OVERVIEW

The teaching unit provides advanced tools for the design, modelling, and control of electrical systems based on renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. It covers the operating principles, mathematical models, and simulation techniques for the design of photovoltaic plants, onshore and offshore wind farms, and electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal storage systems.

Attention is devoted to their integration into modern power systems, HVDC networks and active distribution networks, microgrids, and optimized energy management.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module deals with aspects of proper design of electrical systems in the presence of renewable sources and storage. Distributed generation models such as wind and photovoltaic systems and the various storage system technologies will be developed. The aspects related to the sizing, modeling and control of traditional and renewable distributed generation are studied in relation to the transition of the distribution and industrial electrical systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the operating principles of the main renewable energy and storage technologies
• Develop mathematical models of renewable energy plants
• Analyze and simulate complex integrated electrical systems, including renewable energy sources and storage systems
• Assess the performance, efficiency, and reliability of energy systems
• Design optimized solutions for grid and microgrid integration
• Model wind generators, photovoltaic plants, wind farms, multi-terminal and point-to-point HVDC systems, and energy storage systems
• Use simulation software for advanced studies

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit is delivered through:

• Theoretical lectures
• Numerical and analytical exercises
• Laboratory and simulation activities, for example using MATLAB/Simulink and HOMER
• Case studies based on real-world systems and industrial applications
• Possible seminars with experts from the sector

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to energy systems for the energy transition

​Modeling of renewable energy sources:

• Photovoltaic systems: electrical models, performance, MPPT
• Wind energy systems: power curves, aerodynamics, basics of control
• Wind farms and multi-terminal solutions, including HVDC system

​Energy storage systems:

• Storage systems and their main characteristics
• Mechanical and thermal storage systems, and other emerging technologies
• Batteries: Li-ion batteries, equivalent models, degradation
• Fuel cells

Analysis and simulation:

• Economic aspects of investments
• Energy and economic optimization
• Cost-benefit analysis, CBA

Dynamic and steady-state modelling:

• Power electronic interfaces
• Primary and secondary control systems

Integration of renewable energy sources and storage:

• Microgrids and isolated systems
• Energy management strategies
• Multi-terminal systems

Impacts on the electrical grid:

• Stability, power quality, flexibility
• Overview of regulations and energy transition scenarios

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Distributed Energy Resources in Active Distribution Networks, C. Schwaegerl, K. Dedekind, R. Brown, CIGRE Green books, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91367-0, Springer Cham, ISBN978-3-030-91366-3, 2026

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of:

• Assessment of a project or simulation report
• Oral examination for further discussion and in-depth analysis

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final assessment is based on:

• Critical analysis skills and mastery of the theoretical concepts
• Quality of the project/simulation work
• Clarity of presentation and ability to establish connections among the topics covered in the teaching unit