Note: The course catalogues, the SGS Calendar, and ACORN list all graduate courses associated with ECE – please note that not all courses will be offered every year.
I. Power Networks
ECE520H1 Power Electronics
Focuses on power electronic converters utilized in applications ranging from low-power mobile devices to higher power applications such as electric vehicles, server farms, microgrids, and renewable energy systems. Concepts covered include the principles of efficient electrical energy processing (dc-dc, dc/ac, and ac/ac) through switch-mode energy conversion, converter loss analysis, large- and small-signal modeling of power electronic circuits and controller design.
ECE526H1 Power System Protection and Automotion
This course presents the concepts of short-circuit fault analysis, protective relaying, and automation in power systems. The course starts by discussing the causes and types of short-circuit faults using real-world examples. The consequences of faults for different power system components are reviewed using event reports from field data. The method of symmetrical components for analyzing unbalanced three-phase systems is introduced. Analytical methods and computer-based approaches for deriving fault voltages and currents are discussed and the effect of system grounding during transient conditions, including faults, are introduced. Students also learn the concept of power system automation and its role in monitoring, protection, and control of modern power systems. Critical devices used in an automation system, such as breakers, relays, reclosers, capacitor bank controllers, and tap changer controllers are presented.
ECE1030H Space Vector Theory and Control
Prerequisite: ECE533H1 or equivalent
Please note: enrolment limited to 15 students
The course presents the general theory of dynamic modelling and control of the voltage source converter using space vectors. Applications include: active filters, FACTS (flexible AC Transmission Systems) controllers, VSC based HVDC systems, motor drives and most grid connected storage systems and renewable energy sources. Co-ordinate transforms necessary for the analysis of these devices are presented: space vectors, synchronous reference frame quantities, complex Fourier components and their relations. Converter controls are developed using both continuous time and discrete time space vector control concepts. In addition, state space modelling methods are employed for the study of interactions between a dc/ac converter and the network. The course typically includes an extensive laboratory component.
ECE1049H Special Topics in Energy Systems: Power System Protection
This course reviews the fundamentals of short-circuit fault analysis for the power grid and discusses the expected features of a reliable protection system. The measurement devices used in protection systems are introduced, and their non-ideal features are discussed. This course introduces different types of overcurrent relays, their operating principles, coordination methods, and potential applications. Various methods for directional protection of the systems with bi-directional fault currents and the respective coordination strategies are explained. The course discusses the basic principles and coordination methods of distance protection for transmission lines. Different types of pilot protection schemes based on distance and directional relays are introduced. The course presents a detailed discussion on the operating principles of differential relaying for lines, transformers, motors, generators, and buses. Throughout the course, computer simulations of power systems are used to analyze protection functions.
ECE1049H Special Topics in Energy Systems: Electric Vehicle Systems & Energy Management
This course offers a comprehensive study of electric vehicle (EV) systems, encompassing fundamental concepts, propulsion systems, charging systems, battery systems, power electronics, thermal management, and energy modeling. A significant laboratory component, involving real EV subsystem testing and integration, provides hands-on experience. The analysis carried out on measurements collected in the lab equips students with the tools to evaluate EV performance in both simulated and practical settings.
ECE1055H Dynamics of HVdc/ac Transmission Systems
General aspects of high voltage ac/dc systems, principles of HVdc systems, HVdc control, harmonics and filters. Small-signal dynamics of HVdc/ac systems and eigen analysis, subsynchronous oscillations, interarea oscillations, harmonic instability. Large-signal dynamics in HVdc/ac systems. Introduction to the EMTP and the EMTDC software packages for the analysis and design of HVdc/ac systems. Introduction to multi-terminal HVdc systems. A basic background in power system analysis is strongly recommended.
ECE1059H Special Topics in Energy Systems: Grid-forming Converters
Exclusion: ECE1055H
This course covers principals of (i) operation, (ii) modeling, (iii) controls, and (iv) dynamic behavior of grid-forming AC-DC power electronic converters for electric power grid applications. The focus is in on the 2-level voltage-sourced converter (VSC) and the modular multi-level converter (MMC) configurations. The subjects will be discussed in the context of bulk-power generation, transmission, and utilization and thus extensively inter-related to the controls and dynamics of legacy synchronous machines.
This course is an intermediate-level course and the required background includes:
- undergraduate-level concepts of power electronics;
- undergraduate-level concepts of systems control;
- undergraduate-level concepts of power systems analysis;
- graduate-level coverage of synchronous electric machines dynamics;
- familiarity with software simulation platforms PSCAD and/or EMTP-RV.
ECE1085H Power System Optimization
Explore techniques for the optimization of power system operations, including the following topics: state estimation, power system security, economic dispatch, power markets, and unit commitment.
ECE1092H Smart Grid Case Studies
The course presents case studies of old and new Smart Grid applications in overhead electric power networks. Each case study has components that include a history of the technology, a simplified treatment of the specific threat or opportunity, and the implementation issues in communications and sensor installation and maintenance. The treatment makes use of relevant industrial standards including IEEE and IEC.
ECE1093H Electrical Insulation Design and Coordination
The course organizes the voltage stresses that appear in high voltage systems in terms of amplitude, duration and occurrence. Suitable models for electrical breakdown and withstand are developed, with specific emphasis on outdoor insulation in adverse weather conditions. The functions of surge protective devices, grounding and other overvoltage control measures will be discussed. The treatment makes use of empirical models typical of relevant IEEE and IEC industrial standards.
ECE1094H Power Systems Operations and Economics
This course covers modern developments in power systems from a mathematical perspective. The content includes: convex relaxations of optimal power flow; renewable variability and aggregation; duality, pricing and transmission rights; game theoretic modeling of market abuse; optimal control of energy storage; scheduling techniques for demand response. Prerequisite: ECE1505H or equivalent.
ECE1095H Grounding and Bonding
Recommended Prerequisites: ECE359H1, ECE413H1
The course introduces the objectives, components and principles of grounding systems. Empirical models for risk of electrocution and perception are identified, using relevant IEEE and IEC industrial standards. Methods for characterizing soil resistivity are demonstrated and then related to electrical characteristics of typical service entrance, line and station ground grid electrodes. Much of the course focus is on 60-Hz analysis but the scope will include considerations for dc and lightning impulse performance, including testing of transfer impedance from lightning protection systems to victim circuits and components.
I. Solid State Power Conversion
ECE1066H Design of High-Frequency Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS)
Students who have previously taken ECE533H1 must first check with the instructor before taking this course.
Design, analysis, and practical implementation of advanced controllers for high-frequency switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) are covered. The topics include: continuous and discrete time modeling of switching converters; current-program mode control, power factor correction rectifiers; practical implementation of analog and digital controllers. The course also has a laboratory portion, where a high-frequency switching converter and its controller are designed and fabricated.
ECE1068H Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This course provides a fundamental understanding of the means by which electromagnetic interference arises. Techniques to reduce, overcome, or to protect sensitive electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference are covered. Course content: source of noise, modes of noise coupling, preventative measures, transmitters and receivers, grounding, surge protection. The course concludes with a case study. This course requires a basic background in circuit theory, fields and waves, and some knowledge in power electronics.
ECE1086H Power Management for Photovoltaic Systems
This course provides a comprehensive overview of grid-connected and off-grid Photovoltaic (PV) technology with an emphasis on power electronics. The course is intended to accommodate students from a range of backgrounds with an interest in renewable energy. Course topics include: I. Core PV technology (types of PV cells, concentrating/multi-junction PV, I/V characteristics, electrical models, basic semiconductor principles). II. PV System Overview (Economics and trends, PV forecasting, shading effects). III. Power Electronic Converters for PV Systems (micro-inverters, micro-converters, multi-port dc-dc converters, maximum power point tracking techniques, efficiency optimization, digital control techniques, practical issues, semiconductor devices). Students may choose either a theoretical/simulation based final project or an experimental project. Students also have the opportunity to use the PV experimental platform on the roof of the Galbraith building.