88152 - Electric Actuators P

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses basic knowledge of the operation and electromagnetic behavior of the main electric actuators used in industrial settings. Specifically, the student is able to:

- Understand the principles underlying the electromechanical conversion of electrical energy.

- Describe the main characteristics and operation of DC motors, synchronous (brushless) motors, and asynchronous motors.

- Evaluate the suitability of an electric actuator to meet the requirements of a specific application, taking into account thermal issues, interactions with the mechanical load, and the limitations of the power electronic converter.

Course contents

The course is aimed at students of Mechatronics degree programs and intends to provide essential tools to understand the structure and operation of the main electrical machines used in industrial applications.


Prerequisites for the course include physics, electrical engineering, electronics, principles of mechanics, and measurement instrumentation. It is assumed that the student is familiar with the fundamental laws of electrical circuits and knows the main structures for static power conversion.


Program:


DC Machines

- Structure and operating principle.
- Expression of torque, equivalent electrical circuit, and mechanical characteristic.
- Nominal and overload performance.
- Principles of torque and speed control of DC motors.


Synchronous Machines


- Structure and operating principle.
- Expression of torque, equivalent electrical circuit, and mechanical characteristic.
- Nominal and overload performance.
- Principles of torque and speed control of synchronous motors.


Asynchronous Machines


- Structure and operating principle.
- Expression of torque, equivalent electrical circuit, and mechanical characteristic.
- Issues related to the starting of asynchronous motors.
- Principles of speed control of asynchronous motors.

Readings/Bibliography

1. B. Brunelli: Conversione elettrica ed elettromeccanica dell'energia, Pitagora, Bologna
2. A. E. Fitzgerald, C. Kingsley, A. Kusko: Macchine elettriche. Franco Angeli
3. M. Rashid, "Elettronica di potenza. Vol.1, dispositivi e circuiti", Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2007, 3a edizione
4. N. Mohan, T. Undeland, W. Robbons, "Elettronica di potenza: convertitori e applicazioni", Hoepli, 2005, 3a edizione

Teaching methods

Powerpoint slides prepared directly by the instructor will be made available through the platform virtuale.unibo.it.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning includes a final written exam covering the topics discussed in class.

Teaching tools

PDF files of the slides presented during the course will be available.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Zarri