Engineering and design

Electrical Machines & Power Electronics

Module code: H7090
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Practical, Laboratory
Assessment modes: Coursework

On this module you’ll explore AC and DC machines in greater depth, focusing on the role of an application engineer and basic principles, characteristics, modelling, control and applications.

You’ll explore two types of motors:

  • induction machines, which account for more than 90 per cent of the motors used in industry
  • synchronous machines, which are used in some high-efficiency industrial drives, and for most electrical power generation.

In many applications, the conventional AC and DC machines are combined with electronic power converters to form electrical drive systems.

You’ll also be introduced to basic concepts of power electronics. You’ll the main types of converter used for these applications, and how they are used together with electrical machines as part of electrical drive systems.

These topics have an increasing relevance in high-technology products that have been developed recently with numerous applications, including:

  • electric cars
  • hybrid cars
  • wind power generation
  • robotics
  • ship propulsion
  • micro-grids.

You will benefit from laboratory experiments and electronics design, giving you a hands-on approach to electrical machines and power electronics, as well as a better understanding of their operating principles and control. You’ll also use Matlab and Simulink (Simscape) to model, test, integrate and design electrical power systems. The examples, exercises nand design/integration projects in this module introduce you to practical applications and current uses in industry and research.

Topics covered on this module include:

  • DC machines and transformers
  • AC machines and rotating magnetic fields
  • synchronous machines
  • induction machines
  • variable­ frequency control of AC motors
  • power electronics technology, devices and applications
  • DC choppers and switched­-mode regulators
  • AC controllers and cyclo­-converters
  • DC link DC-AC inverters
  • quasi­-square wave and PWM operation
  • electronic drive circuits.

Pre-requisite

Electromechanics

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of electrical machines and power electronics; and apply them to analyse and solve complex engineering problems.
  • Apply engineering analysis of electrical machines and power electronics in practical and experimental settings; including systems modelling, systems integration, electronics design, and interpretation of data.
  • Apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model electrical machines, power electronics, and systems integration; and evaluate the limitations and advantages of using such techniques.
  • Demonstrate self-organisation, self-learning, and independent skills that enhance the development of engineering analysis and design skills in the context of electrical machines, power electronics, systems integration, and their engineering applications.