Module overview
The module aims to provide a detailed understanding of all aspects of the selection, sizing and operation of modern electrical machines and drive systems. Through the module, students will be able to learn to design electromechanical devices, identify different types of electrical machines and their suitability for different applications. The derivation of equations describing operation of machines, formulate relevant equivalent circuits and analyse simple problems related to operation of electrical machines and drives will be studied. In addition, methods for solving large systems of equations and the role of CAD in engineering design will be covered.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse a specific application and produce the drive requirements that will result in the selection of sizing of a suitable drive system.
- Conduct simple experiments on rotating electrical machines and transformers
- Undertake virtual prototyping of electromagnetic devices, by setting up models and solving them via FE software
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The principles of operation of electrical generators and motors; fundamental characteristics of various types of machines
- Construction and design issues associated with electrical machines
- Fundamentals of modelling, simulation techniques and components of CAD systems for Electromagnetics and Electrical Machines.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply equivalent circuits to performance prediction, interpret results and correlate them with theoretical predictions, perform design calculations for drives.
- Describe the characteristics of various types of electrical machines; advantages and disadvantages that different motors drives will bring to an application
- Understand the operation of modern drive systems applied to industrial applications including robotics and advanced machine tools.
- Solve problems related to the analysis of performance and characteristics of electrical machines.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss the wide range of issues that impact on the use of drive system in the industrial context, including safety, efficiency, sustainability and costs.
- Transfer understanding and theories from one discipline to another, in particular from the mechanical design to the electrical power domain.
- Use CAD packages.
Syllabus
Principles of electric machines and transformers.
- Function of transformers, construction, equivalent circuit and operation; regulation, single- and three-phase connections, parallel operation; Auto-transformers.
- Underlying concepts and features of rotating machines, fundamental torque equation, rotating field principle, generated EMF, air-gap mmf and permeance;
- Concepts and features of linear machines, compare and contrast with rotating machines
- Construction of different types of electrical machines windings and winding factors, conductors and insulation systems.
Introduction to CAD and the CAD environment.
- Hierarchical design
- Pre- and post-processing, automatic and adaptive meshing.
- Design Environment, optimisation, future trends.
Numerical solution of large systems of equations.
- The finite element method for virtual prototyping
- Analysis of errors, matrix and vector norms, condition numbers.
Alternating current machines
- Synchronous machines: output equation, armature reaction, phasor diagram, synchronous reactance, equivalent circuit, load angle
- Induction motors: equivalent circuit, analysis of machine equations, speed/torque curves, starting performance
- Single-phase AC motors: single phase induction motors, universal motors, permanent magnet and reluctance machines, and vector-controlled AC motor drives.
Direct current machines.
- Basic equations and steady-state characteristics, field form and armature reaction, commutation; brushless DC motors
The Drive Environment:
- Robotic and machine tool applications
- Introduction to position and speed control systems for AC and DC machines
- Dynamics and load characteristics, power transmission, environmental factors
- Determination of speed and torque requirements, motion profiles, installation considerations.
Design of electric machines and specification of Drive Systems:
- Main steps of electrical machine design, considering electrical, mechanical and thermal limitations
- Mechanical transmission elements, gears, leadscrews, belts etc.
- Sizing algorithms.
- Integration of controllers into the drive package.
Operation of electric machines
- Synchronous machine on infinite busbars, generators and motor operation, power factor correction.
- Consideration of specific drives and their operating characteristics.
Testing of electric machines.
- Measurement of equivalent circuit parameters.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading and tutorials.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities, tutorials and problem classes, along with formative assessments in the form of coursework assignments and problem sheets.
Students work on their practical skills and technical understanding in technical laboratories.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Specialist Laboratory | 9 |
Revision | 8 |
Practical classes and workshops | 12 |
Completion of assessment task | 67 |
Lecture | 24 |
Follow-up work | 12 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Wider reading or practice | 12 |
Total study time | 154 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
J. Weidauer, R. Messer (2014). Electrical Drives: Principles, Planning, Applications, Solutions. Publicis Publishing.
Charles I Hubert (1991). Electric Machines, Theory, Operation, Application, Adjustment and Control. Macmillan Publishing Company.
Hammond P & Sykulski J K (1994). Engineering Electromagnetism - Physical Processes and Computation. Oxford University Press.
A E Fitzgerald, Charles Kingsley, Stephen D Umans (2002). Electric Machinery. Mc-Graw-Hill Higher Education.
Sarma M S (1994). Electric Machines, Steady-state Theory and Dynamic Performance. West Publishing Company.
Denis O'Kelly (1991). Performance and Control of Electrical Machines. Mc-Graw Hill Book Company.
K Karsai, D Kereny, L Kiss (1987). Studies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 25, Large Power Transformers. Elsevier.
Dino Zorbas (1989). Electric Machines, Principles, Applications, and Control Schematics. West Publishing Company.
John Hindmarsh (1995). Electrical Machines and their Applications. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Stephen J Chapman (2001). Electrical Machinery and Power System Fundamentals. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
K.T. Chau (2015). Electric Vehicle Machines and Drives – Design, Analysis and Application. Wiley.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 45% |
Examination | 40% |
Laboratory | 15% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External