ES4F2 - Control of Electrical Drives

Module code: ES4F2
Module name: Control of Electrical Drives
Department: School of Engineering
Credit: 15

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

Modern electrical drives are complex electromechanical systems combining electrical machines, power electronic converters, control and protection circuits. The aim of the module is to develop an advanced understanding and systematic analysis and design skills on integration of electrical machines and power electronics into up-to-date electrical drives with predefined and required control quality. It will include development of conceptual functional block diagrams of the electrical drives, their mathematical modelling and simulation, systematic design of required controllers, advanced analysis of steady state and dynamic drives’ characteristics, electrical schematics and modern practical implementation.

Principal learning outcomes

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

Develop specialised knowledge of steady state and dynamic characteristics of DC and AC electrical machines fed from power converters for smooth start and open loop control operation.
Perform systematic design of closed loop torque, velocity and position control of direct current drives, including armature current limitation and field weakening.
Perform systematic design of frequency controlled and field oriented vector control induction motor drives with closed velocity loops.
Analyse complex wound rotor induction machine drives with control from the rotor side.
Evaluate the quality of zero d-axis current control, maximum torque per ampere control and maximum efficiency control of permanent magnet synchronous motors.