Power Electronics and Motor Drives

This tutorial aims to provide the reader with a firm grasp of the fundamental principles behind the motion control technologies which are enabling energy efficiency, improving product quality and supporting more complex manufacturing processes. Presented by experts in the field, the material moves through the power electronic converters, the electric machines, and the control techniques which form the heart of a modern motion control system. Common practices, physical limitations and emerging topics are presented. The typical operation of commercial drives is shown during an on-site visit to the Rensselaer power electronics lab. References and hard copies of the visuals are included with this CD-ROM.
Course topics include: introduction to motion control (the fundamentals of speed control, four-quadrant operation and constant Volts per Hertz operation, basic models of dc, induction and synchronous motors); introduction to power electronic devices (the operational characteristics and limitations of modern power semiconductor devices; the diode, SCR, IGBT, BJT and MOSFET are presented along with some of the protection methods used); introduction to power electronic circuits (the form and function of the power converters used in motion control systems are reviewed; how currents and voltages of adjustable frequency and adjustable amplitude are created; and a laboratory tour to show voltage- and current-source inverters in operation); production of torque in machines (the production of torque in dc, synchronous and induction machines; special emphasis is given to the fields in the machine and the torque angle, and the effect of harmonics on the machine); and modelling and control of induction motors (the typical dynamic model for the induction motor is developed; this model is routinely used to support control design.