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28560 - Laboratory of Electric Drives

Academic Year 2026/2027

                
                        Docente:
                        Giacomo Sala
                    
                        Credits:
                        3
                    
                        Language:
                        Italian
                    
                        Teaching Mode:
                        In-person learning (entirely or partially)
                        
                            Campus:
                            Bologna
                        
                            Corso:
                            First cycle degree programme (L) in
                            Automation Engineering (cod. 9217)

                                Also valid for
                                
                                    Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
                                    
                                        Electrical Energy Engineering (cod. 6714)
                                    
                                    First cycle degree programme (L) in
                                    
                                        Automation Engineering (cod. 9217)
                                    
                                    Course Timetable
                                
from Sep 17, 2026 to Dec 17, 2026

Learning outcomes

•Knowledge of a method for modelling and sizing an electric drive based on a DC machine. •Knowledge of the main architectures of DC / DC converters for the control of DC machines. •Knowledge of switching strategies and of current control techniques for DC / DC converters •Knowledge of closed-loop speed control of a DC drive. •Learning of the design methodology and project validation of a complete DC drive.

Course contents

Simulation of Electrical and Power Electronic Circuits Using Simulink

DC–DC Chopper Modeling

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Techniques

Current Control Schemes Based on PI Controllers and Hysteresis Control

PI Controller Tuning Based on Root Locus Analysis

Modeling and Simulation of DC Machines, with Emphasis on Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics

Implementation of Torque Control for a DC Machine Supplied by a Current-Controlled Feedback Chopper Drive: Control Issues and Performance Limitations

Implementation of Closed-Loop Speed Control for a DC Machine

Detailed Performance Analysis of a DC Machine Drive Under Both Transient and Steady-State Operating Conditions. Investigation of the Effects of Component Parameters and Controller Tuning, Considering Different Load Conditions and Performance Specifications. Analysis of the Impact of Component Nonlinearities and Control Saturation

Simulation of AC Motor Drives

Readings/Bibliography

I. Boldea, S. A. Nasar : ELECTRIC DRIVES, CRC Press, New York, 1999.

P. Vas: VECTOR CONTROL of AC MACHINES, Oxford University Press, New York, 1990.

W. Leonard: CONTROL OF ELECTRICAL DRIVES. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2001

Teaching methods

Hands-on Laboratory Sessions Using MATLAB/Simulink, Supported by Theoretical Lectures Providing the Foundations for the Laboratory Activities.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 on Health and Safety online.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of the development and presentation of a complete electric drive simulation and control project, following the design methodology presented throughout the course.

The assessment is based on the extent to which the drive performance requirements are satisfied through MATLAB/Simulink simulations, as well as on the justification of the adopted design choices and the applied design methodology.

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: It is recommended to contact the responsible University office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The office will propose any necessary adjustments to the interested students, which must, however, be submitted to the approval of the instructor at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, considering the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lectures supported by computer-based presentations.

MATLAB/Simulink-based numerical simulation environment.

Office hours

See the website of Giacomo Sala