Power electronics are the main enabling technologies for modern electricity, energy and drive systems, and have been widely used in the industries. This module covers two parts: power electronic converters and machine drives. It is built upon the modules EN3058 (Power Electronics) and extended to sophisticated designs and applications. 

The aims of the module are: 

• to extend and deepen students’ knowledge, skills and understanding of power electronics and electrical drives 

• to consider recent developments in power conversion and drives 

• to ensure that students become familiar with and gain experience with the principal avenues for life-long learning in these technical fields. 

1. Systematically understand configurations and functions of various converters (DC/DC, AC/DC, AC/DC and DC/AC) incorporating isolation features. 
2. Establish the typical output waveforms and evaluate converter operation performance 
3. Comprehend merits of the converter types and outline the factors affecting operating limits. 
4. Explain the composition and operation of a typical Brushless DC scheme, (BDC). 
5. Outline the design features in two types of BDC scheme providing low torque ripple. 
6. Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of inverter-fed synchronous machine schemes of both the BDC types and the high-power type incorporating commercial converters and wound-field motors. 

The module will be delivered through a blend of online teaching and learning material, guided study, on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, feedback sessions. These are used to explain the principles of power electronics and machine drives, to develop the skills of students on the analysis and design of converter and drive systems, and to link their relevance in engineering applications. Students are expected to undertake all the tutorial sheets issued throughout the module to broaden their understanding and skills of problem-solving. These sessions will help the students towards meeting the learning outcomes. 

These skills link with the graduate attributes of ‘independent and critical thinkers’  

• Undertake basic design and prediction tasks for DC/DC converter based SMPS (switching mode power supply) systems incorporating isolation features. 

• Design converter circuits for AC/AC, AC/DC and DC/AC conversions. 

• Apply the converter design and operation knowledge for practical applications. 

• Carry out basic performance predictions using simplified models of inverter-fed synchronous machine drives. 

• Carry out basic performance predictions for dc moving coil, dc moving magnet and reluctance actuators. 

• Estimate using simple feed circuit models, the harmonic voltages caused by specified motor current waveforms. 

• Make estimates of drive costs using simplified models. 

The module is assessed via 90-minute examination at the end of the Semester (60%) and Coursework (40%). The module pass mark is 50%. 

The exam consists of four equally weighted compulsory questions, 2 questions from Power Electronic Converter section which covers MLO 1 2 and 3, and 2 questions from Drives section which covers MLO 4 5 and 6. The questions reflecting the main themes of the module including open-ended questions on the theoretical content of the module. 

The Coursework consists of two tasks, one on design of a selected converter (20%) which covers MLO 1 2 and 3, and one on design of machine drives (20%) which covers MLO 4 5 and 6. Two reports, one for each task, need to be submitted. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module will be set at component level. The remit of the reassessment will be set by the module leader mapped against the module learning outcomes. 

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.

SMPS incorporating isolation features; bridge, resonant and Cûk converters; operation and design; converter choice factors. 
 
Three phase AC/DC converters: rectifiers and inverters, operation and operating limits. 
 
Three phase AC/AC converters: AC power regulators and matrix converters. 
 
Active rectifiers. 
 
Driver circuits for power devices. 
 
Power electronic converter design case study. 
 
Duty cycle operation of motor drive systems. 
 
Variable frequency synchronous machine, brushless dc and switched reluctance drives. 
 
EMC aspects of drives; harmonic currents generated by drives including regulatory aspects. 
 
Limited motion actuators using moving coil, reluctance and moving magnet principles. 
 
Drive selection factors and comparison