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ENGI4467: Electrical Energy Conversion 4

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI3371

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview and describe the characteristics of renewable electrical energy conversion.
  • To explain the working principles of systems for renewable electrical energy conversion.
  • To explain the technical and economic constraints and potential solutions related to renewable electrical energy conversion.
  • To introduce and familiarise students with analytical methods and simulation tools for system analysis.

Content

  • Electromechanical drive train configurations and interactions for renewable electricity generation.
  • Electrical machines for renewable energy applications.
  • Unusual drive train and electrical generator topologies.
  • Wind, wave, tidal and photovoltaic electricity generation.
  • Reliability and operational considerations for renewable electricity generators.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • A knowledge of the benefits and limitations of technologies currently used or being developed for renewable electrical power generation.
  • An appreciation of drive train electromechanical interactions and their influence on electrical system design and selection.
  • An understanding of component and system considerations for typical electrical machine topologies.
  • A knowledge of trends and developments in the areas of electrical energy generation and distribution.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
  • An ability to understand electrical machines and drives within particular contexts and the resulting system design considerations.
  • An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
  • Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office Hours") to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
  • Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures20Weekly1 hour20 
Surgeries20As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the yearOptional attendance as required10 
Revision Classes11 hour1 
Preparation and Reading69 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Online Examination2 hours100No

Formative Assessment

N/A

More information

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Current Students: Please contact your department.