Electrical Engineering

GIULIO DE DONATO

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, the student will have knowledge about various power electronic components, the main techniques for analyzing power electronic circuits, and the power converters used in power systems and electric drives. They will be able to understand the issues related to the design, development, and tuning of power electronic circuits and power converters.

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

The student will have the knowledge and understanding necessary to select and assemble the various components of power electronic circuits and power converters, and to analyze and solve typical problems related to their design, development, and tuning. Additionally, they will be able to simulate the steady state behaviour of power converters using a computer.

Judgment Autonomy

Thanks to the acquisition of analytical methodologies specific to the development and tuning of power electronic circuits and more complex systems, such as electronic power converters, the student will be able to correctly and independently interpret the issues posed by users of such devices. In particular, they will be able to make judgments about the proper functioning and use of electronic power converters and collect the necessary specifications for choosing the most appropriate converter from both technical and economic perspectives to meet the client's needs.

Communication Skills

The student will acquire the ability to communicate and articulate issues related to the course's subject matter. Additionally, they will be able to engage in conversations on topics concerning power electronic circuits and power electronic converters, highlight the problems related to their selection and correct use, and offer solutions.

Learning Ability

The student will have acquired the ability to independently learn additional knowledge about power electronic circuits and power converters. These learning abilities will allow them to pursue further engineering studies with greater autonomy and discernment.

To understand and be able to apply the techniques described in the teaching, it is necessary to have taken the exams in Circuit Theory, Electronics and Electrical Measurements. Some topics in the program require knowledge of Fourier and Laplace series and transforms, as well as mathematical skills. These prerequisites are essential for the student who wants to profitably follow the course.

1. Introduction to Power Electronics (2 Credits)
- Converter Classification and Power Electronics concepts
- the power diode
- the thyristor
- the power MOSFET
- the IGBT

2. Review of Power Computations (0.5 Credits)
- Power, Energy, Apparent Power and Power Factor
- Power Computations for Sinusoidal AC Circuits
- Power Computations for Nonsinusoidal Periodic Waveforms
- Introduction to PLECS

3. DC-DC Converters (1 Credit)
- The Buck Converter
- The Boost Converter
- The Buck-Boost Converter
- The Cùk Converter
- The SEPIC Converter
- Simulation of DC-DC Converters using PLECS

4. Transformers (0.5 Credits)
- The ideal single phase transformer: relationships and equivalent circuit.
- The real single phase transformer: relationships and equivalent circuit.
- The three phase transformer bank: analysis of the most common winding connections.

5. DC Power Supplies (1 Credit)
- The Flyback Converter
- The Forward Converter
- The Push-Pull Converter
- Full-Bridge and Half-Bridge DC-DC Converters
- Simulation of DC Power Supplies using PLECS

6. Inverters (1 Credit)
- The Square-Wave Inverter
- The Half-Bridge Inverter
- The Full-Bridge Inverter with Unipolar and bipolar PWM
- Multi-Level Inverters
- Three-Phase Inverters

7. Rectifiers (2 Credits)
- Half Wave Rectifiers
- Resistive, Resistive-Inductive, Resistive-Inductive-Source, Inductor-Source Loads
- The Controlled Half Wave Rectifier
- Full-Wave Rectifiers
- Single-Phase Full-Wave Rectifiers
- Controlled Full-Wave Rectifiers
- Three-Phase Rectifiers
- Controlled Three-Phase Rectifiers
- Commutation in Single-Phase and Three-Phase Rectifiers
- Simulation of Rectifiers using PLECS

8. Drive Circuits, Snubber Circuits and Heat Sinks (1 Credit)
- MOSFET, IGBT and Thyristor Drive Circuits
- Transistor and Thyristor Snubber Circuits
- Heat Sinks and Thermal Management

D.W. Hart, "Power Electronics", International Edition, McGraw-Hill 2011.
N. Mohan, T.M. Undeland and W.P. Robbins, "Power Electronics: Converters, Applications and Design", Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons.

no further references.

In presence teaching.

the students are advised to follow the lectures.

The written exam consists in three exercises. The student has two hours to complete the exam.
The oral exam consists in three theoretical questions on the topics covered in class.

any topic explained during the lectures