The modules on this course are timetabled in a way that makes it easier for part-time students to attend. Typically, students attend one day per week over a block of five to six weeks. The modules offer:
- Expert lecturer-led tuition
- Relevant printed lecture notes and course material
- A section of example questions and design exercises to enable you to develop further understanding of the material after the course through self-guided study
- Access to University facilities including computer resources, library, laboratories
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
After completing the taught components of the course, you will undertake a major piece of advanced independent research under the supervision of a specialist in your chosen area.
We will provide you with advice and guidance while you select and refine your area of study, and offer close supervision and support as you complete your research and your MSc.
The MSc Power Electronics, Machines and Drives can be taken on a part-time basis over a period of up to four years. This course is for UK-based students only.
Students normally select eight taught modules, most of which are 15 credits. If you successfully complete 120 taught credits, you will be entitled to a Postgraduate Diploma in Power Electronics, Machines and Drives.
You will also have the option of converting this qualification to an MSc by completing a project.
Projects are usually undertaken in the learner’s work place and normally encompass tasks completed during "normal duties".
You may be interested to know that we also offer an MSc and Postgraduate Diploma Power Electronics and Drives, which is taught at the University on a full-time basis.
In this module a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The student will carry out a practical or theoretical project chosen from the current interests of the staff member concerned. The student will be expected to conduct a literature survey, undertake practical or theoretical work and write a dissertation on this work.
This module addresses the control of AC drives and consists of a lecture component (10 credits) and a design and assessment project (10 credits)
The lecture component covers vector controlled induction motor drives and permanent magnet motor drives. Vector control is covered in depth covering the concept of space vectors, dq representation of 3-phase machines, dynamic equation structure and the concepts of direct and indirect flux orientation. Implementation of Indirect Vector Control, including current flux and speed control is covered in some detail and includes the effect of incorrect parameters.
Both AC and Brushless DC permanent magnet motor drives are introduced. The vector control concepts learned for induction machines are applied to AC PM machines. The concept of salient and non-salient AC PM machines are covered leading to the vector control using maximum torque per amp control strategies. Finally the field weakening control of both non-salient and salient PM machines are considered.
The project component is a design and simulation exercise using MATLAB/Simulink. The student is required to design an indirect vector controlled induction motor drive, implement the design in Simulink, and undertake evaluative tests covering current and speed loop performance, including field weakening for high speed. The exercise covers investigating the effects of parameter variation and designing engineered solutions to reducing the sensitivity.
This module considers the design and integration of existing and future Power Electronic Devices. Power semiconductor devices: Introduction (review of electrical characteristics, physics); Power module construction (functional components, variants); Layout issues, stray inductance, partial discharge Passive devices: Capacitors (types, characteristics); Wound components Thermal management: Theory, developing thermal models; Analysis of gas and liquid-cooled systems (nat and forced convection) Reliability: Wear-out mechanisms; Optional practical - study of wear-out failures; Relibility testing/qualification; Reliability driven design and physics of failure; Analysis of wear-out mechanisms Integration: Introduction ; Schematic to system methodologies; CAD tools (use of); Packaging; Multi-functional components; Examples