EGH448 Power Electronics

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This is a higher level unit that aims to introduce the principles of operation of basic power electronic circuits and systems used in industrial applications. This unit enables the learner to understand, interpret and compare the characteristics of power devices such as power diodes, thyristors, BJT, MOSFET, IGBT etc,; analyse common types of diode and thyristor converters, inverters, and DC-DC converters; use simulation tools to model and analyse simple power electronic circuits; perform experiments on power electronic hardware circuits; obtain measurements. Power processing can be considered as one of the major applications of electronics in industry applications. A broad understanding of industrial electronic circuits and systems will provide the foundation not only to design
advanced power processing circuits for complex systems but also to operate and maintain them properly. Such knowledge is essential for a graduate electrical engineer who intends to work in industry.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the principles and concepts of power electronics, including semiconductor devices, power semiconductor switches, and converter topologies at a mastered level.
2. Analyse and design power electronic circuits and systems comprising microcontrollers, semiconductor devices and power semiconductor switches considering factors such as efficiency, power factor, and reliability at a mastered level.
3. Acquire hands-on experience through laboratory work and projects, allowing application of theoretical knowledge to practical applications using circuit design software and laboratory experimental setups.
4. Develop skills in component acquisition, thermal design and technical documentation in view of improving the power quality of electronic systems, addressing issues like harmonic distortion at mastered level.

Content

Learning Approaches

The unit places a strong emphasis on practical laboratory based learning, with two 3-hour laboratory practicals and two 3-hour computer labs. Students will work in groups to design, build, test and analyse the results of circuit building blocks.

Learning &Teaching Approaches: 4 hours per week contact: 2 hrs - lecture. Preparatory study from set textbook and/or online notes. 1 hr tutorial (independent working on problems with assistance, where possible linked to prep for labs) 1 hr practical laboratory project. In groups 3-4, students will conduct tests on a real power electronic hardware circuit according to a lab sheet on the power electronic testbed and observe and measure input and output parameters using the data acquisition system. Students are expected to complete the lab sheet and answer questions individually. In computer labs, students will simulate given power electronic circuits and analyse them and answer questions.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive formative feedback on your progress in the unit communicated verbally during lectures, tutorials, and lab classes and through QUT Canvas. Written feedback will be provided on completion of each component of the problem solving assessment task. Individual guidance will also be provided during lectures, tutorials and lab classes.

Assessment

Overview

The unit will be assessed based on three items:
1. Project 
2. Practical laboratory/simulation work
3. Examination (written)

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Project

Students will pursue a project to design a pulse width modulated inverter. They will use Matlab/Simulink for their design and submit a report at the end of the project.

Assessment: Practical laboratory work

Several laboratory experiments will run during semester. Students will keep a workbook which records all preparation, experimental setup, experimental results, and analysis and discussion of results.

Assessment: Examination (written)

A set of questions on major concepts and problem solving from all the unit material.

“On Campus invigilated Exam. If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.”

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Title: Introduction to Power Electronics
Author: Daniel W. Hart
Year: Publisher: (1997) Prentice Hall
Edition: 3rd

Title: Power Electronics, Circuits, Devices and Applications
Author: Muhammad H. Rashid
Year: Publisher: (2003) Pearson Education
Edition: 3rd

Title: Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design
Author: Mohan, Undeland and Robbins
Year: Publisher: (2003) John Wiley & Sons
Edition: 3rd

Software

Spice circuit analysis software (LTSpice or equivalent)

Other

QUT Canvas

Risk Assessment Statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will have to do practical work for the project in the laboratory under the supervision of technical staff of the School. You will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective clothing (e.g. closed shoes). You will undergo a health and safety induction before being allowed access to laboratories.

QUT has a formal risk assessment process which can be used to determine the types or risks and how you should handle them.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer

1: Knowledge and Skill Base

1. 
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. 
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. 
   Relates to: Project

2: Engineering Application Ability

1. 
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. 
   Relates to: Project
3. 
   Relates to: Project
4. 
   Relates to: Project

3: Professional and Personal Attributes

1. 
   Relates to: Project
2. 
   Relates to: Project
3. 
   Relates to: Project

Course Learning Outcomes

EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Manage projects to solve complex engineering problems, using appropriate information, engineering methods, and technologies.
   Relates to: ULO4, Practical laboratory work
2. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
   Relates to: ULO3
3. Demonstrate coherent knowledge and skills of physical, mathematical, statistical, computer, and information sciences that are fundamental to professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, Examination (written)
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)

EN53 Master of Renewable Energy

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work
2. Analyse and evaluate Renwable Energy problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work
3. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work

EN55 Master of Professional Engineering

1. Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work

EN60 Graduate Certificate in Communication for Engineering

1. Demonstrate and apply specialised knowledge and technical skills in at least one Engineering discipline.
   Relates to: Project, Examination (written)
2. Critically investigate real world engineering issues and solve complex problems drawing on specialised creative skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, theory and practice.
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. Employ effective written and oral professional communication skills across social, cultural and discipline domains.
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work
4. Exercise responsibility and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice including working independently, ethically and collaboratively.
   Relates to: Project

EN73 Master of Renewable Energy with Project Management

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. Analyse and evaluate problems in Renewable Energy and Project Management domains using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading-edge research to achieve evidence based, innovative, critically informed solutions and outcomes
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work

EN76 Master of Renewable Energy with Data Analytics

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced and specialist discipline knowledge, concepts, methods and practices as they relate to contemporary practice in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. Analyse and evaluate problems in Renewable Energy and Data Analytics domains using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading-edge research to achieve evidence based, innovative, critically informed solutions and outcomes
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability, reflective practice, risk-informed judgements, and leadership
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work

EN79 Graduate Diploma in Engineering Studies

1. Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge, concepts and practices as they relate to contemporary Engineering practice
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
2. Analyse and evaluate Engineering problems using technical approaches informed by contemporary practice and leading edge research to achieve innovative, critically informed solutions
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)
3. Demonstrate ethically and socially responsible practice, recognising the importance of personal accountability and reflective practice when working in individual and collaborative modes
   Relates to: Practical laboratory work

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
   Relates to: Project, Practical laboratory work, Examination (written)