Learning objectives
1) Knowledge and understanding
This module aims at providing students with basic knowledge and understanding of:
- advantages, potential and problems of renewable energy for electricity generation
- main issues connected with meeting electricity demand
- techniques and circuits for energy conversion from renewable sources
- economic aspects of the electricity market
2) Applying knowledge and understanding
This module aims at providing students with the ability of:
- applying the knowledge and competence on components and circuits for energy conversion provided by the other two modules of the integrated course to power systems based on renewable energy.
Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the concepts taught in the physics courses of year 1 and 2 (Fisica generale 1, Fisica generale 2), with electricity and electrical circuit theory (Principi ed applicazioni dell'ingegneria elettrica), and basic electronic concepts (Elettronica 1).
Course unit content
1) Introduction: consumption and generation of energy and electricity
2) Conventional and renewable generation
3) Power balance and frequency control
4) The conversion of renewable energy
5) Power system economics and the electricity market
Full programme
1) Introduction: consumption and generation of energy and electricity
World energy consumption. Environmental impact. Generating and distributing electricity.
2) Conventional and renewable generation
Conventional sources. Renewable sources: hydroelectric power; wind power; photovoltaic and solar thermal electricity; tidal power; wave power; biomass.
3) Power balance and frequency control
The power balance issue. Electricity demand. Power governing. Dynamic frequency control. Impact of renewable sources on frequency control. Frequency response services form renewables. Frequency control modeling. Energy storage.
4) The conversion of renewable energy
Photovoltaic systems. Wind power systems.
5) Power system economics and the electricity market
The costs of electricity generation. Economic optimization in power systems. External costs. Effects of embedded generation. Support mechanisms for renewable energy. Electricity trading.
Bibliography
L. Freris, D. Infield, "Renewable energy in power systems", Wiley, 2008, ISBN 978-0-470-01749-4
Teaching methods
Classroon lectures.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam. There is a single exam for the three modules making up the integrated course.
Other information
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