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AC Machines & Power Electronics - ELE00047I

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  • Department: Electronic Engineering
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

The module further develops students' understanding of electrical machines by introducing the operational principles and characteristics of AC machines, three phase circuits and complex power. It introduces the principles, operation and design of common power electronic converter circuits

Related modules

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

Subject content aims:

  • To introduce students to the concept of three phase circuits and complex power.
  • To introduce students to the structure and operating principles of AC electrical machines.
  • To introduce students to the principles, operation and design of common power electronic converter circuits.

Graduate skills aims:

  • To develop skills in basic numerical and analytical techniques.

  • To develop professional laboratory working practices.

Module learning outcomes

After successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Explain the concept of power factor and for an inductive, capacitive or resistive load be able to state if the power factor is lagging or leading.Explain the concept of complex power and calculate the real, reactive and apparent power in single phase and three phase circuits.
  • Solve for the voltage and currents in three phase AC systems for Y or loads.
  • Draw the I vs V characteristics and describe the operating characteristics of common power electronic devices.
  • Draw the circuit diagrams for and understand the operation of common rectifier circuits.
  • Explain the operation of and design simple SMPSU circuits, including buck and boost DC-DC converters.
  • Explain the operation of half and full bridge inverter circuits driving resistive and inductive loads.
  • Describe the construction and principles of operation for a synchronous AC machine and an induction machine.
  • Explain the speed/torque characteristic curve for an induction machine and know the common applications for each type of AC and DC machine.
  • Describe the applications of power electronic converters to DC/AC motor drives.

Graduate skills learning outcomes:

  • Explain commonly encountered technical concepts concisely and accurately

  • Select and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve problems

  • Effectively plan and manage their time in a laboratory setting

  • Develope skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period. The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Indicative reading

Fitzgerald & Kingsley's Electric Machinery, Stephen D. Umans, Charles Kingsley, McGraw-Hill Education, 2004



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.