94247 - Laboratory on Power Electronics

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire the basic skills on power electronic systems used in sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, etc. He/She knows and is able to design and simulate, using LTspice, basic circuits for AC-DC and DC-DC.

Course contents

Introduction to Power Electronic Systems

• Power Electronics versus Linear Electronics
• Scope and Applications
• Classification of power converters

 

Power Semiconductor Switches

• Diodes
• Desired Characteristics in Controllable Switches
• MOSFET

 

Basic Electrical Circuit Concepts

• Definition of Steady State
• Average Power and rms Current
• Inductor and Capacitor Response
• Current and Voltage Avarage in Steady State

 

Line-Frequency Diode Rectifiers

• Basic Rectifier concepts
• Single-phase diode bridge rectifiers

 

DC-DC Switch-Mode Converters

• Step-down (Buck) Converter:
  • Continuous, Boundary and Discontinuous Conduction Mode
    
  • Output Voltage Ripple
• Pulse-Width Modulator (PWM)
• Step-up (Boost) Converter:

• Continuous, Boundary and Discontinuous Conduction Mode
• Output Voltage Ripple
  

• Buck-Boost converter
• Full-bridge dc-dc converter

 

Snubber Cicuits

• Function and types of Snubber circuits
• Implementation of a RC snubber
  

 

Switch-mode DC-AC Inverters

• Basic concepts of Switch-mode inverters
• Single-phase inverters

 

Introduction to circuit Simulation

• Introduction to the use of the LTspice simulator for the analysis and design of power electronic converters

 

Laboratory Activities:

• Desing and Simulation, using LTspice, of AC-DC and DC-DC power converters
• Experimental tests of Buck and Boost DC/DC converters

Readings/Bibliography

N. Mohan, T. M. Undeland, W. P. Robbins, “Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design”, Third Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-471-22693-2.

Teaching methods

The course includes classroom lectures, accounting for approximately 40% of the total hours, and laboratory exercises, accounting for approximately 60% of the total hours.

The lectures are aimed at introducing the operating principles of power electronic devices and converters, as well as the analysis tools needed to understand the circuits covered in the course.

The laboratory exercises are devoted to the simulation, design, and experimental testing of power circuits, with particular reference to AC-DC and DC-DC converters. The activities involve the use of the LTspice simulator and, where applicable, the execution of experimental tests on Buck and Boost DC-DC converters.

Safety note: In order to attend the laboratory exercises, all students must have completed the e-learning training course on health and safety in study environments, covering modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio].

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is carried out through an oral examination, aimed at verifying knowledge of the topics covered during lectures and laboratory exercises.

The examination consists of questions concerning the operating principles of power electronic converters, the analysis of the circuits studied, and the design and experimental aspects addressed during the course.

The assessment is graded on a scale of 30 and takes into account the correctness of the answers, the ability to connect topics, clarity of presentation, and the appropriate use of technical terminology. The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for the students concerned. These accommodations must in any case be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The slides used to support the lectures delivered on the blackboard will be made available on the Virtuale platform. Additional materials for laboratory exercises, circuit diagrams, and LTspice simulation files may also be made available on the same platform.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Natale Tallarico