Module overview
The syllabus will be based upon several topics relating to the use of power semiconductors and components in power systems. The course starts with considerations of the individual power electronic devices, before moving on to their use as part of an HVDC convertor station. Finally, you will consider issues surrounding HVDC transmission links as a whole, including the relevant cable and line technologies. This will be set against the context of the changing requirements for bulk transmission of power which are affecting electrical grids around the world.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Know the limitations of different power converters and how they affect the design of transmission links
- Understand the characteristics of power semiconductor devices
- Design of compensating circuits for reducing harmonic distortion in current and voltage waveforms
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Appreciation of overhead line and underground cable technology applicable to long distance DC transmission, using both LCC and VSC technologies
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Coherently present technical information for in a group interview environment
- Write a technical and critical document on power electronic systems
- Search for technical data from a wide range of sources
Syllabus
The syllabus will be based upon several topics relating to the use of power semiconductors in power
systems.
Power semiconductor devices:
- Review of devices – field effect and bipolar.
- A study of high voltage and high current devices. Their input and output characteristics.
- Gate drive circuits and their limitations and effects of turn-on and turn-off characteristics.
- Thermal models and the cooling of devices.
- Experimental circuit protection.
- Series and parallel operation
Six pulse power convertors
- Naturally commutated three phase convertors.
- Bi-directional power conversion.
- Electronic synchronisation to a supply
Harmonic analysis of current waveforms:
- Twelve pulse power convertors
- Star delta phase shift using two six-pulse convertors
- Harmonic reduction of power waveforms
- Study harmonics in common power convertor waveforms
- Regulations for power supplies
- Simulation of typical power waveforms
- Investigation of power compensation circuits and their analysis
HVDC Transmission Systems:
- Benefits of using HVDC links
- Overview of links in operation
- OHL vs Cable
- Paper vs Polymeric Cable technology
- Requirements for multi-point transmission grids
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Combination of lectures, drop-in tutorial sessions for technical discussion and directed independent study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
| Wider reading or practice | 33 |
| Completion of assessment task | 67 |
| Follow-up work | 10 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Lecture | 20 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Chappell P H (2013). An introduction to power electronics. Artech House.
Acha, E, (2002). Power electronic control in electrical systems. Oxford ; Boston: Newnes.
Rashid, M H (2014). Power electronics : circuits, devices, and applications. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall,.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External