ENG3502 : Electric Drives - Application, Control and Manufacture
ENG3502 : Electric Drives - Application, Control and Manufacture
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Matthew Armstrong
- 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: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The module introduces students to these aspects of electric drive systems: structure, configuration, motor and load types, high performance control, and industrial applications. It aims to enhance the students’ understanding of electric drive systems and to show the relationship between the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.
Outline Of Syllabus
Basic drive configurations and load characteristics; two and four quadrant drives; dynamic braking and regeneration; constant torque and field weakening strategies; examples for high bandwidth torque requirement.
DC Drives: dc motor modelling; state space models; use of H-bridge for variable supply voltage; current ripple; electrical and mechanical system transfer functions; armature current and rotor speed control; cascade control structures; digital control basics; position measuring devices; step-by-step tuning method for proportional-integral controllers for drives; additive disturbance rejection and steady-state error.
AC Drives: configurations of three-phase power electronic converter; induction motor drive basics and open-loop V/F control; space vector theory; three-phase to two-phase transformation; PM machine dynamic equations; torque control of brushless dc motor; reference frame transformation; vector control of permanent magnet synchronous motor; dynamic model of induction motor; rotor flux-oriented vector control of induction motor drives; decoupled flux and torque control; torque control at high dynamics; indirect and direct rotor flux-oriented vector control of induction machines; voltage space vector generation through a three-phase power electronic converter; mathematical basis for space vector modulation; centre-aligned PWM modulation strategy; phase duty cycle calculations.
Advanced control concepts and computer simulation: dc motor simulation; unipolar and bipolar H-Bridge modulation for DC drives; digital current and speed control of a dc motor drive; three-phase power electronic converter with RL load; space vectors, phase and reference-frame transformations; modelling and control of a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive.
Case study: Study of a 24V digitally controlled drive system – electronics design and control software issues.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners should be able to:
• Demonstrate awareness of both AC and DC electric drives system technology and compare methods of control.
• Demonstrate awareness of commonly employed power circuits and control systems.
• Analysis and application of advanced techniques in drive systems.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners should be able to:
• Ability to analyse and design practical control systems for electric drives.
• Ability to construct and critically test drive simulation studies.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (in person) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Revision and completion of the computer based assessment (formative) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Reviewing recorded lecture materials |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Revision and completion of the written examination (summative) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (recorded) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Practical skills development; design for manufacture focus |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Private study - exercises, practice and self-testing (some computer based) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Formalisation, write-up, and submission of lab report (coursework) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 70 | 1:00 | 70:00 | Distance Learning - Work Based Degree Apprenticeship |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Private study - use of notes, supplement understanding of lectures |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide the core material and give students the opportunity to engage with set questions and query material covered in the lecture. Degree Apprenticeship learners will spend significant time in the work place. Therefore, substantial recorded material will be made available for learners to study flexibly whilst off-campus.
Practical knowledge is gained through the laboratory where students will design, build and test a power converter and attendance at the computer cluster room where students will learn about modelling of power converters.
Tutorial sheets will be provided at the start of the module for home learning and self-study. Further problem solving is practiced during private study.
Time for distance learning is factored into the module. Given this is a Degree Apprenticeship programme, time may also be spent on employer-based skills training, linked to the module content.
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 Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Examination on full syllabus |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 50 | Coursework - lab report (2000 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 assessment | 1 | M | Mid-module test (60 mins). Practice for written examination. Can be taken anytime. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Knowledge acquired will be tested via the closed book examination. (summative)
Practical skills, critical analysis and interpretation of data will be tested via the technical lab report. (summative)
Computer Based Assessment will provide an opportunity for practice, and mid module self-reflection on learning, in advance of the summative examination. (formative)
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ENG3502's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ENG3502's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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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.