Power Electronics

Course Description
The course starts with a review on operational amplifiers (OA) with control applications and its relation to power electronics. The basic processes for converting electric power are introduced in order to offer a global view of the scope of the subject. Then, the characteristics and fuction of the most common semiconductor devices used in power electronics are explained. With these fundamentals, power converters (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC, AC-AC) are analyzed according to performance parameters. Also, application circuits are presented along with the working principles. Students have the opportunity to do several lab practice where concepts seen in the lecture are verified. Moreover, the subject requires reading scientific and technical articles relevant to power electronics, which are then orally presented to the class. This is an opportunity to enhance a collaborative and participative learning process and to keep students up to date with relevant topics as electrical/electronic engineers.

Justification
The professional activity of an electrical / electronic engineer involves using or managing electric power in several areas of industry. Most energy conversion and management is carried out by specialized electronic equipment. Therefore it is necessary to include in the professional learning cycle of engineers the basics of such energy transformations and the most important circuits and a knowledge of the parameters that describe their performance. This contributes to create competent and competitive professionals in a rapid evolving field such as power electronics.

Course Objectives

• Study typical operational-amplifier-based circuits used to control power electronic systems.
• Study power electronic semiconductor devices and their operation.
• Understand and analyze the basic circuits to convert electric energy among DC and AC modes.
• Become familiar with typical applications of power electronics.
• Practicing oral abilities to present scientific and technological information to the classroom.
• Practicing use of English language in classroom both spoken and written.

Assessment

• Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
• Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.

Methodology
Theoretical contents are explained by the lecturer in classroom toqether with some selected exercises and simulations or web animations. Laboratory practices complement the learning and are a opportunity to acquire design experience. A lab assistant is available to support students. Each student is responsible for the preparation of the coming lectures, whose content is found in this syllabus. Student can propose topic for the final presentations. Otherwise the lecturer will assign one. Rules for labs and
presentations will announced at least four weeks before due dates.

Evaluation

• Partial Exam 25%
• Lab 1 7%
• Lab 2 7%
• Lab 3 7%
• Lab 4 and 5 together 14%
• Presentations 20%
• Final Exam (Cumulative) 20%