WM1AD-15 Electrical Power and Motors
Introductory description
Electromechanical systems are required to move, exert force or energy on their surroundings, and do so in a controlled manner.
This module deals with the second of those challenges by introducing the principles of energy and power, the devices that are used to store and convert energy into mechanical energy in engineering systems, and the parameters needed to select these.
Module aims
Apply electrical and electronic principles, and mathematical knowledge to analyse and solve broadly-defined engineering problems relating to the supply and control of energy and power to electromechanical mechanisms.
Learners will develop fundamental knowledge of energy storage, electric motors and motor control, and the principles of their selection and application to electromechanical systems.
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.
Electrical principles:
- Charge, voltage, current, power. Resistors, capacitors and inductors.
- Electrical circuit analysis - Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws.
- Concepts of power loss and efficiency.
Introduction to power electronics, motors and energy storage:
- Diodes, transistors and power electronic converters.
- Introduction to DC motors and stepper motors – basic characteristics including control.
- Battery sources and their characteristics.
- Selection criteria of electric motors for engineering applications.
- Catalogue selection – main metrics.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Describe main types of electric motors in engineering applications [AHEP:4-C2].
- Calculate electrical parameters in actuator circuits for engineering applications [AHEP:4-C1].
- Justify the selection of electric motors for engineering systems based on application requirements [AHEP:4-C3].
- Test electric motors for engineering systems based on application requirements [AHEP:4-C12].
Indicative reading list
N. Storey (2013) Electronics: A Systems Approach.
R. Isermann (2003) Mechatronic systems: fundamentals
R. Bishop (2008) Mechatronics systems, sensors and actuators.
S. Lyshevski (2008) Electromechanical systems and devices.
R. Crowder (2020) Electric Drives and Electromechanical Systems: Applications & Control
E. K. Boukas and F. Al-Sunni (2011) Mechatronics systems: analysis, design and implementation.
Subject specific skills
Design and evaluate electrical and electronic circuits safely and efficiently.
Build a basic understanding of the maths and physics involved in the concepts of energy transfer and the design of electromechanical systems.
Complex numbers (including algebra, argand diagrams and De Moivre's).
Transferable skills
This module will contribute to the development of the following from the Warwick Core Skills framework:
Critical Thinking: Interpreting, analysing
Digital literacy: IT skills
Problem Solving: Problem creation
Teamworking: Collaboration
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Seminars | 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%) |
| Practical classes | 6 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
| Private study | 30 hours (20%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Online learning (independent): Engagement with provided study materials and signposted resources - review, interpretation and application to example problems and case studies.
Private study: Creation of own study materials - e.g. notes, flashcards, summaries, etc.
Engagement with self-identified materials - industry reports, technical videos, podcasts, journal articles, etc.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Assessment 1 | 30% | 18 hours | No |
|
Computer-based exam of device classifications, electrical and electronics theory and calculations. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Assessment 2 | 70% | 42 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Individual report based on group laboratory activity measuring the power/energy requirements for simple electrical machines to select appropriate hardware. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Formative: Verbal feedback during interactive class sessions and practical sessions; (Automated) individual feedback for computer-based tests; Verbal feedback during ad hoc meetings.
Summative: Cohort level summary feedback for formal tests / exams; Written feedback and marks aligned with University 20 point marking scale.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.