This module addresses the control of AC drives and consists of a lecture component (10 credits) and a design and assessment project (10 credits) Implementation of Indirect Vector Control, including current flux and speed control is covered in some detail and includes the effect of incorrect parameters. Both AC and Brushless DC permanent magnet motor drives are introduced. The vector control concepts learned for induction machines are applied to AC PM machines. The concept of salient and non-salient AC PM machines are covered leading to the vector control using maximum torque per amp control strategies. Finally the field weakening control of both non-salient and salient PM machines are considered. The project component is a design and simulation exercise using MATLAB/Simulink. The student is required to design an indirect vector controlled induction motor drive, implement the design in Simulink, and undertake evaluative tests covering current and speed loop performance, including field weakening for high speed. The exercise covers investigating the effects of parameter variation and designing engineered solutions to reducing the sensitivity.

- D. W. Novotny, T. A. Lipo, Vector Control and Dynamics of AC Drives (Vector Control & Dynamics of AC Drives), Oxford University Press, USA, 1996. - Ned Mohan, Advanced Electric Drives: Analysis, Control and Modeling Using Simulink, MNpere, 2001. - Paul C. Krause, Scott D. Sudhoff, Oleg Wasynczuk, Analysis of Electric Machinery and Drive Systems, Wiley-IEEE Press, 2nd Edition, 2002. - Austin Hughes, Electric Motors and Drives: Fundamentals, Types and Applications, 3rd Edition, Newnes,2005.