Grid Integration of Renewables

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

200 hours

• Enrolment in a research higher degree (MPhil or PhD) in Engineering; OR

• Enrolment in ME(Electrical) and completion of ELEN90060, subject to approval of the Subject Coordinator

None

In-depth prior knowledge of power systems is not essential. Proficiency in the principles of AC and DC circuit analysis, dynamical systems and control theory, as typically covered in an undergraduate electrical engineering program, is assumed.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

AIMS

This subject develops a foundation for pursuing electrical engineering oriented research in the area of sustainable energy systems. Issues pertaining to the modelling, control and grid integration of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, are investigated from device and system level perspectives. The coverage of fundamental material is complemented by exposure to system simulation software tools within the context of small projects.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Coverage of selected topics from the following:

Review of Power System Fundamentals – DC and AC circuit analysis; power flow in single and three-phase AC networks; voltage control; frequency control.

Photo-Voltaic (PV) Solar Systems – electrical modelling of PV cells, panels and arrays (irradiance-I, V-I, P-V curves); maximum power point tracking (MPPT); modelling and integrated operation of battery storage; modelling and operation of DC-AC converters (voltage-source controllers, abc to d-q transformations, phase-locked loops and grid synchronization, grid-mode active/reactive power control, microgrid/island-mode voltage/frequency control).

Wind Power Systems – doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG); d-q modelling in the electrical domain; rotor and stator side bi-directional converter operation and control; stator side LR filter design; control of over- and under-excitation modes; swing equation; mechanical tip speed ratio and torque; gear-box and transmission systems; torque and pitch angle control systems.

Grid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources – grid capacity for embedded generation (stability / sensitivity / power flow issues); active/reactive power control for PV Solar and Wind Power Systems under changing load and generation conditions.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO's)

On completion of the subject, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. Apply fundamental engineering modelling methods to understand the operation of electrical power systems with embedded generation;
2. Describe the role of and model the operation of power electronic converters within the context of solar and wind based generation;
3. Apply techniques from the theory of automatic control systems to address problems associated with the operation and grid integration of renewable energy resources;

Use software simulation tools to study electrical power systems.

• Continuous assessment, consisting of submitted project work not exceeding 40 pages in total across the semester (40%),

• Oral presentation on aspects of the work in a 20 minute format (10%), towards the end of semester; the project work will involve an overall time commitment of approximately 100 hours and it will address ILO's 1, 2, 3 and 4.

• A three-hour written examination at the end of the sememster (50%) addressing ILO's 1, 2 and 3.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject, it is expected that student will have developed the following generic skills:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilize a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
• Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, capacity to do so.