Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - SEE 895 G100

Special Topics III (3)

Power Electronics Research in Sustain Energy

Class Number: 6163

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Corequisites:

    SEE 896 or SEE 897.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special Topics in Sustainable Energy Engineering.

COURSE DETAILS:

Sustainable Power Conversion Systems Modelling and Integration

Course Description   

Advanced level research-oriented study of power electronics in sustainable energy systems. Focus on system-level modeling, control, and evaluation of power conversion architectures using advanced simulation and validation tools. Core topics include DC-DC and DC-AC topologies, average and small-signal modeling, and the design and implementation of advanced control strategies.

The course has a strong emphasis on the role of power electronics in enabling innovation across renewable energy generation, storage, and electrified transport systems. Potential areas of application include photovoltaic and wind energy, battery energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging and powertrain, and microgrids.

Students planning on taking this course should have fundamental knowledge of electrical circuits, mathematical modelling, and numerical simulations.

This course is complementary to other courses in SFU’s Faculty of Applied Science including:

  • SEE 331: Power Electronics,
  • SEE 476 Special Topics: Advanced Power Electronics for Sustainable Energy Applications,
  • SEE 476 Special Topics: Renewable Energy Systems,
  • MSE 353: Power Electronics and Electric Machinery,
  • MSE 452/894: Power Conversion in Alternative Energy Systems, and
  • MSE 490/893: Electrified Transportation Systems

Subjects and Topics

The role of power electronics in sustainable energy systems research
  • Power conversion architectures, performance metrics, and system-level requirements
  • Overview of advanced simulation and modeling tools for research applications
  • Research impact potential in project-specific sustainable energy systems
Fundamental DC-DC and DC-AC power conversion topologies
  • Operating principles and switching waveform analysis
  • Implementation considerations and simulation environments for topology evaluation
Modeling and control of power converters
  • Average and small-signal modeling techniques
  • Transfer function derivation and closed-loop control design
  • Practical considerations for power converter controller implementation
Advanced control strategies for power conversion
  • Nonlinear and state-plane-based methods
  • Robust, adaptive, and model-predictive control (optional, if applicable to project)

Indicative Learning Activities

  • Active learning sessions incorporating simulation tools in the classroom
  • Assignments incorporating analysis, design, and validation components
  • Individual term project: proposal, plan, execution, and presentation (oral and written)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Intended Learning Outcomes          

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the role of power electronics within sustainable energy systems.
  2. Assess the potential for impact in incorporating power electronics into research applications within sustainable energy systems.
  3. Analyze and design power conversion architectures.
  4. Comprehend the principles of DC-DC, DC-AC, and AC-DC power conversion.
  5. Analyze the operation of various switch-mode power conversion topologies.
  6. Design, calculate, and size critical components in switch-mode power converters.
  7. Implement advanced simulations at power converter and energy system levels.
  8. Recognize different types of power conversion controllers, their advantages and disadvantages, and their implementation requirements.
  9. Propose, manage, complete, and present a project incorporating power electronics into a sustainable energy engineering research application.

Grading

  • Assignments (3) 30%
  • Project Proposal 10%
  • Project Presentation 10%
  • Project Report 50%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Dedicated multi-domain power conversion simulation software (student licenses available)

REQUIRED READING:

Lecture Notes

Erickson, R., and Maksimović, D. (2020). Fundamentals of Power Electronics (3rd Ed). Springer Nature. (Required - Available Online through SFU Library)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Mohan, N., Robbins, W., and Undeland, T. (2003). Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design (3rd Ed). John Wiley & Sons.(Available Online through SFU Library).

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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.