Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The module is based on knowledge achieved when studying the 1st semester on the Master of Science in Energy Engineering on the Mechatronic Control Engineering specialisation or similar.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Have knowledge about and understanding of the operating principles of an energy transmission system comprising a power electronic converter feeding an electric actuator
• Be able to analyse such a system and be able to set up dynamic system models
• Have comprehensive knowledge about practical application of feedback control theory for such a system

Skills

• Be able to apply appropriate methods and software tools for analysis of power electronic converters
• Be able to design modulators for power electronic converters and be able to design control systems for an electrical actuator fed from a power electronic converter using digital platforms
• Be able to verify the analysis, models and the design by means of laboratory experiments or by using real measured data series
• Have an innovative and entrepreneurial behavior giving value for the developed system/apparatus

Competences

• Be able to control the working and development process within the project theme, and be able to analyse and develop a control system for an electric actuator fed by a power electronics converter
• Independently be able to define and analyse scientific problems in the said area
• Independently be able to continue own development in competence and specialisation

Type of instruction

Problem based project organised work in groups. The project can be made in cooperation with external partners and the project can be a disciplinary project, a cross disciplinary project or a part of a multi-disciplinary project, where several groups from the department do different parts of a larger project. Finally, the project can also be a part of a so-called MEGA project also in cooperation with industry, where several project groups from more departments are participating, each doing their part of the large project to find a total solution.

The project takes its base in an electric actuator that is used to drive a mechanical load. The actuator may be a poly-phase AC machine or another kind of electro-mechanical device. The actuator must be fed from a hard or soft-switched power electronic converter and closed-loop control principles must be adopted. The whole power transmission system must be analysed. Selected parts of the system may be developed and realized in the project. This may also include development of a power electronic converter, a digital control system or interfacing circuitry. Requirements to control strategies for the converter and the actuator must be formulated. Suitable modulation methods and controllers must be analysed, designed, simulated and evaluated.

Laboratory implementation and tests of the whole system or selected parts of it must be conducted and evaluated.

A workshop “PBL competence profile” to make an individual PBL competence profile is offered during the semester. More information can be found at www.ucpbl.net/education-courses/.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 15 ECTS project module, the work load is expected to be 450 hours for the student

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• An approved PBL competency profile is a prerequisite for participation in the project exam.

Exams

Additional information

Project on 2nd semester Mechatronic Control Engineering.