The transition from traditional power generation to renewable energy sources requires an increase in the operational flexibility of the network. Renewable energy sources, such as wind or photovoltaic are either cyclical, or they have a fluctuating power level. In order to guarantee a sufficient and reliable energy supply, the energy supply needs to be matched to the energy demands at all times for the integrated gas, heat and electricity networks. Energy sources are combined and changing from large centralized sources to local integrated sources with, or without, storage facilities. As a result, the requirements with respect to the operational flexibility of traditional power generators become more demanding. In addition, new energy network concepts, either AC or DC for transmission, conversion and storage need to be further developed.

In this minor all aspects of generation, transport, distribution and control of electrical networks for modern grids, either Low Voltage or High Voltage, are studied. However the emphasis is on electrical aspects.

This programme focuses on generation, transport, distribution and the control of electrical networks for modern grids and on the electronics needed in high power systems. Things like low voltage grids, high voltage grids, power electronics and EMC are studied. Everything is approached from the perspective of an electrical engineer. 

The programme consists of five courses and a project:  

Fundamentals of Energy & Power Electronics (5ETCS)​ 

Elements of Energy Infrastructure (5ETCS) 

Power System Design (5ETCS) 

Power Electronics (5ETCS) 

Power Quality & EMC (5ETCS) 

Project Energy & Power Electronics (5ETCS) 

In Fundamentals of Energy & Power Electronics, the fundamental electronics needed in the energy grid and power electronics are treated. Elements of Energy Infrastructure and Power systems design have an emphasis on electrical grids, power generation and the calculation methods needed to analyse and design them. In Power Electronics and Power Quality and EMC we look into the electronic circuits needed for high powered applications and the quality of those high powers. Especially with modern grids with solar, wind, batteries and other renewable energy resources specific challenges arise, which we will go into. 

With guest lectures, excursions, theoretical and practical assignments you will gain in depth knowledge of the electrical part of the energy transition. Throughout the semester the students will work in groups on a project in designing (components of) a modern grid or other power electronics applications, such as high power drive systems. 

This programme is accessible for students with a major in Electrical and Electronic engineering, Mechatronics, Energy & Power Electronics and Sensors and Smart Systems. Students need to have completed 105 ECTS credits (3.5 semesters) at undergraduate level. 

The programme is also accessible for students who have a background in other engineering disciplines, but they need to have finished courses in the following topics: 

• Theory of electrical networks, AC and DC 

• Basic theory of electrical machines and transformers 

• Basics of electronics 

fulltime daytime education in semester 1 (september-february)

assignments