Course content

The course focuses on presenting the fundamental concepts on conversion, control and monitoring of electric energy using power semiconductor devices. Methods for analyzing power electronic converters suitable for AC/DC, DC/DC and DC/AC electrical energy conversions are presented. Additionally, principles for designing power electronic converters, including their power semiconductors and passive elements are established. Computer-aided analysis and simulations of the electrical and thermal performance of power electronic converters is also among the course objectives. The application of power electronic converters in the fields of sustainable energy technologies such as electrified transportation, wind energy, solar power, and electrical energy storage are presented. Furthermore, application of power electronics for transmission, distribution and control in the future electric power grid is described.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: After completing the course, the student will - have an in-depth understanding of the theory of electrical energy conversion using power electronic systems that perform AC/DC, DC/DC or DC/AC conversion, including applications within renewable energy, electrified transportation and industrial applications. - understand operating principles and modulation strategies for single-phase and three phase diode rectifiers, thyristor-based converters, as well as, switch-mode DC/DC power electronic converters and DC/AC inverters. - understand modeling and control of power electronic converters. - be able to identify the most important design parameters and to recognize the impact of operating parameters on the performance of power electronic converters in the existing and future electric power grid infrastructure, and in industrial installations. Skills: After conclusion of the course, the student will be able to: - recognize, define, and analyze power electronic converters that perform AC/DC, DC/DC and DC/AC electrical energy conversions. - model and simulate the electrical, thermal and electromagnetic performance of power electronic systems using advanced electric circuits. - design power electronic converters exhibiting high-performance operation. - analyse the operating principles and modulation strategies for single-phase and three phase diode rectifiers, thyristor-based converters, as well as, switch-mode DC/DC power electronic converters and DC/AC inverters. - plan and operate the use of power electronic converters in the present and future electric grid and industrial installations. - use instruments and equipment in the laboratory. General competence: After completing the course, the candidate has increased: - skills in cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration - ability to communicate effectively to professionals and non-specialists alike through reports and presentations - ability to contribute to innovation and innovation processes.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Exercises. Compulsory laboratory experiments. Compulsory project work that also counts in the final grading.

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory

Further on evaluation

The final evaluation will be based on a written examination (counting 75%) and project work with presentation (counting 25%). If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral. Permitted examination aids, support material code D: No printed or hand-written support material is allowed. A specific basic calculator is allowed. In addition, calculator Casio fx-991EX is allowed.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

A basic course on Electric Circuit Analysis and Control Systems, or equivalent.

Course materials

Mohan, Undeland, Robbins: Power Electronics: Converters, Applications and Design. 3rd Edition. John Wiley & Sons, 2003. Lecture notes.

Credit reductions