Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - MSE 452 D100

Power Conversion in Alternative Energy Systems (3)

Class Number: 4487

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    MSE 353.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to power conversion technologies in alternative energy systems. Main topics include: modern power semiconductors, circuit topologies, switching and control of power converters in alternative energy systems, power quality and grid integration, wind energy systems, solar energy systems, fuel cell systems and others. Students who took MSE 490 - Selected Topics in Mechatronic Systems Engineering: Power Conversion in Alternative Energy Systems in Summer 2014, 2015, 2016 or 2017 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

  • Introduction to modern power semiconductor devices
  • Two-level and multi-level converters for alternative energy systems
  • Switching and operation schemes of modern power converters
  • Wind energy system configurations and operation
  • Reference frame transformation
  • Electric generators for wind energy systems
  • Photovoltaic solar energy system configurations and operation
  • Control of grid-tied converters
  • Other alternative energy systems
  • Introduction to distributed generation and microgrids

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course introduces state-of-the-art power conversion technologies in alternative energy systems such as wind and solar energy systems. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to: describe various alternative energy systems and concepts; compare different power conversion architectures for alternative energy systems; design and evaluate advanced switching schemes for power electronic converters; design system configurations for different alternative energy sources such as wind and solar; determine system rating, sizing, parameters, and operation; analyze performance of alternative energy systems; investigate alternative energy systems and operation with computer simulation; and observe and measure alternative energy systems with lab equipment.

Grading

  • Laboratory 30%
  • Design Project 20%
  • Term Exam I 20%
  • Term Exam II 30%

NOTES:

Recommended References

  • eTextbook: High-power converters and ac drives, 2nd ed, B. Wu et al, Wiley/IEEE, 2017.
  • eTextbook: Power conversion and control of wind energy systems, B. Wu et al, Wiley-IEEE, 2010
  • eTextbook: Grid Converters for Photovoltaic and Wind Power Systems, R. Teodorescu et al, Wiley-IEEE, 2011
  • Presentation material, articles, datasheets, application notes, etc.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students are expected to attend all lecture sessions. Participation in laboratory sessions is mandatory. In order to achieve a passing grade, the student must achieve an average of at least 50% in both theoretical and laboratory/project components.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.