V.S. Bagotsky, A. M. Skundin, Y. M. Volfovich, “Electrochemical Power Sources. Batteries, Fuel cells and Supercapacitors”, Ed. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

9.ABB, “Quaderni di Applicazione tecnica N.10. Impianti fotovoltaici” (2013), “Quaderni di Applicazione tecnica N.13. Impianti eolici” (2011) ,disponibili on line all’indirizzo: [http://www.abb.it/abblibrary/DownloadCenter]

During the lessons the data and the documents which can be found in the web sites of the main Institutions which aperate in the energy field are utilized.

Teaching methods

The course is organized with classroom lessons during which all the topics of the program are analyzed with the support of computer presentations which are online on virtuale.unibo.it.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral test during which the student presents three of the subjects analyzed during the course, one of which is chosen by the student himself. The obtained grade depends on the capability to present the topics in a correct, complete and concise way, with a bit of critical analysis.

During the exam periods, the exam session will organized in almaesami. It is possible to take the exam in each period of the year with a personal appointment with the professsor.

Office hours

See the website of Pier Luigi Ribani