Power electronic application in smart grids

This course provides an overview and understanding different power electronic converter topologies in different applications in smart grids and their control. In addition, the student has knowledge about control of different type of power electronic solutions during different operation modes like grid-connected and islanded operation. In addition, power system stability supporting control methods are presented in the course as well as control possibilities and needs of converter interfaces during fault situations. You will gain insight into the control and simulation of power electronic converters in such applications.

Course contents

• Brief introduction to power electronics
• Different topologies of power electronics converter (AC/DC, DC/DC converter interfaces of distributed energy resources)
• Power electronic applications and power quality (grid side filters of inverters/converters and their design), PQC – Power quality conditioners, charging of electric vehicles and effect of power quality, FACTS, SVC, STATCOM
• Wind turbine systems
• PV system
• Battery energy storage system
• Visiting lecturer from industry
• DC, hybrid AC/DC distribution/Microgrid
• Power electronics based solid-state transformers for future smart grids, or power electronics based circuit-breakers e.g. for future microgrids

Learning outcomes

After completing this course successfully, the student

• understands basic concept of power electronics systems and semi-conductor switches as well as power electronic converter topologies, their control dynamics and design for power electronic devices / interfaces
• has knowledge about power electronic applications and power quality as well as wind, PV, and BESS systems power electronics interface and power electronics based solid-state transformers for future smart grids.

Moreover, course develops lifelong learning and interpersonal skills.

Teaching schedule

• Lectures on campus with hybrid lectures (classroom + online) 2.9.2025 – 16.10.2025.
• Simulation exercises: Exercise 1 Grid-Connected PV System Simulation (with Matlab software), Introduction to exercise 1 (Recording 2024 available in Moodle). Exercise 2 Small-signal Model for Parallel-connected Power Converters (with Matlab software), Introduction to exercise 2 (Recording 2024 available in Moodle). Deadline to return simulation exercise reports through Moodle is 9.11.2025.

Completion methods

• Written assignment topics & tasks, deadline 9.11.
• Online course exam in Moodle 17-23.11.

Please check all the schedules from Peppi before the course start. Final scheduling available in August 2025.

More information in University of Vaasa’s course page.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.