Join our online renewables course and gain the engineering skills you need for the energy transition.
- Train in the tools and systems used in the integration of electrical energy from a range of renewable energy sources.
- Study the main challenges of integrating to distribution and transmission systems.
- Learn to use MATLAB and MATLAB Simulink simulation software.
You’ll benefit from the direct input of industry specialists. And you’ll learn with a university that’s an established leader in renewable energy teaching and research.
You can study this online course anywhere, with no need for a visa, and flexible hours that fit around full-time work.
Build credits towards a Masters degree
This course is part of our online MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering and MSc in Offshore Engineering. The credits you earn on the course count towards these Masters qualifications.
Who is this online renewable energy course for?
This course is ideal for graduate engineers, graduates of the Physical Sciences, and energy industry professionals.
What you’ll study
You’ll study:
- the main challenges of integrating renewable energy to distribution and transmission systems (including intermittency, power reverse, voltage rise, reactive power, harmonics, and stability issues)
- the requirements (based on grid codes) that renewable energy generators should meet in order to connect to the grid (including power factor requirements, voltage and frequency ranges, and fault ride through)
- current source converter (CSC) and voltage source converter (VSC) as the main tools to meet the requirements to connect to the grid.
- high voltage direct current (HVDC) as an alternative way to integrate large renewable energy generators to the grid.
You’ll learn to use simulation software, including MATLAB and MATLAB Simulink.
You’ll cover the advanced concepts of grid integration over three core modules:
Renewable energy source integration to grid: challenges and requirements
- Challenges of integration to distribution systems, including intermittency of generation, voltage rise, reactive power support, and power quality concerns
- Challenges of integration to transmission systems, which mainly concern stability
- Review of grid codes, including national, Scottish and German grid codes
- Static requirements, such as power factor, power curtailment, voltage/frequency range and power quality
- Dynamic requirements, such as fault ride through
Voltage and current source converters to integrate renewable energy to grids
- Review of semiconductor power switches, including power diodes and thyristors
- Single/three-phase current source converters and voltage source converters
HVDC
- HVDC transmission for renewable energy integration
- The challenges and benefits of HVDC
- Review of DC grids and DC faults
- Case studies: HVDC transmission for large wind farms
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…
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Assess and compare different methods of renewable energy integration.
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Discuss the challenges and practical solutions for renewable energy integration.
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Propose suitable methods for integrating renewable energy from any source into the grid.
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Communicate the standards for connecting renewable energy to the grid.
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Explain direct connection of renewable energy sources to the grid.
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Describe power electronics-based approaches for indirect connection of renewable energy sources to the grid.
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Use MATLAB and MATLAB Simulink to simulate electrical systems relevant to renewable energy installations.
Why study Renewable Energy online with the University of Aberdeen?
Top 7 in the UK
We’re ranked 7th best university in the UK to study Civil Engineering by The Times Good University Guide 2020.
Led by industry
Your course content is developed and reviewed by an Industry Advisory Board, so your training is always cutting edge and industry-relevant.
At energy’s core
The UK base for the world’s energy giants, Aberdeen is a world-class energy city.
How you’ll study
Our Renewable Energy Integration course is delivered flexibly online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Part of our MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering and MSc in Offshore Engineering, this course is taught at Masters level.
Online learning
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- video lectures
- simulation software, including MATLAB and MATLAB Simulink
- reading materials
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from a team of internationally experienced engineers and academics from our School of Engineering. Involved in active research, they’ve worked on major projects all over the globe. You’ll benefit directly from their industrial experience and academic expertise.
Industry input
Your course content is also developed and reviewed by an Industry Advisory Board. This group of experienced professionals ensures your learning is always in line with the latest industry trends, technology and career opportunities.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed entirely online.
This course usually combines online assessment with a written exam that you attend in person. However, due to Covid-19, in-person exams will not take place in 2021. Instead, you’ll be examined via alternative online assessment.
Assessment deadlines
Your assessments will have submission deadlines, either during or at the end of the course. Your course coordinator will let you know when your assessment deadlines are, so you can plan your study time accordingly.
Your course coordinator
Dr Ali Jamshidi Far
Ali is an IET Chartered Engineer and lecturer with strong analytical skills and hands-on experience in the implementation and testing of power/electrical systems. A member of our HVDC Research Centre, Ali has developed new models and controllers for renewable energy generators.
View Ali’s profileWhere this will take you
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards our:
Masters in Offshore Engineering (120 credits plus a 60-credit project), or a:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Offshore Engineering (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Offshore Engineering (120 credits)
Masters in Renewable Energy Engineering (120 credits plus a 60-credit project), or a:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Engineering (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Renewable Energy Engineering (120 credits)
All are available to study part-time online or full-time on campus.
Build your learning
We have a range of online short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
Careers
This course will prepare you for professional and managerial roles in the renewable energy sector.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level of teaching, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:2 (second-class) degree in Engineering or the Physical Sciences
- or relevant experience that supports this level of training.
Apply for this course
