Introductory description

Practically all electronic equipment, whether domestic or industrial, requires power conditioning to deliver the energy for it to operate correctly. This is using electronics for power processing, not information processing. The applications vary widely from power supplies for laptops and mobile phone chargers, through industrial motor drives, hybrid and electric vehicle drives, electric rail transport, to solar and wind energy systems and power transmission and distribution systems. Learning of power electronic devices and power electronic converters is therefore essential and it is the subject of this module.

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.

Introduction to power electronics, devices and applications.
Semiconductor theory
Power semiconductor device physics: PiN and Schottky diodes, thyristors, bipolar transistors, MOSFETs, IGBTs.
An introduction to wide bandgap semiconductors and devices.
Power semiconductor device fabrication.
Power converters: AC-DC converters, DC-DC converters, isolated converters, bridges and introduction to DC-AC inverters.
Non-ideal cases, commutation and overlap, introduction of power quality and filters.
Simulation of converters and devices.
Applications of power electronics.

Learning outcomes

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

• Simulate the operation of power semiconductor devices
• Design and analysis of a simple power DC/DC converter
• Analyse the power quality and harmonics. Design the basic filters required to smooth the converter output and to improve the power quality.
• Explain the practical issues in converter design
• Measurement of a power electronic circuit performance
• Understand power DC/AC inverters
• Design and analysis of simple power AC/DC converters

Indicative reading list

Power Electronics: a first course, Ned Mohan, ISBN : 978-1-118-07480-0, Wiley 2012.

Subject specific skills

Communicate technical information with others at all levels, including technical reports and the use of digital tools.
Follow a methodical approach to engineering problem-solving.
Establish and report engineering design briefs.
Produce electrical drawings using Computer-Aided Design(CAD) and manual systems.
Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level.
Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences.

Transferable skills

Hold paramount the health and safety of themselves and others, and model health and safety-conscious behaviour.
Self-motivated, work independently and take responsibility for their actions. Set themselves challenging personal targets and make own decisions.
Communicate confidently to create and maintain working relationships. Be respectful.
Prioritise quality. Follow rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose, and pay attention to detail / error checks throughout activities.
Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner, with openness, fairness and honesty.
Commit to personal learning and professional development.