ECE 377 Electrical and Electromechanical Power Conversion

3 undergraduate credits

Instructor: Professor Robert D. Lorenz
Phone: 608/262-5343
E-mail: lorenz@engr.wisc.edu

Course objective:
To develop knowledge of basic physical laws for electromagnetic actuators and motors, and of magnetic equivalent circuit analysis for design of reluctance actuators and power electronics circuits used for actuators, motors, and power supplies.

Course description:
This course examines fundamentals of 1) electromagnetic induction for power transfer across air gaps, with a focus on the field and circuit calculations that can be made on resonant circuit applications such as induction heating and/or air gap transformers; 2) Lorentz forces to produce electromagnetic forces in air gaps, with a focus on the analysis of both line operation and closed loop controlled operation of DC and AC motors and linear actuators; and 3) electrical power conversion using power electronics, with a focus on basic operation of switching power converters, and on basic power conversion calculations and control of converters used for motor drives and direct power converters. Five three-hour laboratories evaluate power conversion in air gaps in power electronic converters.

Prerequisite:
Calculus and differential equations, physics, and electrical and electronic circuits or consent of instructor.

Homework:
Weekly assignments.

Laboratory:
Five three-hour prerecorded labs. Lab data will be provided. Students will watch lab, analyze data, and develop a conclusion.

Exams:
Two exams plus final.

Computer software:
MATLAB. Visit this webpage for information about software availability: Tethered Software at Computer-aided Engineering. A student version of MATLAB is available for purchase. Contact the Office of Engineering Outreach for details.

Textbook/Course Notes:
Understanding Modern Power Conversion, R.D. Lorenz and L.P. Haines, 3rd Ed., WEMPEC Publishing (contact the Office of Engineering Outreach for a copy.

Course homepage:
http://learnuw.wisc.edu