MSc Proposals

Project Name Integration of PV systems in Single Phase Microgrids

Main Supervisor Dr Alexander Micallef

Research Area Microgrids

Synopsis This project will consider the design and implementation of a photovoltaic
DC/AC inverter integrated in a single phase microgrid. Microgrids are self-
contained low or medium voltage electrical networks that can be interfaced to
conventional/smart grids or can also function as an autonomous electrical
network. Each microgrid has renewable energy sources (RES), energy storage
systems (ESS) and loads working together as a single entity. Microgrids can
allow higher penetrations of RES into the grid and therefore play an important
role in current transformation of the electric grid. The work will begin with an
extensive analysis, simulation and modelling phase. Once successful solutions
have been identified, a prototype will be constructed for practical validation
under laboratory conditions.

Key Words Microgrids, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy

Skills Required Interest in Microgrids, Knowledge on single phase inverters and RES

Project Name Energy Management of a Hybrid Ship

Main Supervisor Dr Alexander Micallef

Research Area Microgrids

Synopsis This project is aimed towards the operation of hybrid electric ships using the
DC microgrid concept. DC microgrids have attracted increasing interest in
recent years due to the advantages of low converter cost and simpler control
with no reactive power and synchronization concerns. In addition, a higher
portion of energy sources (eg: PV's, Fuel cells) and energy storage
technologies (eg: batteries, super-capacitors) are dc by nature. Various
applications for dc microgrids have been reported, including all-electric ships,
more-electric aircrafts, data centers, and residential complexes. The work will
consist of extensive analysis, simulation, optimization and modelling phases.

Key Words Microgrids, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy, Electrical Transportation

Skills Required Interest in Microgrids, Knowledge on DC/DC converters and RES

Project Name Commissioning of grid-connect inverters for small-scale wind turbines

Main Supervisor Dr Cedric Caruana

Research Area Grid Integration of RES

Synopsis This project will consider the development of a procedure for setting the
characteristic of small–scale wind grid–connect inverters. Wind energy has
matured over recent years and plays an important role in modern distributed
generation. Small-scale wind turbines however do not currently experience the
same popularity as their larger–scale counterparts. Wind grid–connect
inverters are commercially available for interfacing small–scale systems based
on permanent magnet synchronous generators to the grid. Apart from other
functions, the grid–connect inverters set the operating point of the wind
turbines through variation of the voltage seen by the turbine. Minimal
guidance is currently available on setting up the inverter characteristic to match
the particular wind turbine. This defines the need for a tuning procedure which
can be applied to optimize the energy yield from the system. The project will
start by considering three–bladed turbines and then extend the procedure for a
multi–bladed turbine. The derived characteristic will be tested through
software modelling and verified on a wind energy conversion emulator rig. It
will also be implemented on a prototype multi–bladed wind turbine and tested
in the field.

Key Words Wind Energy, Multi–bladed wind turbine, Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Generator, Power Electronics

Skills Required Interest in wind energy conversion; power electronic converters and electrical
machine applications

Project Name Reaction force control of a wave energy converter

Main Supervisor Dr Cedric Caruana

Research Area Control of RES

Synopsis This project will investigate the application of reaction force control to a wave
energy emulator rig. Wave energy promises significant potential but is still in
its early stages as an alternative renewable energy source. This proposal
concerns point absorber wave energy converters, which present a narrow
capture bandwidth due to their small physical dimensions as compared to the
incident wavelength. It is then essential to control the motion of wave energy
converters to extend the energy capture over a wider range of conditions.
Reaction force control aims to establish an optimum phase and an optimum
amplitude of oscillation. The project will start with an in depth review of
 reactive force control and its modelling for the case of the emulator rig. The
control method will be simulated and verified on the emulator rig.

Key Words Wave Energy Conversion, Point Absorber, Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Generator, Power Electronics

Skills Required Interest in renewable energy conversion; power electronic converters and
electrical machine applications