Energy and power systems

Overview

The energy and power systems area is part of CU Denver’s Department of Electrical Engineering. We offer classes and perform research in all major areas of energy and power systems, including:

• Power systems analysis
• Power electronics
• Machines and drive systems
• Renewable energy systems 

Power systems analysis

Power systems analysis deals with large-scale generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. Teaching and research activities focus on the most economic, efficient and reliable ways for performing these tasks. Linear algebra, numerical analysis, control systems and optimization theory are typical disciplines involved in the analysis of power systems.

Power electronics

Power electronics deals with switch-mode electric power processing. The element that performs the power processing function is the so-called power converter, a collection of power semiconductors, inductors and capacitors interconnected in a specific fashion. Power electronics is a highly interdisciplinary activity, encompassing elements from power semiconductor devices, switching circuit topologies, digital real-time control, sensors, heat transfer and packaging. At CU Denver we teach and/or perform research in all of these areas.

Electric drives

Electric drives covers power electronics drive systems for electric machinery. Research topics include energy conversion/storage systems, alternative energy applications and distributed generation systems. Courses offered cover converters performance and control algorithms such as field-oriented vector control. We offer courses on theories and hands-on experience and perform research on energy systems utilizing electric machinery.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy considers electrical generation using renewable energy sources of a variety of types. While examining many developing technologies, we concentrate on the design and application of photovoltaic and wind electrical generation. Topics include photovoltaic and thermal solar technologies, inverter technologies, and their integration into the power grid.

Active projects

• Detailed modeling of large photovoltaic power plants
• Modeling, control and modulation of hexverter systems for multi mega-watt applications 
• Robust modeling of power systems for optimal state estimation