This module gives students insights into power electronics, which is an essential element for power conversion, e.g. from AC to DC power. It plays an important role in modern power systems, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and other industrial application. The module builds on your prior module of EN2708 (Power Engineering). It will see you equipped with the necessary skills to go on to become an electrical and electronics professional.   

The module will cover topics including semiconductor power devices, and power electronic converters such as AC-DC and DC-DC converters. The module will focus on the analysis of power electronic circuits, operation of converters and electrical and thermal modelling.  

LO1. Systematically comprehend the thermal characteristics and cooling strategies of power semiconductor devices (AHEP C1/M1). 

LO2. Structure the circuits for voltage and current sharing between power semiconductor devices (AHEP C1/M1, C2/M2, C3/M3) .  

LO3. Develop the power circuits of DC to DC converters, and explain their operation with the aid of sketched waveforms (AHEP C1/M1, C2/M2, C3/M3). 

LO4. Determine the circuits of the main types of diode and controlled rectifiers. Critically evaluate their operation with the aid of sketched waveforms for R and R-L loads (AHEP C1/M1, C2/M2, C3/M3). 

LO5. Establish the knowledge of burst controlled regulators for AC loads (AHEP C1/M1, C3/M3). 

LO6. Critique the principles and reasons for pulse width modulation in inverters (AHEP C1/M1, C4/M4) . 

The module will be delivered through a blend of online pre-recording materials and on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, feedback sessions), learning material, and guided study. A number of industrial guest lectures will be delivered to cover practical applications and illustrate engineering problems. These are used to explain the principles of power electronics and to develop the students’ understanding of the analysis and design of converter systems and their relevance in engineering applications. You are expected to undertake all the tutorial sheets issued throughout the module to broaden their understanding and skills of problem-solving related to power electronics.  

Subject-Specific Skills: 

In addition to developing problem solving and Independent and critical thinking that link to the relevant Graduate Attributes the module will support you in developing skills in:  

• Design DC and AC converters with various circuit topologies.  

• Analyse the converter operation by waveform assessment and quantitative calculation.  

• Perform thermal calculations for power devices.  

• Calculate the operating limits of series and parallel arrays of power devices.  

Professional & Practical Skills (AHEP4): 

• C1 Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study 
  • M1 Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering 
• C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles 
  • M2 Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• C3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed 
  • M3 Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed 
• C4 Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems 
  • M4 Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems 

Transferable/Employability Skills (Graduate Attributes): 

• Collaboration Skills: 

  • C1: Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team, having an impact from the outset 
  • C3: Be respectful of the roles of others and acknowledge the limits of their own skills/experience 

• Effective Communicators: 

  • EC1: Listen to and take account of the views of others 
  • EC2: Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences 
  • EC3: Contribute to discussions, negotiate and present with impact 
  • EC4: Deliver, accept and act on constructive feedback 

• Ethically, socially and environmentally aware: 

  • ESA1: Consider own personal and professional ethical, social and environmental responsibilities, and act as global citizens 
  • ESA2: Demonstrate personal and professional integrity, reliability and competence 
  • ESA3: Understand organisations, their stakeholders and their impact on the community 
  • ESA5: Be mindful of the Climate Emergency and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 

• Independent and critical thinkers 

  • ICT1: Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgement in evaluating sources of information 
  • ICT2: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and engage in the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding 
  • ICT3: Investigate problems and offer effective solutions, reflecting on and learning from successes and failures 

• Innovative, enterprising and commercially aware: 

  • IEC1: Generate original ideas and apply creative, imaginative and innovative thinking in response to identified needs and problems 

• Reflective & Resilient 

  • RR1: Actively reflect on own studies, achievements and self-identity 
  • RR2: Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges, and be open to change 
  • RR4: Engage with new ideas, opportunities and technologies, building knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about own future

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

The module is assessed through a summative  formal written examination (LO 1-6).   The written examination allows the students to evaluate their knowledge of LOs of the whole module.  

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT  

Formative assessment is provided through tutorials which are delivered throughout the module.  

 THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:    

Reassessment of this module will be in the format of a written exam. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.    

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

In order to pass the module and obtain 10 credits, the minimum overall pass mark of 40% must be achieved. 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment during the August Resit period (LO 1-6). 

 THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:   

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period.   

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.

• Series and parallel combination of semiconductor devices.  

• Thermal calculations of semiconductor devices.  

• DC - DC conversion - Basic configurations and operation of boost and buck-boost converters.   

• Configurations and basic operation of voltage source inverters.  

• Diode rectifiers with R-L loads.  

• Thyristor rectifiers with R-L loads.  

• Phase controlled rectifiers.  

• AC/AC power regulators.