Unit information: Energy Management in 2017/18

Unit name	Energy Management
Unit code	EENGM7031
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Stark
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit covers methods of electrical energy management associated with sustainable generation and efficient usage of energy. The emphasis is on the aspects of renewable power systems that are not covered by traditional electrical engineering units. Whilst the course is designed for EEE students, prior knowledge of electrical subjects such as power electronics or control theory is not required. The syllabus covers the front-end technologies such as solar power converters, wind turbines, marine and hydropower generators, and “clean” finite fuel technologies. A selection of these technologies are investigated in depth, by going into the detail of the sources’ mechanical and electrical characteristics, the modelling of these, and their incorporation into electrical systems. This includes fluid mechanics of turbines and electrical characteristics of photovoltaic systems. In addition, the course addresses energy storage technologies, and methods of controlling systems with variable input and output power. In general, emphasis is placed on gaining an up-to-date, practical, broad but quantitative understanding of our energy production and usage.

Elements

Energy Management Dr B.H. Stark

Origins and physics of energy sources (Wind, Tidal, Hydro, Wave, Coal, Nuclear, Oil & Gas).

Converter technologies for all of the above sources, and their comparison in terms of primary energy value, processing requirements, cost and environmental impact. The focus is on new developments (e.g. offshore wind, photovoltaics, ‘clean’ coal, enhanced oil recovery) and futuristic energy sources.

Power systems, energy distribution technology, challenges of increasing intermittent renewable generation on the grid, system challenges in multi-source, off-grid renewable power plant, domestic level renewable power and maximum power point tracking of variable sources.

Design of commercially viable, energy efficient systems, e.g. lighting and energy storage systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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Having completed this unit, students will be able to:

1. Compare different types finite and renewable generation systems, quantitatively in terms of power, financial viability, and carbon footprint, and construct energy balance charts;
2. Quantify personal, national, and global power usage and generation trends, with some degree of itemisation, and compare these to the natural energy flow cycle;
3. Evaluate hydro-power and wind power converters using fluid mechanics equations, whilst explaining the physical models, including their assumptions and limitations;
4. Propose technical operating methods for non-continuous generation from finite and renewable sources;
5. Estimate power available in renewable and finite energy sources, using fluid, thermodynamic, and chemical equations;
6. Derive output power from renewable power plant as a function of statistical source data, with correct use of technical terms and units;
7. Graphically illustrate air and water flow conversion techniques;
8. Proposed improved solar power systems using an understanding of the conversion principles, optical physics, thermodynamics, work fluid properties and operating techniques;
9. Approximate electrical characteristics of photovoltaic and related components, and their circuits;
10. Demonstrate graphically and mathematically, the benefits of power electronics, storage, and control, and decide on suitable electrical systems for specific generation scenarios;
11. Design photovoltaic roof-top systems and compute their financial viability;
12. Map power onto CO2 emissions, and draw conclusions;
13. Propose operating techniques that address power variability on the grid.

In all ILOs, it will be important to decide on simplifying assumptions, and critically debate their use.

Teaching Information

Interactive lectures with in-class examples for all ILOs. Handouts contain all examples, and time is provided to complete all examples in class. Solutions are provided in class, and online after the lectures. Discussion and debate is encouraged.

Assessment Information

Terminal 2-hour paper (100%). Answer 3 questions out of 3. (All ILOs)

Reading and References

Andrews & Jelley, Energy Science, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edition, 2013. ISBN 978-0-19-959237-1