Module Catalogue 2026/27

EEE8147 : Advanced Power Electronics and Applications

EEE8147 : Advanced Power Electronics and Applications

  • Offered for Year: 2026/27
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Mohamed Dahidah
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

Electrical/Electronic Engineering first degree or other equivalent qualification.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to cover selected areas of power electronics in greater depth. This includes: modelling and control of power converters, advanced dc/dc converters and multilevel and modular power electronic converters. The module aims also to explore the role of power electronic converters in emerging applications such as renewable energy integration and electrical transportation.

Outline Of Syllabus

Review of basic dc/dc power electronics converters.

Basic control and modeling of dc/dc power converters.

Isolated dc/dc converters such as, fly-back and forward, and full-bridge dc/dc converters

Introduction to resonant power converters.

Introduction to multilevel and modular converters.

Application examples of power electronic converters, such as: power supplies, electric vehicle battery chargers, renewable energy integration, etc.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. By the end of the module a student will be able to:

-       describe the basic operating principles of switch-mode dc/dc power converters and differentiate between isolated and non-isolated dc/dc power converters (M1, M3).
-       explain the control and modelling of basic power electronic converter (M2, M4).
-       recognise the operation of resonant converters and their advantages over hard-switched converters (M1, M3).
-       describe the basic structure and operation of multilevel converters and their distinctive features over the conventional converters (M4).
-       illustrate the rule of power electronic converters in various industrial applications, such as power supplies, transportation, and renewable energy integration (M5).

Intended Skill Outcomes

The mapping of certain AHEPv4 learning outcomes to each intended knowledge outcome is indicated in each point. On satisfactory completion of the course students should be able to:

-       explain the basic operation of switch-mode power electronic converters (M1, M3).
-       develop a good insight about the modelling and control of power electronic converters (M1, M3).
-       examine the benefits of soft-switching in power electronic converters (M1, M3).
-       distinguish between multilevel and modular power electronic converters and their conventional converters counterpart (M4).
-       identify and compare power electronic circuit for a given application (M5).
-       communicate technical information in a concise and precise fashion via a technical report (M12).

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion110:0010:00Revision for online NUMBAS test
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Formatively assessed online NUMBAS test at the end of the second week.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture122:0024:004 x 2hr lectures per week over 3 weeks
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Revision of final exam.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Final exam (closed book), in assessment period.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion115:0015:00Writing of summatively assessed report on a lab experiment.
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading172:0072:00Review lecture notes; general reading.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical13:003:001x3hr Laboratory sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching31:003:001x1hr tutorial per week, over 3 weeks, covering tutorial sheets.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study43:0012:00Reading activity to supplement knowledge of material taught each week.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study240:3012:00Pre-recorded materials to supplement knowledge of material taught each week.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study240:3012:00Student study time of pre-recorded material.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesScheduled on-line contact time31:003:001x1hr per week (online via Zoom), over 3 weeks
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In-person lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture. Problem solving and practice are integrated into the lecture structure through weekly in-person tutorial sessions. Weekly online (via Zoom) simulation seminars are arranged to provide students with a context to examine the theoretical knowledge gained during lectures and reflect upon the principles in an applied context.
The laboratory session provides an opportunity to gain practical experience with a variety of instruments and validate the theory introduced in lectures.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1201A802 hour, in person, closed book exam
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Report1M20Report on a lab experiment, max 1500 words
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment1MOnline Test (NUMBAS) to be set at the end of week 2
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve engineering problems focused on power electronics converters and their applications, based on the knowledge and methodology presented in the course material (M1, M2, M3). The LAB report assesses technical writing skills and provides the opportunity for the students to apply practical/design skills to validate the theory taught on the course (M12).
The formative computer-based assessment will assess the students’ current level of understanding of the material taught up to the middle of the block and provide useful feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
Weekly online (via Zoom) provide students with theoretical knowledge which allows them to reflect upon the principles in an applied context (M4).

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2026 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2027/28 entry will be published here in early-April 2027. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.