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 formal written closed book examination (60%) and an assignment report (40%) based on practical work and/or computer simulations. The assignment 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. Exam feedback will be provided individually and also generically to indicate where the cohort has a strong or a weaker answer to examination questions. Individual written feedback will be provided on the assignment. 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, examples of past exam papers 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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding of:

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

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 existing solutions in terms of cost, reliability and efficiency.
(UK-SPEC SM1fl, SM2fl, D2fl, EP2fl, ET1fl, ET2fl, ET5fl, SM1m, SM2m, SM4m, ET1m, ET2m, ET5m, D4m, D7m)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Evaluate, select and implement advanced dynamic models, techniques and procedures for realistic computer simulation studies of WECS performance taking into account important practical effects.

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.
(UK-SPEC EA1fl, EA2fl, SM1fl, D2fl, EA1m, EA2m, EA3m, SM1m, D4m, D7m)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Independent learning and effective time management.
(UK-SPEC ET1fl, ET3fl, ET1m, ET3m)

There are 2 forms of summative assessments:
1. 3hr Examination (60%): You will attempt 4 questions from 6. The exam will cover the lectured material on the electro-mechanical aspects of wind power generation systems (delivered by electrical and mechanical subject specialists) and will assess your ability to analyse and solve problems using calculation and discussion. This addresses module learning outcomes: 1, 2 and 3.

2. Written assignment (40%) (2000 words). The assignment will provide you with the opportunity to design, simulate, and analyse performance of a typical wind energy conversion system using an industry standard software package. You will be expected to solve a range of analytical and/or numerical problems and write a report based on the obtained results. This will address module learning outcomes: 3, 4 and 5.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
1. Course seminars: Module learning outcomes 1, 2 and 5
2. Laboratories: 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.

None

None

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.