Renewable energy systems in the power electronics curriculum

Power Electronics is still an emerging technology and its applications are increasing. The primary function is to convert electrical energy from one stage to another and it is used in many different applications. The power electronics curriculum is multidisciplinary covering fields like devices, magnetics, electrical machines, power systems, analogue and digital control, materials, power converters, electronics, materials, thermal design and EMC. However, those fields may not be enough in order to give the students enough skills. It is also necessary to learn about systems and for the moment one of the most important area is renewable energy systems. This paper will discuss the basic courses for the power electronics curriculum. It will also discuss how to teach power electronic systems efficiently through a project- oriented and problem-based learning approach with Aalborg University in Denmark as a full-scale example. Different project examples will be given as well as important laboratories for adjustable speed drives and renewable energy systems which are used at the university are described.