KD7011 - Wind Energy Conversion Systems

The module will be delivered through lectures and knowledge will be consolidated in seminar and laboratory sessions. You will thoroughly investigate the theory of, and the analytical design procedures related to, wind energy conversion systems (WECS) during lectures. Seminars will be used to enable you to explore problems by applying the studied theory and techniques. You will be assessed by two assignment reports (50% of the module mark each) based on practical work and/or computer simulations. The open-ended design orientated assignments will enhance your theoretical knowledge as well as laboratory skills and will expose you to the new technologies in computer-aided design and analysis of WECS operation. Individual written feedback will be provided on the assignments. Formative feedback will be given in seminars and laboratories as appropriate.

All taught materials will be provided to you via the eLearning platform, and/or or e-mailed to you directly, including course work, lecture notes, seminar exercises etc. In order to facilitate and assist the learning process, you will also be regularly referred to other supporting resources for further reading such as relevant texts (e.g. journal, conference and any other research informed publications) and multimedia related to the module content. References to these resources will be made available to you through eLearning portal, by e-mail or in class. In addition to immediate contact with the module team during lectures, seminars or laboratory sessions, where additional support is required, you are also encouraged to make direct contacts outside of the formally scheduled teaching hours by email in the first instance so that a quick resolution can be found.The knowledge acquired from this module will enhance your employability as an engineer in the field of renewable energy.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding of:

1. The main applications and principles of design, operation, and control of commercial wind energy conversion systems (WECS) including the fundamental concepts of the underlying technologies such as electric machines and drives, power electronics and computing.
(AHEP4: M1)

2. Current practice and issues (e.g. environmental, ethical, economic, etc.) in the WECS development, and an appreciation of emerging alternative wind generator topologies to address the limitations of the existing solutions in terms of design, cost, reliability, and efficiency.
(AHEP4: M1, M5)

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

3. Evaluate, select, and implement advanced dynamic models, techniques, and procedures for realistic computer simulations and/or open-ended design studies of WECS performance considering the important practical effects in the proposed solutions.
(AHEP4: M3, M5)

4. Apply knowledge, understanding, and computer programming skills to develop a working simulation model for the WECS operation using specialist or conventional software and manufacturer’s supplied data.
(AHEP4: M1, M2)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Develop effective communication skills to disseminate and evaluate technical information about wind energy conversion systems to a broad audience.
(AHEP4: M17)

There are two forms of continuous summative assessment:

1. Coursework (CW): Written assignment (50%) (2000 words). This `open-ended’ design orientated assignment will provide you with the opportunity to design, simulate, and analyse performance of a grid-connected wind energy conversion system for a particular application using an industry standard software. You will be expected to propose a viable design solution, solve a range of analytical and/or numerical problems associated with it, and write a report based on the obtained results. This will address the module learning outcomes 1-5.

2. Coursework (CW): Written assignment (50%) (2000 words). This `open-ended’ design orientated assignment will provide you with the opportunity to design, simulate, and analyse performance of an autonomous wind energy conversion system for a particular stand-alone application using an industry standard software . You will be expected to propose a viable design solution, solve a range of analytical and/or numerical problems associated with it, and write a report based on the obtained results. This will address the module learning outcomes 1-5.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Seminars: Module learning outcomes 1, 2 and 5
2. Laboratories (Computer workshops): Module learning outcomes 3, 4 and 5.

Formative feedback on the seminar/laboratory exercises will be given verbally in the respective sessions. Individual written feedback will be provided on both forms of the summative assessment.

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Wind power is now one of the most sustainable and economically viable renewable energy sources in the UK and other countries world-wide. The purpose of this multi-disciplinary module is to present the current practices and technological advances in computer aided design, control, dynamic modelling, performance optimisation aspects and target applications of modern Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). Diversity of the material delivered on the subject will offer you an opportunity not only to gain a comprehensive theoretical knowledge and understanding of the main concepts, latest trends, and future developments in WECS, but will also allow you to improve your computing and practical skills in this and closely related engineering areas using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and industry standard software available in-house. The research informed teaching and technology enhanced learning environment will significantly increase your employment prospects for a career in industry or provide a good background to undertake further research studies.