MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGM11 – ELECTRICAL MACHINES AND POWER ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
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Taught by:
MECHGM11
MECHGR11, MECHM009
ELECTRICAL MACHINES AND POWER ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
M
15/6
September
March
Dr R. Bucknall (Module Coordinator)
Various Guest Lecturers
Prerequisites:
Mathematics to second year undergraduate level to include complex number theory, ordinary differential
equations linear, non-linear 1st order and linear 2nd order homogenous with constant coefficients.
Electricity at first year undergraduate level to include basic theory and circuit analysis i.e. Kirchoff’s
Laws, Ohm’s Law, Faraday’s law, Thevenin equivalent circuits, single-phase and dc circuit analysis.
Course Aims
To develop - an appreciation of the wide and diverse role in which electrical machines and power
electronic systems are used; an understanding of design methods for electro-mechanical system
design; and an ability to use analytical and computer simulation methods in their analysis.
Students having successfully completed the course will have the ability to:

Appreciate the range of electrical machines and power electronic systems and understand
why different designs are being used in different applications.

Appreciate power electronic devices used in the control of different motors and generators and
understand how these devices are used together to make a range of different drive systems.

Analyse constant and variable speed electrical drive systems so as to calculate key parameters
such as torque, speed, efficiency, and power under steady-state and transient conditions.
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Use computer based simulation tools to analyse electrical machine and power electronic system
behaviour with an understanding of the mathematical algorithms upon which such tools are based.

Understand the ‘state of the art’ in electrical machines and power electronic systems and
appreciate advanced materials and topologies that are influencing future designs.
Content
Electro-magnetism and rare earth permanent magnets; materials used in electrical machines and power
electronic systems; transformers; induction machines; synchronous machines; relationships between
magnetic-electrical-mechanical forces; special and advanced machines; superconducting machines;
power electronic devices including IGBT, Thyristor, etc; rectifier circuits; inverter circuits; frequency
changing circuits; chopper circuits; use of resonance in power electronic systems; practical applications
of electrical machines and power electronic systems; equivalent circuit analysis methods; D-Q methods;
simulation techniques and performance analysis, motor control methods such as flux vector control.
Method of Instruction
Levelling (2 hrs); Classroom lectures (24 hrs); Computer based learning (2 hrs); Classroom
tutorials (6 hrs); Revision (2 hrs).
Assessment
The course has the following assessment components:
 Written Examination (2 hours, 65%) to be sat in March.
 1 piece of coursework (10 hours 35%) to be submitted in January
The examination rubric is:
Answer THREE questions (from eight offered) in 2 hours.
The coursework rubic:
Write a pseudo ‘conference’ paper on a selected topic and give a short presentation. Topics include
electric motors in ship propulsion, device developments, motor control circuits such as PWM drives.
Resources
There are various papers and articles provided by the lecturer covering the course. In addition students
have access to a computer based simulation packages, and electrical laboratory.
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Recommended text book:
Electrical Machines, Drives and Power Systems (6th Edition),
Theodore Wildi, Prentice Hall ISBN-10: 0131776916
Additional Information
None
Learning Outcomes1 MECHGM11, MECHGR11, MECHM009
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
N/A
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
As with all taught modules on the programme a significant amount of self learning is expected.
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
N/A
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
The module is designed to present new subject matter at M level understanding of which is
then tested by an exam, a technical and presentation.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
The module is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the wide and diverse role in
which electrical machines and power electronic systems are used; an understanding of design
methods for electro-mechanical system design; and an understanding of the mathematical
algorithms upon which such tools computer simulation methods are based.
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by, the
forefront of the specialisation.
The whole subject area is rapidly developing and the module strives to keep up to date with latest
developments feeding in output from the department’s research where appropriate. For instance
for propulsion there is an increasing use of motors with rare earth permanent magnets.
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the ability
to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
The module is designed to present new subject matter at M level, understanding of which is then
tested by an exam and a single report written in the style of a technical paper. A laboratory
demonstration is also provided. In addition a visit is arranged to a machine manufacturer usually
Converteam.
1
EAB website htto://www.enoab.oro.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than
MEng last accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
The module strives to keep abreast of the state of the art and provide students with the tools to
understand these and appreciate advances in technology and control that are influencing future
designs. Students are exposed to the benefits of various electrical machine arrangements electric
drive systems as being used in transport which is utilised as part of their group project work (separate
module) or in ships the recent growth in electrical propulsion.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Students are taught to use computer based software, (PSCAD electrical system simulation package)
and given an understanding of the algorithm design, to enable them to analyse electrical
machine and power electronic system behaviour.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
N/A
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
N/A
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations,
and how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
N/A
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
N/A
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
Throughout the course theoretical and practical aspects are discussed. For instance for induction
machines the theory is supported by practical use by considering international standards on
design and operation performance (types) and also regulations such as NEMA efficiency.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
N/A
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
Students undertake a coursework when they apply their engineering knowledge and research an
electrical machines or power electronic/converter issue that is current and in doing so they identify
commercial and regulatory pressures. This is further reinforced through industry lectures and
industrial visits.
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