ENG3503 : Electrical Machines - Application, Design and Manufacture
ENG3503 : Electrical Machines - Application, Design 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
Investigate various machine topologies, be able to develop analytical models to obtain operating characteristics.
To be able to analyse and extract results and performance data for a variety of machines using numerical methods.
To experience operating machines in a laboratory setting and to be able to extract, process, and interpret experimental results.
To gain a contemporary understanding of research in electrical machines and their applications, in particular emerging trends in the automotive and aerospace areas, and new manufacturing technologies.
Sustainability of electrical machines and their applications will be looked at.
Outline Of Syllabus
Mechanical Modelling: Understanding that the machine and load is a mechanical system and being able to analyse the steady state and transient effects. Understanding the sources of loss in the system and how these can be reduced for improved efficiency.
DC Machines: Understanding their principle of operation as a basis for more complex machines. Derivation and understanding of equivalent circuits and torque / speed characteristics for various DC, Universal, and Brushless DC machines. An introduction to the drive and control arrangements for BLDC machines.
Synchronous machines: Modelling and understanding Highly efficient synchronous machines used for generation and propulsion.
Asynchronous machines: Modelling and understanding the induction machine and loads. Characteristics, operating principle and equivalent circuit. Deriving the Induction Machine parameters from a series of standard tests. Modelling the IM performance and interaction with loads.
Electrical machine applications, for example; state of the art in automotive and aerospace applications, new manufacturing technologies, sustainability, and the circular economy.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners will be able to:
•classify the various types of electrical machines understand the advantages and disadvantages of each, and in an application specific manner. (M4, M7, M1)
•define torque-speed and efficiency characteristics. (M1, M2, M3)
•analyse and interpret measured characteristics to infer general machine performance (M1,M2,M3,M6)
•model, analyse and interpret simulated machine characteristics to infer general machine performance. (M1,M2,M3,M6,M12)
•demonstrate awareness of electrical machine applications, limits on performance, and have an overview of new and emerging technologies and manufacturing techniques. (M1,M2,M3,M6,M8,M12)
•demonstrate awareness of the environmental issues surrounding electrical machines and their applications.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, learners will be able to:
•develop the skills required to create an analytical model of various electrical machine types and their load (M1,M2,M3)
•extract relevant information from literature and gain a top-level understanding of electrical machine applications.
•demonstrate awareness and practical skills in electrical machine manufacture and assembly.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Lectures (recorded) |
| 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) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Private study - exercises, practice and self-testing (some computer based) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | Practical Skills development; design for manufacture focus |
| 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.
Hands-on knowledge and skills are gained through practical sessions.
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/
- ENG3503's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- ENG3503's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
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.