southampton

Module overview

This module covers recent developments in electronic devices that reduce energy consumption, generate power, or advance the distribution of power. Together these devices are playing an essential role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

The module provides an introduction to both the fundamentals of energy generating electronic devices and the systems that can be implemented using such devices. The concepts will be explained in detail for photovoltaic devices but the analogy for thermo-electric devices is evident. The module covers the fundamental theoretical foundations , manufacturing and practical limitations. System integration with the grid is also introduced with key concepts such as smart grids, smart meters, microgrids and storage being covered in the course.

As part of this module, students will learn to use PC1D, a quasi-one-dimensional finite-element program for modelling semiconductor devices that is used frequently in university research groups and industrial R&D labs around the world for simulating photovoltaic devices.

Linked modules

Pre-requisite: ELEC2201 or ELEC2206 or ELEC6259

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Simulate device and circuit operation of a photovoltaic system

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Understand key principles of power electronic circuits used in photovoltaic systems
Understand manufacturing and efficiency issues in photovoltaic devices

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Fundamental theory and principles of energy generating electronic devices
Basic concepts of the interaction between chemical and electronic processes and in electrical energy storage devices

Learning and Teaching

Study time
Type	Hours
Preparation for scheduled sessions	15
Wider reading or practice	50
Revision	14
Completion of assessment task	25
Lecture	34
Supervised time in studio/workshop	2
Follow-up work	10
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

S.M. Sze. Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technologies. Wiley.

Stuart R Wenham, Martin A Green, Muriel E Watt, Richard Corkish, (2012). Applied Photovoltaics. Routledge: Earthscan.

Jenny Nelson. The Physics of Solar Cells. Imperial College Press.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	25%
Examination	75%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	25%
Examination	75%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Report	25%
Examination	75%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Green Electronics