Electric Machines and Power Electronics - 2021 entry

In this module you will be introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of operation of electrical machines and power electronic systems used in motion control, power generation, automated manufacturing, power system control and in aerospace and automotive applications.  You will also examine the operation, characteristics, and capabilities of commonly used systems and their control methods.

The aim of this module to help build a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the different types of electric machines used in industry and every day life, their operation, charactersitics, performance and applications. This module also aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of semiconductor power electronics as control elements of electric machine systems and for power supplies. Through lectures, problem sessions and hands-on practical sessions, you will learn how to design and analyse practical electric machine systems for real-world applications.

ILO #1: Understand the operation of modern drive systems applied to industrial applications

ILO #2: Understand the equivalent circuit representations of the transformer, induction and synchronous machines

ILO #3: Understand how the rotational speed of electrical machines can be varied.

ILO #4: Apply your knowledge of the electrical characteristics of power semiconductor devices, to select power semiconductor devices for a range of applications

ILO #5: Understand the basic topology of converters, inverters and power supplies

ILO #6: Characterise the operation of motors, drives, sensors and the mechanical power train within the drive system.

ILO #7: Perform design calculations for drive and power converter applications, and understand the approximations used

ILO #8: Understand the advantages and disadvantages that different electrical machines will bring to an application

ILO #9: Analyse a specific application and produce the drive requirements that will result in the selection of sizing of a suitable drive system.

ILO #10: Transfer understanding and theories from one discipline to another (mechanical engineering, control)

ILO #11: Communicate in both a verbal and written form

ILO #12: Application of scientific principles and knowledge to solve engineering problems

ILO #13: Work both independently and as part of a team

ILO #14: Interpret measured data

1: Magnetic circuits:

2: Transformers:

3: Electromechanical energy conversion:

4: Induction machines: 5: Synchronous machines:

6: Power semiconductor converters:

7: Linear and switching mode power supplies:

As the module is assessed by the examination and coursework, the ref/def assessment will be by examination. The candidates will be awarded the ref/def examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Reading list for this module: