Introductory description

ES2C6-15 Electromechanical System Design

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fundamentals of Electrical power

• AC power (real, reactive, complex and apparent power)
• Power factor correction and reactive power compensation in AC systems
• 3-Phase AC system (Star systems, delta systems, phase quantities, line quantities)
• Transformers (equivalent circuit, leakage reactance, magnetizing inductance etc).
• Power Systems, Transformers, distribution
• AC and DC Motors
• Basics of Power Electronics
  Instrumentation and Measurements
• Magnetic circuits and Systems (Fields, flux, Ampere’s law, Reluctance, magnetic cores, permeability, Magnetomotive force, B-H curves, air-gaps etc)
• Sensors (speed sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors etc) and conditioning
• Data acquisition
• Basic control system with gain, error, and feedback (open loop and closed loop)
• Block diagram and signal flow representation of control systems (system modelling and reduction techniques)
• PID control by Op-amps
• Stability (transfer functions, criterion, Nyquist stability, Zeigler Nicholls)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand measurement and instrumentation in modern electro-mechanical systems.
• Conceptualise, design and evaluate an electro-mechanical systems.
• Apply the mathematical principles and formulations behind real, reactive, complex and apparent power.
• Evaluate the design and efficiency of a power system with transformers and motors.
• Appreciate and understand the operation of motors for energy conversion in modern electro-mechanical systems.
• Use sensors, op-amps, actuators and feedback to implement control in modern electromechanical systems.

Indicative reading list

Stephen J. Chapman, Electric Machinery Fundamentals, 5th edition, McGraw Hill, 2012.
Measurement and Instrumentation: Theory and Application, Second Edition, Alan S. Morris and Reza Langari, Academic Press, Elsevier, 2016
Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements, Third Edition, Robert B. Northrop, 2014 , CRC Press

Research element

Group design projects involve the use of research to develop solutions to electromechanical problems involving energy conversion, sensing, measurement, feedback and control. Students will consult datasheets, technical literature and manufacturer application notes when designing electromechanical systems.

Interdisciplinary

The module comprises of topics from electrical power, electronic sensing, mechanical design and mechanical structures.

Subject specific skills

1. Plan and manage the design process of electromechanical energy conversion and control systems including power sources, transformers, motors and controllers.
2. Designing and evaluating the performance of electromechanical systems and developing control strategies. Using control theory to ensure stable operation of electromechanical systems.
3. The use of technical literature, datasheets, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards in the development of electromechanical energy conversion and control systems
4. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
5. Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills in the design of systems that include electromechanical energy conversion, sensing, feedback and closed/open loop control.
6. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
4. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
5. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
6. Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
7. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
8. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
9. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
10. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.