Mechatronics MSc
Power Electronics and Drives M ENG5292
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Engineering
- Credits: 10
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This is an advanced course providing insight into the devices, circuits and software used to control electric motors and generators. Students are prepared to design such systems for various applications.
Timetable
1 hour lecture/tutorial every week
3 hour lab sessions, 3 times per semester
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
70% Written Examination
20% Written Assignment
10% Report
Main Assessment In: December
Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No
It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.
[No exceptions]
Course Aims
The aims of this course are to:
■ provide students with knowledge of the range and design of electromechanical devices and associated power electronic circuits;
■ develop a solid understanding of the operation of electronic control systems in the context of power electronic devices;
■ prepare students to design such systems, considering their environmental impacts and minimising adverse impacts.
■ place all this learning in an industrial context, considering both commercial and environmental matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ identify motor drive topologies for a range of practical motors-including brushless dc, permanent magnet ac (embracing vector control), and induction machines;
■ analyse and design optimal drive systems for a range of applications, selecting the appropriate motor type, with considerations of wider environmental impacts and minimising adverse impacts;
■ critique different motor types and control options for fan, pump and actuator purposes;
■ illustrate the benefits of various generator topologies-including permanent magnet generators and induction generators (embracing doubly-fed induction generators);
■ contrast convertor topologies in terms of power quality, cost and efficiency;
■ select and integrate drive convertor components for a given turbine specification and electrical load;
■ make qualitative and quantitative judgements regarding the fitness of a range of power electronics systems under modern industrial constraints;
■ make coherent arguments regarding the characteristics of future power electronic systems.