Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - SEE 476 D100

Special Topics in Sustainable Energy Engineering (3)

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Class Number: 5211

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Permission of the undergraduate curriculum chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special topics in sustainable energy engineering. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description   

In Spring 2025, SEE 476 will be on the topic, Advanced Power Electronics for Sustainable Energy Applications.
Review of power electronics fundamental concepts. Power electronics applications in sustainable energy systems including photovoltaic and wind power, battery energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging/powertrain. Performance metrics, definition of requirements, and applied implementation aspects. Modelling and control of switch-mode power converters.

Pre-requisites

  • Required: SEE 331 or MSE 353,
  • Preferred: SEE 342 or ENSC 383 or MSE 381

Subjects and Topics

Review of Power Electronics Fundamentals
  • Fundamental power conversion principles
  • Power converter waveforms recap
Power electronics applications in sustainable energy
  • Power architectures in photovoltaic applications, wind turbines, and electric vehicles
  • Power converter operating limits, performance metrics, and requirements definition
Semiconductor devices in switch-mode applications
  • Overview of technologies and equivalent models
  • Applied Gate/Base driving
  • Switching waveforms and semiconductor losses
Power converter modelling and control
  • Average and small-signal models
  • Deriving transfer functions and closed-loop controller design
  • Sensing, signal conditioning, and data processing
Single-phase inverters and active rectifiers
  • Topologies, modulation, and power analysis
  • Grid-connected and stand-alone modes of operation
  • Modelling and control
Three-phase inverters and active rectifiers
  • Topologies, modulation, and power analysis
  • Park and Clarke transforms
  • Closed-loop control

Indicative Learning Activities

  • Active learning sessions incorporating simulation tools in the classroom
  • Assignments incorporating analysis, design, and validation components
  • Laboratory sessions and reports
  • 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. Analyze power conversion architectures in sustainable energy applications.
  2. Define power converter requirements based on the intended application.
  3. Select the appropriate topology, modulation technique, and control structure for specific power conversion scenarios.
  4. Model, simulate, and characterize semiconductor devices in switched-mode operation.
  5. Model DC-DC, DC-AC, and AC-DC power converters through average models.
  6. Characterize the dynamic behavior of power converters using small-signal models.
  7. Design power converter controllers to satisfy static and dynamic requirements.
  8. Implement closed-loop power conversion simulation models.
  9. Conduct laboratory experiments to characterize the operation of power converters in sustainable energy applications.
  10. Propose, manage, execute, and present a project in power electronics for sustainable energy applications.

Corresponding CEAB Graduate Attributes

  1. Problem Analysis: Applied
  2. Investigation: Applied
  3. Design: Applied
  4. Use of Engineering Tools: Applied
  5. Individual and Team Work: Applied
  6. Communication Skills: Applied

Grading

  • Assignments (2) 20%
  • Lab Reports (3) 30%
  • Midterm Exam (1) 20%
  • Term Project 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • PLECS Simulation Software (either stand-alone or Simulink-based versions). PLECS licenses should be requested at https://plexim.com/store/students. The Code is '7gn-NmthfFrX' and the email address used must end with ‘@sfu.ca’. Licenses are intended for users’ personal computers.

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

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.