41278 Power Electronics
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 48530c Circuit Analysis and Design
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Description
Power electronics is an enabling technology of several significant global technological transformations such as grid integration of renewable energy and energy storage systems, electrification of transportation, microgrids, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Internet of Energy (IoE). Power electronics use power converters with dedicated control strategies and protection devices to perform voltage, current and frequency conversions among power and energy sources, and electrical loads.
This subject introduces the core principles and applications of power electronics, including current and future challenges and opportunities. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the theory, design, and implementation of power electronic circuits by delving into the characteristics of power semiconductor devices, circuit topologies, and power conversion techniques. Through a combination of theory, hands-on laboratory experiments, and project work, students develop skills to analyse, design, and troubleshoot power electronic circuits. Advanced concepts such as multilevel converters, magnetics design and power factor correction techniques are also covered. By the end of the subject, students are equipped to design efficient power electronic systems, analyse their performance, and apply this knowledge in practical applications.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Analyse the impact of power electronics on utility supply and the environment. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design solutions to implement and test power electronic circuits according to customised specifications and industry standards. (C.1) |
| 3. | Use appropriate mathematical models, simulation and design tools and datasheets to analyse and design power electronic devices, circuits, and systems. (D.1.) |
| 4. | Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills through laboratory experiments and project work. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:
- 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
- 1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
- 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.4 Professional use and management of information.
- 3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is scheduled for 4 hours per week and is delivered via specific learning modalities that aim to achieve both technical knowledge and practical engagement through teamwork, simulating the real work environment by tackling different challenges in power electronics.
Students participate in active learning opportunities in basic power electronic knowledge and develop technical skills through a series of lecture videos/recordings, which are completed before class so that related in-class quizzes, tutorials and lab work can be successfully completed.
As part of communicating and collaborating effectively in this subject, students will be required to demonstrate effective team membership and team leadership by forming professional-like teams to work on different power electronics projects. Teams are aided and guided by tutors who are knowledgeable and experienced in the design, development and testing of power electronic converters.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend tutorial and lab sessions which are designed to aid successful project and laboratory experiment outcomes, to get common knowledge and practical skills in power electronics. These interactive sessions are designed as building blocks of learning during which tutors expect students to take advantage of the timely feedback and advice aimed to improve progress.
Formal assessments of the project deliverable and final discussion paper occur at the end of the session and during the assessment period.
Content (topics)
- Power electronics applications
- Power semiconductors and passive devices
- Analysis and design of basic DC/DC power converters such as buck, boost, buck-boost, and full-bridge converters
- Operation analysis of isolated switch-mode power supply topologies such as flyback and forward converters
- Single-phase and three-phase DC/AC inverters
- Voltage and current harmonics of rectifiers and inverters
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Exercises
| Intent: | To demonstrate correct application of mathematical proof, circuit diagrams and some waveform drawings to explain the solutions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
Assessment task 2: Practical laboratory work
| Intent: | To demonstrate competence in design using technical knowledge and effective communication and teamwork skills in writing a collaborative lab report. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 2000 words |
Assessment task 3: Project presentation and report
| Intent: | To generate workable solutions to more advanced power electronics challenges and to work in teams to deliver the expected outcomes. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 4000 words |
Assessment task 4: Discussion Paper
| Intent: | To successfully solve more complex problems in power electronics particularly the power converter and controller design flow. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
[1] Daniel W. Hart, “Power Electronics”, McGraw Hill
[2] Mohan, Undeland, Robbins, “Power Electronics - Converters, Applications and Design”, John Wiley
[3] Muhammad H. Rashid, Power Electronics, Circuit, Devices and Applications, Pearson Prentice Hall