Renewable Energy Systems

Code:

M.EEC028

Acronym:

SER

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Automation and Control

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M.EEC	13	Syllabus	2	-	6	39

Teaching language

English

Objectives

Explain the operating principles of the main sources of renewable energy (solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, sea waves and tides) and identify the main topologies converting primary energy into electrical energy.
Explain and be able to apply the fundamental methods of control of the produced power.
Analyze and compare different topologies for the conditioning of renewable energy sources.
Identify and understand the different energy storage systems and their application in microgrids.
Identify, apply and verify the regulatory aspects of the basic interface of renewable energy to the electric grid.
Design and integrate the different subsystems, electronic and control, of the energy conversion chain to the more relevant renewable energy sources: solar photovoltaic and wind.

Learning outcomes and competences

The Renewable Energy Systems course will contribute to the acquisition, by the students, of the following competencies:

1.  Knowing the components, the mathematical models, technologies and control methods to be applied on the solar PV and wind systems;

2. Analyze and critically evaluate established technological solutions of renewable energy systems field including power circuits and control methods  and operating characteristics;

3. Make acquaintance with the computational simulation tools that allow to modelling, design, analyze and evaluate the performance of controllers of energy renewable conversion systems.

4. Work in group;

5. Elaborate technical reports and make oral presentations.

To sum up, the student will know how to discuss and evaluate alternatives for the implementation of renewable power control systems that more sustainable and reliable systems that comply with grid regulations.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge of electrical machines and power electronics.

Program

Characterization of renewable energies: solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, sea waves and tides.
Characterization of energy storage systems: batteries, hydroelectric, flywheel, compressed air, fuel cells and green hydrogen.
Photovoltaic energy. Control based on maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Conditioning methods. Topologies for grid connection.
Wind turbines: mechanical characteristics and passive and active control methods. Electric generators, asynchronous and synchronous: speed operating range and power control methods. Optimization of the wind energy conversion.
Conversion topologies based on power electronic systems and control methods for the conversion of wind energy and solar energy.
Grid interface of renewable energy sources. Regulatory aspects.

Mandatory literature

Mukund R. Patel; Wind and solar power systems. ISBN: 9780849315701
Bent Sorensen; Renewable Energy. ISBN: 0-12-656153-2
A. Khaligh, O. G. Onar; Energy harvesting. Solar, wind, and ocean energy conversion systems, CRC Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-4398-1508-3
Remus Teodorescu; Grid converters for photovoltaic and wind power systems. ISBN: 978-0-470-05751-3
Slobodan N. Vukosavic; Grid-side converters controls and design. ISBN: 978-3-319-73278-7

Complementary Bibliography

Frede Blaabjerg (Editor); Control of Power Electronic Converters and Systems, Academic Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-12-805245-7
John W. Twidell; Renewable energy resources. ISBN: 0-419-12010-6
Editors: Ahmed F. Zobaa; Paulo F. Ribeiro ; Shady H. Aleem; Sara N. Afifi; Energy Storage at Different Voltage Levels: Technology, integration, and market aspects, IET. ISBN: 9781785613494
Tony Burton... [et al.]; Wind energy. ISBN: 0-471-48997-2

Teaching methods and learning activities

The theoretical-practical classes include:
1. Tutorial and interactive exposure of the various topics of the syllabus of the course unit;
2. Provide the students with a real-world case for the students to study, simulate and discuss solutions;
3. Studies and simulations of practical examples carried out autonomously for presentation and discussion in class;
4. Supervision of simulation and experimental work;
5. Tutoring in project work.

Software

Simulink
PSIM
Matlab

keywords

Technological sciences > Technology > Energy technology > Renewable energies
Technological sciences > Technology > Energy technology > Energy storage
Technological sciences > Engineering > Electrical engineering

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho laboratorial	20,00
Exame	40,00
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	60,00
Frequência das aulas	39,00
Trabalho laboratorial	50,00
Trabalho escrito	13,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

To have access to the final exam, students must complete all the theoretical-practical activities (TL) developed in the course and attend at least 75% of the theoretical-practical classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

The following Evaluation criteria are considered:
1- Laboratory works (TL);
2- Participation in class for oral presentation of work (AO);
3- Practical simulation and/or experimental work (TP);
4- Exam (EX), closed book, with 2 hours duration.

Laboratory and project work will be done in groups and there will be a written report and oral presentation.
The TLs assess the ability to study, implement and analyse solutions, as well as assess the ability to work in groups.
The TP assess the ability to analyse, model, design and simulate renewable energy systems, as well as the development process of the project work in a team (organisation and planning of the work, achievement of objectives, quality of the documentation and the technical report) and the creativity in formulating possible solutions.
The participation in class and the oral presentation of the work (AO) serve to evaluate the commitment to follow the curricular unit and the capacity to communicate in public to a specific audience.
The exam (EX) assesses the ability to explain and analyse the operation of renewable energy systems in the presence of different sources and control methods, as well as the level and robustness of knowledge acquired, the technical and scientific merit of the different solutions and rigor in proposing appropriate technical solutions.

The Final Grade (FG) is calculated according to:
FG=0.2*TL+0.3*TP+0.1*AO+0.4*EX
All components are evaluated in a 0-20 scale.
Course approval requires a minimum of 8,0 marks (40%) in the exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

None. Laboratory and project works can be done outside the course schedule. Practical works are mandatory for all course students. 

Internship work/project

None.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

None. Laboratory and project works can be done outside the course schedule. Practical works are mandatory for all course students.

Classification improvement

The part TP and/or EX can be improved, in the established dates.