91756 - Electronics Laboratory for Renewable Energy

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire the basic skills on power electronic systems used in sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, etc. He knows and is able to design and simulate, using LTspice, basic circuits for DC-DC switching converters.

Course contents

Introduction to Power Electronic Systems

• Power Electronics versus Linear Electronics 
• Scope and Applications
• Classification of power converters

Power Semiconductor Switches

• Diodes
• Desired Characteristics in Controllable Switches
• MOSFET

Basic Electrical Circuit Concepts

• Definition of Steady State
• Average Power and rms Current
• Inductor and Capacitor Response
• Current and Voltage Avarage in Steady State

DC-DC Switch-Mode Converters

• Step-down (Buck) Converter:
  • Continuous, Boundary and Discontinuous Conduction Mode
    
  • Output Voltage Ripple
• Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM)
• Step-up (Boost) Converter:

• Continuous, Boundary and Discontinuous Conduction Mode
• Output Voltage Ripple

Introduction to LTspice Circuit Simulator 

Laboratory Activities:

• Desing and Simulation, using LTspice, of DC/DC power converters
• Experimental tests of Buck DC/DC connverters

Readings/Bibliography

1) N. Mohan, T. M. Undeland, W. P. Robbins, “Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design”, Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-471-22693-2.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons (30%) and laboratory activities (70%) related to simulation and testing of DC-DC power converters.

Assessment methods

Oral exam, which consists in a series of questions aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics and project aspects presented in class and treated during the laboratory activities.

Teaching tools

Slides, Circuit Simulator (LTspice), Instrumentation for experimental characterization of DC-DC power convertes.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Natale Tallarico