M.Tech in Smart Grid and Energy Storage Technologies

Overview

As the demand for clean energy and the integration of renewable energy sources continue to grow, the role of energy storage in smart grids will become increasingly important. Advances in energy storage technologies, such as improved battery chemistries and materials, will further enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of storage systems. Energy storage systems help address the inherent challenges associated with electricity generation and consumption, such as fluctuating demand, variable renewable energy generation, and grid reliability. The key benefits of energy storage in smart grids include:

Grid stability: Energy storage systems can instantaneously respond to abrupt changes in demand or supply, helping maintain grid stability and prevent power outages. Integration of renewable energy: Fluctuating renewable sources can be operated along with energy storage systems can increase the share of renewable energy in the grid and minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

Peak load shaving: Energy storage systems can discharge stored energy during peak demand periods, reducing the need for additional generation capacity and loweringelectricity costs.

Load leveling: Energy storage can help balance energy consumption throughout the day, reducing the stress on the grid and improving overall efficiency.

About the Program

The M.Tech program in Smart Grid and Energy Storage Systems is a Master’s program offered to students who are interested in learning and building a fruitful career in the broad field of smart grid and storage technologies, which finds wide applications in many industrial, commercial and automotive sectors to name a few. Emphasis is further laid on training the students towards the latest developments in renewable energy sector, which finds a promising place in the upcoming and future smart grids. The program is flexible enough to allow a student to specialize in any topic of interest by taking elective courses and working on a research project in that area. The program is also intended to have a design project in their first two semesters. The program is a 60+ credit degree program, which is spread over 4 semesters for a full-time student. About twothirds of the credits involve coursework, and the remainder consists of project work. The emphasis is on conducting original research and writing a thesis that reports these results.

Eligibility

M. Tech in Smart Grid and Energy Storage Technologies
01

Candidates should have graduated with a full-time degree from any recognized University/Institute with a minimum aggregate of 60% or equivalent grade point.

02

B.E./B.Tech in the field of Electrical Engineering/ Electronics Engineering / Instrumentation Engineering.

03

Candidates appearing for their final semester exam in the current year are also eligible to apply.

Admission Procedure

01

Route 1: Applicants who have a valid GATE score with a percentile above 80, will undergo an interview for admission.

02

Route 2: Applicants who are not GATE qualified or have a GATE percentile less than 80, will have a separate written test followed by an interview process.

Tuition Fee

01

INR 1 lakh per Annum for GATE qualified students and INR 3 Lakh per Annum for other students (Tuition Fee + Hostel Fee)

02

Students who are offered TA-ship, the stipend will be INR 18k per month plus free boarding/lodging.

Expected Program Outcomes

Students graduating from this program are expected:

  • to be able to comprehend and understand the fundamental aspects of the smart grid and its application to the existing power system, with special emphasis on renewable energy systems.
  • to be able to comprehend the constituents of a smart grid.
  • to be able to model a smart grid and energy storage system; understand the operation and control of energy storage systems and their applications in smart grids.
  • to be able to understand modelling, simulation, design and control aspects of a BMS.
  • to get to know the recent developments in renewable energy systems inclusive of their operation, control and application in smart grid with energy storage systems.

Courses

The courses proposed are in the diverse categories of smart grids, storage technologies and renewable energy systems. The course introduces existing and emerging power engineering technologies in the areas of distributed energy resources (DERs) and smart grid, from concept and basic theory to real-world applications. The courses on energy storage technologies include different types of energy storage systems and specifically Battery Energy Management System (BMS). The course is related to renewable energy systems covering various renewable energy resources, their conversion to electrical energy and integration to the grid. Microgrids in standalone operation and grid connected modes will be dealt with in great detail, including their design and control aspects. Further, this program gives a holistic overview of the constituent technologies of the smart grid, including power network components, control, information and communication technologies and smart metering. The electives are proposed in each of these domains to introduce the student to recent developments like applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning to power and energy domains.

Potential industrial collaboration

  • Course curriculum and syllabus development – While the broad framework of the curriculum has been presented in this document, it is subject to change as per the requirements of the industry. Both the courses and their contents will be developed in discussion with relevant industry partners. The courses (core/electives) can also be offered by industry personnel.
  • Live Student projects and Internships – In order to enhance real-world practical skills of a student, they shall be allowed to work on live industry projects during their coursework and final year thesis work. Also, the final year of studies can be utilized by the students to intern at companies in power electronics, electric vehicles, automation and renewable energy ecosystems.

Course curriculum

1st Semester

Code Course L T P Credits
1 EC5131 Renewable Energy and Modern Power Systems 3 0 0 3
2 EC5132 Power Converters- Design and Analysis 3 0 0 3
3 EC5137 Energy Storage Technologies 2 0 0 2
4 EC5133 Embedded Systems 3 0 0 3
5 EC5134 Machine Learning 2 0 2 3
6 EC5135 Embedded Systems Lab 0 0 2 1
7 EC5135 Power Electronics and Control Architecture Lab 0 0 4 2
8 EC5136 Grid Modelling and Simulation lab 0 0 2 1
Total Credits 18

2nd Semester

Code Course L T P Credits
1 EC5231 Smart Grid: Basics to Advanced Technologies 3 0 0 3
2 EC5232 Battery Management Systems 3 0 0 3
3 EC5233 Advanced Control of Renewable Energy Systems 3 0 0 3
4 EC5234 Elective I 3 0 0 3
5 EC5235 Elective II 3 0 0 3
6 EC5236 BMS Lab 0 0 4 2
7 EC5237 Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Lab 0 0 2 1
Total Credits 18

3rd Semester

Code Course L T P Credits
1 EC5331 Open Elective 3 0 0 3
2 EC5332 Master’s Thesis 0 0 6 3
3 EC5333 Capstone Project (Smart Grid/BESS Applications) 0 0 10 5
4 EC5334 Elective III 3 0 0 3
Total Credits 14

4th Semester

Code Course L T P Credits
1  EC5431 Masters’ Thesis 0 0 24 12
Total Credits 12
TOTAL CREDITS FOR 8 SEMESTERS 62

Potential electives:

  • Application of artificial intelligence and deep learning to control of renewable energy systems: 3 credits

  • Smart Grid Protection: 3 credits

  • Advanced control of DC and AC microgrids: 3 credits

  • Advanced energy storage technologies for electric vehicles: 3 credits

  • Power Quality: 3 credits

  • FACTS devices and controllers: 3 credits

  • EV drives: 3 credits

  • DSP based control of converters and drives: 3 credits

  • Demand side management: 3 credits

  • Control aspects of microgrids: 3 credits