Module Specification
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Advanced Power Electronics
Code ELEC433
Coordinator Dr C Zachariades
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
C.Zachariades@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

The module aims to provide the students with the background necessary to undertand the switching, control, and conversion of electrical energy using semiconductor devices which will enable them to analyse, model and design power electronic converters.

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Co-requisite modules:
 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Explain the operation of 3-pulse, 6-pulse and 12-pulse diode rectifiers.

(LO2) Analyse the waveforms and calculate electrical parameters, such as harmonics, RMS input current and power factor, of diode rectifiers.

(LO3) Analyse the effect of non-zero source inductance on the operation of rectifier circuits.

(LO4) Explain the operation of switch-mode DC:DC converters, and the need for transformers in DC:DC converter circuits.

(LO5) Analyse the operation of the full-bridge forward converter.

(LO6) Calculate losses in power semiconductor devices and derive thermal management models.

(LO7) Analyse the gate drive requirements for MOSFET and IGBT gate drives.

(LO8) Explain the generation of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control signals.

(LO9) Analyse the operation of DC choppers for DC motor drive applications.

(LO10) Explain the operation of three-phase DC:AC inverters.

Syllabus
 

1. Three-phase Rectifiers: 3-pulse rectifier, 6-pulse rectifier, 12-pulse rectifier, source inductance effects.

2. Switch-Mode DC-DC Converters: applications of switch-mode DC:DC converters, performance requirements, review of the Buck and Boost DC:DC converters, common switching device hardware, the need for transformers in DC:DC converters.

3. Transformers for DC-DC Converters: the ideal transformer, switch-mode converter transformer waveforms, non-ideal transformer behaviour – saturation.

4. The Isolated Full-bridge Forward Converter: switching strategy for the converter input bridge, output stage for the forward converter, alternative half-wave rectifier output stage, transformer magnetising current, transistor and diode current waveforms.

5. Losses in Power Semiconductor Devices and Thermal Management: conduction losses, conduction losses in the full-bridge Forward converter, transistor switching losses, thermal management and steady-state ther mal model calculations.

6. MOSFET and IGBT Gate Drives and PWM Generation: MOSFET and IGBT gate-drive requirements, high and low-side drivers, methods of PWM signal generation.

7. DC Choppers and AC Inverters/Converters: DC choppers, full-bridge chopper, AC inverters/converters, 6-step operation, high frequency sinusoidal PWM.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students.

(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

   6

     8

 26
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 49
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Exam There is a resit opportunity This is an anonymous assessment Assessment scheduled in Semester 2 exam period.  2    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Develop simulation models of a recifier and forward converter using MATLAB/Simulink. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission.  12    30       

Reading List
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.