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Master syllabus

Semester 1. Oviedo

INTRODUCTION TO RENEWABLE POWER SYSTEMS, ELECTRICAL TRACTION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The aim of this subject is to motivate the new students, giving then a global vision of the master's program contents. For this reason, external professors belonging to companies in the field of Electrical Power Systems, Electric and Hybrid Electric vehicles and Energy Efficiency will give seminars about the state of the art of the involved technologies. Besides, the Student Mentoring Programme will be presented and organized in collaboration with professors of the universities involved in the program.

Semester 1. Rome

MECHANICAL BACKGROUND

The course aims to build an organized and coherent knowledge of Applied Mechanics. It includes contents focus on analyzing industrial products, develop new designs, to gain an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental laws of Applied Mechanics and thermodynamics and be able to apply them coherently, to enhance the knowledge of Fluid Mechanics and to provide a background on vehicle dynamics.

DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF AC MACHINES

Subjects on this topic study different electrical machines (Induction/BLDC/PM). Its main objective is the dynamic modelling of the machines in order to use them for several applications in the following courses.

DYNAMIC CONTROL OF AC MACHINES

Using advanced analysis and modelling techniques and specific control methods seen in previous subjects, this subject provides students with the necessary skills to implement and validate vector control systems in AC machines.

CONTROL OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS

The contents of this course include the basics for the dynamic modelling and the analysis and control of electromechanical systems needed in order to control complex systems. Implementation of control algorithms is explained in order to allow students to make a digital implementation.

DIGITAL CONTROL AND MICROCONTROLLERS

This subject deals with the design of hybrid systems to control electromechanical systems and electronic drives, considering theoretical and practical design matters. The contents include particular aspects of digital control such as non-idealities, especial control structures, etc. It also provides a comprehensive study of how advanced digital systems can be implemented in industrial processes, with a special emphasis in power systems. In addition, the course refers to the main characteristics, functional blocks, main design tools and programming skills of such microcontrollers.

AC DRIVES

The contents of this course include an introduction to Electronic Drive systems, including the fundamental of their operation and performance issues. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) variations are discussed and different control strategies are compared in terms of reliability and performance and operation costs.

POWER ELECTRONICS DEVICES AND CIRCUITS

The subject focuses on the skills needed to understand the basic principles of power electronics. Particular emphasis is done on the basic semiconductor devices, passive elements and basic control blocks used in power circuits. The topics covered include some basic power configurations, simulation and design environments, specific laboratory equipment, etc. On the power electronics circuit analysis, special attention is paid to the selection among different power topologies and components, to attain a proper design of a power electronic circuit for a particular application. Also, the basic modelling of the main power loads and sources will be considered, in order to optimize such design.

POWER SYSTEMS BASICS

This subject includes the basics of power systems, from the basic principles of energy generation in power plants, the operation of the electric power transmission and distribution systems, considering also its basic components, the relationships between them and the detection and prevention of failures, basic operation procedures, general aspects of service operation, etc. The general topics are exemplified on the operation of the Italian power systems

Semester 1. Coimbra

POWER ELECTRONICS CONVERTERS

In this course, the student should be able to identify different power converter topologies and to understand and apply the specific and particular design and control techniques involved in the operation of power converters.

CONTROL OF ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS

The contents of this course include the basics for the dynamic modelling and control of industrial motor-driven electromechanical systems. Control algorithms are explained in order to allow students to make digital implementation. Motor efficiency maximization centered control methods are discussed in the scope of industrial applications. The control of electrical generators is briefly discussed.

DIGITAL CONTROL

The contents of this course include an introduction to control system design. Implementation of digital control algorithms using different approach to control a integrated System.

POWER SYSTEMS

The contents of this course include the modelling of the major types of components used in electrical power systems, the analysis of fault conditions including both balanced and unbalanced faults, the evaluation of the electric power systems dynamics and its stability, the study of the power network security and the main protection systems.

POWER PLANTS

In this subject the main types of power stations used to generate electrical energy are explained, considering the basic components and its main operation principles. The main aims of this course unit include the concepts of electric energy generation; developing of analytical skills needed for economic analysis of electric energy generation projects and understandinf the modern energy paradigm.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

This course provides students with an understanding of the technologies used in electrical distribution systems. The students will be able to recognize the problems which may occur during the operation of distribution systems and propose solutions to correct those problems in order to improved electricity service with better continuity and quality of supply.

ELECTRICAL MACHINES

The content of this course includes the study of the most used of electrical machines, focusing on power transformers, industrial motors and generators used in conventional and emerging power plants.

DSP AND COMMUNICATIONS

In this course, the fundamental concepts and mathematical tools for signal processing and digital signal processing are introduced. Building on this fundamental concepts and tools, simple specific communications applications are presented, demonstrating the full relevance of these topics for the development and implementation of communication technologies.

MICROCONTROLLERS

This module covers the design, development and maintenance of microcontroller based systems. It includes: (a) Understanding the operation of a microprocessor and a microcontroller; (b) Using design and development tools for creating control applications based on the i8051 and Texas Instruments F28X microcontrollers.

Semester 2

POWER SYSTEMS FOR AEROSPACE, MARINE AND AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION

This module considers the design and operation of Power Systems in a range or transport related applications. The module is divided into three sections, each presented in an expert in the particular technology: academics and industrialists.

One of the aims of this module is to demonstrate the common challenges faced by employing more electric systems in different transport applications.

ADVANCED POWER CONVERSION

The course will concentrate on modelling and control of power converters covering the following aspects and will incorporate the most recent technical developments where appropriate:

  • Review of basic DC-DC converters
  • Averaging techniques for modelling switching power converters
  • Control techniques for the basic DC-DC converters (buck/ flyback): voltage mode control/current mode control/effect of discontinuous inductor current
  • Resonant DC-DC power conversion techniques - load resonant converters
  • Modelling and analysis of resonant converters - fundamental approximation approach - state plane approach
  • Application issues for load resonant converters

ADVANCED AC DRIVES + PROJECT

The course will cover AC drives beyond the conventional induction motor drives. It will cover the following aspects and will incorporate the most recent technical developments on Permanent Magnet Motors, (BLDC/BLAC), open loop variable speed AC drives, vector control and direct torque control, and sensorless drives.

ADVANCED AC MACHINES

This module will build on the material covered in Electrical Machines by introducing advanced concepts and applications in the area of more electric transport, renewable generation and industrial automation. Both theoretical and practical characteristics are covered.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY

This module will provide knowledge of technologies relating to future hydrogen fuel systems and their applications. It will include practical experience of fuel cell technologies. It will give a perspective of future energy provision relating to fossil fuels, renewable energies and energy needs.

FACTS AND DISTRIBUTED GENERATION

This module provides students with an understanding of power systems which include renewable energy generators. It investigates the operation of renewable energy generators at a systems level, including analysis of distributed generation systems.

RENEWABLE GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES AND CONTROL

This module covers the analysis and design of renewable and sustainable energy systems. It covers the various types of renewable energy and the resources available. It uses an understanding of the physical principles of various types of energy resources in order to develop analytical models which can be applied to the design of renewable energy systems, including energy conversion and storage, especially for electrical power generation.

POWER QUALITY AND EMC + PROJECT

This module is concerned with the impact of power electronic circuits on the supply network and on the electromagnetic environment.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR WIND GENERATION + PROJECT

This module provides students with an understanding of the technologies used in wind power systems. It investigates the operation of wind generators and of wind farms and the current developments in electrical engineering for wind power.

COMBINED HEAT AND POWER

The objective of this module is to examine Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology including large, mini and small-scale systems. The module will include topics on prime movers technology used in different types of CHP schemes (steam, gas, CCGT, IC, Stirling engine, and Fuel cells) and associated electric generators/alternators, and control devices. Operation and performance of each CHP scheme (large scale CHP, District heating, mini-CHP for large buildings, and micro-CHP for single dwellings) will also be covered. Assessment of economical feasibility and sizing of a mini-CHP and/or micro-CHP system will be demonstrated in the form of a mini-project to assess economical viability of such schemes.

ADVANCED AC DRIVES

The course will cover AC drives beyond the conventional induction motor drives. It will cover the following aspects and will incorporate the most recent technical developments where appropriate.

Semester 3

DESIGN OF HYBRID (HEV) AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EV)

This subject deals with the analysis and design of different power stages in HEV/EV. It will cover the main power stage as well as the auxiliary equipment and control systems.

ENERGY STORING AND RECOVERING IN POWER SYSTEMS AND HYBRID/ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The use of different energy storing systems (such as batteries, flywheels and ultra-capacitors) is studied in this subject. In addition, the impact on the design of the power electronics and on the control algorithms is analyzed.

ELECTRO MAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC)

The aim of this course is to study the impact of Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) in the design of Hybrid Electric and full Electric transportation systems. From the description of the EMC issues applied to Electric Mobility, the course studies the basic concepts of EMC, including the electromagnetic elements the can produce electromagnetic fields, the propagation of these fields, shielding techniques, testing, measurement and modelling for the electromagnetic compatibility and, finally, practical considerations in the vehicle design, including electrical as well as electronic equipment.

POWER SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL TRANSPORTATION

This module will be focus on the study of power systems ground equipment for electrical transportation, including an analysis on the electrical network impact. It is focused on the equipment needed to support the new ways of electrical transportation: Battery-charging stations, data exchange between power generators for the optimization of the electrical flow, use of vehicles as a energy storage systems and impact on the existing infrastructure and users. All these new elements will have an impact on the power quality in the electrical network that need to be studied. Additionally, an analysis on other ways of electrical transportation, like railway systems from the point of view of the power systems designs will be carried out.

APPLIED SIMULATION TO ELECTRICAL TRANSPORTATION

This subject covers the simulation of complex electric transportation systems, including steady state and transient response, as well as close loop operation.

ELECTRICAL TRANSPORTATION LABORATORY

Hands-on laboratory, where students must build a full operational prototype of some plant already analyzed during the theoretical subjects. The prototype will be based in a previous simulated plant, so the student can learn the possibilities that simulations brings to the design of Electrical Power Systems focused on the Sustainable Transportation subject.

SMARTGRIDS AND MICROGRIDS

This subject is focused on the impact of distributed generation in the design of the new electrical networks and, particularly, the description and analysis of different microgrids topologies, coordination issues and power grid evolution to the smart grid concept.

APPLIED SIMULATION TO POWER SYSTEMS

The design and operation of today power systems heavily relies on the use of simulation tools, both for planning the initial infrastructure when designing a new power system network but also to test the effects on changes on the network, propagation of faults and modifications in the topology in order to include new distributed generation mills or new loads. New simulation tools allow the integration of power electronics devices in the power network, including a seamlessly integration from the power systems level to the device level. For this reason, learning on how to use these tools in a combined way is a fundamental skill that students in the field of the power systems must acquire.

POWER SYSTEMS LABORATORY

Hands-on laboratory, where students must build a full operational prototype of some plant already analyzed during the theoretical subjects. The prototype will be based in a previous simulated plant, so the student can learn the possibilities that simulations brings to the design of Electrical Power Systems.

ELECTRICAL MARKETS

In this subject students will identify the main agents involved in the European electrical and gas markets understanding the role of each one in the whole market operation. Also the operation of the spot and future markets will be treated.

ELECTRICAL ENERGY PROJECT MANAGEMENT (RENEWABLE AND CONVENTIONAL)

Students will be able to assess and to compare different offers and develop an efficient management of power systems projects.

ECONOMICAL AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

This subject will give an overview of the macroeconomic context in the electricity sector, aiming to define the structure of the energy market. The value chain of the different energy Business and the main aspects relative to investments, financing, management of risks and tax system on the energetic markets will be analyzed.

ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND COOPERATION FOR DEVELOP

Students will be able to acquire a supportive and global vision of the reality, complementing the conventional technical learning with ethical principles that should guide their professional exercise, what includes abilities as the following:

  • Critical sense, respect for the diversity and social focus of the professional activity related to the management of the energy.
  • Comprehension of the links between development and energy sector technologies and businesses.
  • Analysis of concrete cases of basic need dissatisfaction and design of solutions based on electric power management systems.

Semester 4

INTERNSHIPS

Internships will be devoted for the development of the Master Thesis in an associated partner university or company of the EMMC STEPS programme. Internships will be co-tutored by a Master's professor and an external person belonging to the associated partner.

Internship will be assessed together with the Master Thesis. The supervisor of the Internships at the host organisation shall issue a report stating that the student has satisfactorily completed the Internship period, and the activities carried out, that should be connected to the Master Thesis topic. A chapter of the Master Thesis will describe the Internship activities and the outcomes that may be relevant to the Thesis.

MASTER THESIS

The Master thesis shall be completed by the end of this semester and would normally be related to the specialization chosen.

Thesis topics will be offered by the Master Academic Committee at the beginning of the 3rd semester. Students will have up to 15th October to make their choices, with the assistance of the Mentoring Professor. The Master Academic Committee will confirm the Master thesis assignments by 15th November. Master Thesis will be connected to the activities to be developed during the internships.

Master Thesis shall be submitted between 15th May and 15th June of the year the student shall be completing Master course. The Thesis shall be submitted with the report of the supervisor on the thesis content and methodology, and will also include a report on the Internship period, which will be jointly graded with the Master Thesis.

Master Thesis will be evaluated by a panel composed of three Master Professors. One of the members shall belong to the University of the Thesis supervisor, another member shall be a professor on the thesis knowledge area and the third one shall be a professor of any of the other Partner Universities. The Thesis examination shall be a 1 hour exam, including a 30 minutes student presentation of the Thesis and 30 minutes questioning by the panel. Thesis will be marked between 0 and 10 points, being 5 the passing mark. Honours or extraordinary mentions will be awarded by the Master Academic Committee to the 10%top ranked thesis, based on the reports issued by the examination panels.

Thesis examination may also be carried out by videoconference.

On submission of the Master's thesis, the student must include a signed confirmation that the work was produced independently and without the unauthorized aid of third parties and using permitted resources only.

A failed Master's thesis can be repeated once with a new topic in a fixed period of time.

New admission period self-financing students

In order to facilitate access to students who were not able to process their applications in the first phase of the selection process for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), The University of Oviedo has announced a new admission period aimed at 8 self-financing students

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