WM994-15 Electrical Drivetrains
Introductory description
Electric drivetrains lies at the core of modern electric vehicles, involving the integration of key subsystems such as tyres, transmission, electric machines, and drive technologies, all of which collectively contribute to the overall vehicle attributes. Power electronics, control systems, and electric motors are crucial in electric vehicles as they ensure efficient energy conversion and optimal performance. These elements work together to enhance vehicle efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, driving the advancement of electric mobility.
The module includes a significant practical element where students gain hands-on experience of electric machine design, switches characterisation and electric machine modeling and control.
Module aims
The purpose of the module is for the students to learn about advanced propulsion technologies for hybrid and electric vehicles. In particular, the learning is focused on electric machines, power electronics and control appropriate for hybrid and electric vehicles.
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.
- Electric machine types and characteristics.
- Design of control for electric machines.
- Use of power electronics in electric machines.
- The future of propulsion technology in the automotive industry.
- Hands-on practical: Electric machine design.
- Hands-on practical: Electric machine modeling and control.
- Hands-on practical: Switches characterisation.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Analyse and compare a range of electric machine technologies used in propulsion systems, including their principles of operation, performance characteristics, and suitability for automotive applications. [AHEP:4; 7, M2, M4, M5, M6]
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of power electronics devices and control methods for different machine technologies [AHEP:4; 7, M2, M3]
- Interpret practicalities of electrical drivetrains in real-world application to hybrid and electric vehicles [AHEP:4; 7, M2, M3, M6]
- Interpret electric machine design and power electronics or control modelling activities in hybrid and electric vehicles [AHEP:4; 7, M2]
- Work within a team collaboratively to resolve problems in the context of electric drivetrains [AHEP:4; 7, M16]
Indicative reading list
- “Principles of Electric Machines and Power Electronics”, P.C. Sen. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2013 (3rd Edition). ISBN : 978-1-118-07887-7
- Mechanical design of electric motors, Wei Tong, 2017
- "Electric Machinery Fundamentals" Stephen Chapman, 2005
- “Electric Machinery” - A.E. Fitzgerald, C. Kingsley, S.D. Umans, 2003
- “Mathematics for engineers” - Anthony Croft, Robert Davison 2015
- “Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Fundamental, Theory and Design”, M Ehsani, Y Gao, S Gay, A Emadi. CRC Press, Sept 2009 (2nd Edition), ISBN 9781420053982
- “Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Design Fundamentals”, I. Husain. CRC Press, 2011, ISBN 9781439811757
A variety of up-to-date sources including: - Latest government / UK Automotive Council roadmaps for automotive technology (https://www.automotivecouncil.co.uk/technology-group-2/automotive-technology-roadmaps/)
- Latest automotive emissions legislation and current academic research in the field of engine and electric machines for hybrid and electric vehicles (references to be provided within the specific lectures and practical sessions)
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
- Electric machine types and characteristics
- Power electronics used in electric motors;
- Control systems for electric machines
- Future propulsion technology in the automotive industry
- Hands-on practical in electric machine design.
- Hands-on practical in electric machine modeling and control
- Hands-on practical in switches characterisation
Transferable skills
Critical thinking; Problem solving; Self-awareness; Communication; Teamwork and working effectively with others; Information literacy (research skills); Digital literacy; Sustainability; Professionalism; Organisational awareness.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Seminars | 2 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 16 sessions of 1 hour (11%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Private study | 45 hours (30%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Online independent learning and private study learning includes:
- Preparation and revision of lectures after delivery
- Completion of activities related to electric machine, power electronics and control.
- Prior research required to complete the assessment
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Evaluation of technology application | 60% | 36 hours | Yes (extension) |
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This part is related to discussing a typical electric machine configuration and their associated control and power electronics system. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Evaluation of practical activities - Group work | 40% | 24 hours | No |
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Students are divided into groups of 3 to 6 supported by a tutor. Each group needs to record 2 presentations based on the practical activities undertaken in the module. Module marker is able to observe the contribution of each student in sufficient detail through the recording to allocate individual marks without the use of peer assessment. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Evaluation of practical activities - Individual work | Yes (extension) | ||
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The student needs to record 2 presentations based on the practical activities undertaken in the module. |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback is provided following on from University/Department current policies. The written feedback will be provided based on WMG feedback template and it will address each of the questions submitted.
Pre-requisites
To take this module, you must have passed:
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- WM982-15 Power electronic converter design and manufacturing
- WM983-15 Electrical machine design and manufacturing
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
- Engineering Competence (Sustainable Automotive Electrification) [New Course]
- MSc in Sustainable Automotive Electrification (FT)
- MSc in Sustainable Automotive Electrification (PT)