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Module

EEE3003 : Introduction to the Basics of Modern Power Electronics (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Volker Pickert
  • 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
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

To enhance knowledge and understanding of power electronic converters and their application in power electronic systems.
To enhance knowledge and understanding of power electronic devices and their application in power electronic converters.
To provide students with the skills and techniques necessary to analyse and synthesise power electronic circuits utilising modern power electronic devices.

Outline Of Syllabus

Overview of semiconductor switches and passive components used in power electronics

Understand pros and cons of different power semiconductor switches
Understand how passive components impact voltage and current waveforms


Introduction to the main converter topologies

Learn about the fundamental principles of power electronic converter topologies: ac-dc, dc-dc,
dc-ac and ac-ac

Gain knowledge about the operation at different operational scenarios

Learn basic principles in the control of power converters

Identify and determine specific component values and voltage/current waveforms analytically


Design of power converters

Understand EMI based on harmonics calculations and how to minimize and prevent EMI

Understand the need of gate driver circuits and how they operate

Investigate different protection elements  

Learn about thermal management and how to cool power devices effectively

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Final Exam in Assessment Period
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion51:005:00Revision and formative test by mid-term. 1x1hr test and 4x1hr revision
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:001:00Formatively feedback on mid-term test in middle of semester (PIP)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:001X1hr lecture provided by industry (PIP)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture51:005:005x1hr lecture every 2nd week over 11 weeks (PIP) addressing one specific challenge including solutio
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:002x1hr lectures per week over 10 weeks (PIP)
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion141:0014:00Revision for final exam
Structured Guided LearningStructured non-synchronous discussion110:0010:00Tutorial questions for home learning and self-study
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity142:0042:00Reviewing lecture notes; general reading
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provides the core material and tutorial sessions give students the opportunity to query material taught. Both will be taught face-to-face.

Problem solving is practiced through lectures and tutorial sessions.

Additional tutorial questions will be handed out at the start of the module for home learning and self-study.

Further problem solving is practiced during private study.

Assessment Methods

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

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1201A100Closed-Book Exam
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
Aural Examination1MTest will be conducted from home. Results will be discussed during lecture (PiP)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam allows students to demonstrate their ability to solve power electronics engineering problems. Many of the exam questions require solving problems by providing tables, equations, discussing operations of given circuits, solving problems within provided attachments, and solving problems using graphs and photographs.
Therefore, enough information is provided to allow a closed-book exam.

The formative assessment will assess the students’ current level of understanding of the material taught up to the middle of the semester and will provide useful feedback on the gained understanding of the subject.

Reading Lists

Timetable