Introductory description

The module discusses various aspects of different types of Electrical Drives and Control.
It firstly introduces the three-phase electrical supply system and usage of phasors in both electric grid and modelling AC machines. The module then discusses modelling and control of electric drives, including the scalar and vector control. Finally, the focus is on power electronics, with an emphasis on DC-DC and DC-AC converters for variable speed drives.
This modules is linked with C1, C2, C3, C4, C6, C12, C13 and C17 of the AHEP 4.

LO1 - C1, C3, C6

LO2 - C1, C2, C3, C6

LO3 - C1, C2, C3, C6, C17

LO4 - C4

LO5 - C1, C2, C3, C6, C12, C17

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.

• AC waveforms – peak, rms, phase lag, power (instantaneous, average), power factor, usage of phasors;
• Electric power: generation, transmission, distribution, consumption;
• Consumption diagrams: - daily, weekly, seasonal variations on local, regional, national level;
• 3-phase AC electric machines: induction and permanent-magnets;
• Modelling of 3-phase AC electric machines in d-q reference frame;
• Control of AC machines and drives: scalar control and vector control;
• Controller design and selection of parameters;
• Rectifiers: 1-phase, 3-phase; Controlled rectifiers; R-L loads, Capacitive filters;
• DC-DC converters - Buck and Boost: analysis, simulation and practical design;
• Active power factor correction( PFC) circuits
• Power MOSFETs and IGBTs characteristics
• Switched mode power supplies;
• DC-AC inverters;
• Simulation and experimental lab.

Learning outcomes

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

• Apply 3-phase phasor analyses to electric grid and to AC machines [AHEP:4-C1, C3, C6].
• Develop models of 3-phase permanent-magnet motors and induction motors [AHEP:4-C1, C2, C3, C6].
• Design and simulate cascaded control in an AC drive [AHEP:4-C1, C2, C3, C6, C17].
• Discriminate electronic switching devices used in power electronic converters [AHEP:4-C4].
• Design and implement an effective low power DC-DC converter or a DC-AC inverter [AHEP:4-C1, C2, C3, C6, C12, C17].

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions (S2 in ST0023 and ST0024).
• Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects (S3 in ST0023 and ST0024).
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and/or developmental or test evidence (S5 in ST0023 and ST0024).
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities (S10 in ST0023; S11 in ST0024).
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use (S11 in ST0023; S13 in ST0024).

Transferable skills

Problem Solving: Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions.

Critical Thinking: Recognise patterns, themes and key messages from sometimes confused and incomplete data;
Make informed decisions on the value of a range of sources allowing an evidence based conclusion based on this analysis.

Professionalism: Prepared to operate autonomously; Aware of how to be efficient and resilient; Manages priorities and time; Self-motivated, setting and achieving goals, prioritising tasks.

Communication - Verbal; Written (present arguments, knowledge and ideas); Active listening: questioning, reflecting, summarising.

Information Literacy: Critical awareness of how information is gathered, used, managed and synthesised; Understanding of the relative value of different sources and the importance of provenance.