College of Engineering and Applied Science

Overview

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

• power systems
• power electronics
• machines and drive systems
• renewable energy systems

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 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 the University of Colorado Denver we teach and/or perform research in all of these areas.

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. The technologies in this area are increasing in importance these days due to the current energy situations and the fact that electric drives are utilized in many energy applications such as renewable/sustainable energy systems. We offer courses on theories and hands-on experience and perform research on energy systems utilizing electric machinery.

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. Current methods of classification of wind and solar sites and aspects which must be considered when choosing sites for wind or solar installations are examined and researched. Topics include photovoltaic and thermal solar technologies, inverter technologies, and their integration into the power grid. Also included are micro-hydro and fuel cell technologies, renewable system economics and legislative effects.