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Unit outline_

ELEC3204: Power Electronics and Applications

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to provide the fundamentals of power electronics. It provides description of the operation principles and control of these blocks. Through analysis and design methodologies, it delivers an understanding of modern enabling technologies associated with energy conversion. Through laboratory hands-on experience on actual industrial systems, such as electrical motor drives, robotic arms, and power supplies, it enhances the link between the theory and the "real" engineering world. The following topics are covered: Introduction to power electronic converters and systems; analysis, design, simulation, and control of power electronic converters; power semiconductor devices; passive devices; the conversion toplogy includes DC/DC, DC/AC, AC/DC, and AC/AC for various applications.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
ELEC2104
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

1. Differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables, analysis of linear circuits. 2. Fourier theory applied to periodic and non-periodic signals. 3. Software such as MATLAB to perform signal analysis and filter design. 4. Familiarity with the use of basic laboratory equipment such as oscilloscope, function generator, power supply, etc. 5. Basic electric circuit theory and analysis

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Weidong Xiao, weidong.xiao@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Rui Chu, rui.chu@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
CLOSED book; Calculator - non-programmable; One A4 sheet of formulas
55% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment Analysis and simulation of buck converter
Individual work Quality of submitted work
5% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Mar 2024
submitted before the end of Week 5
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Online task In-class quiz
Canvas-based online exam (open book)
10% Week 08
Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Apr 2024
55-minute open book test on Week 8
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO4 LO3 LO2
Creative assessment / demonstration group assignment Seven lab sessions
Attendance, on-site performance, and report quality.
30% Week 13
Due date: 26 May 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 May 2024
3-hour lab / Week 3-12
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction of the unit and power electronics ( No lab; no tutorial) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Power semiconductors and electromagnetics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu: - Power quality and computation; - Simulation for power electronics. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Week 03 Analysis, Design, and Simulation of Buck Converters Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for introducing lab facility, safety rules, and microcontrollers. Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Boost converters, switching loss and gate drivers Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for introducing PWM generation, converter modulation, simulation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Buck-boost converter and conduction loss analysis Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for buck converter construction, test, evaluation, and report. Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Three tutorial sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for DC/DC converters and DC motors Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 DC to single-phase AC conversion - inverter Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for DC motor drive and applications Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 08 Single-phase AC to DC conversion; 55-minute in-class quiz Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for DC motor drive and applications Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 09 Three-phase AC to DC conversion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 DC to three-phase AC conversion and Switched capacitor converter Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for DC motor drive and applications Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Flyback and Forward converters Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Three sessions on Mon, Wed, and Thu for DC motor drive and applications Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Analysis, design, and simulation of Isolated DC/DC converters Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
DC to three-phase AC conversion Science laboratory (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Subjects related to three-phase AC conversion Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 13 Course review and final exam discussion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Student support Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Power Electronics Step-by-Step: Design, Modeling, Simulation, and Control

 ISBN-13: 978-0073380674; ISBN-10: 1260456978

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand power semiconductor devices used for modern power electronics
  • LO2. understand and analyze DC-DC power converters in steady-state
  • LO3. understand and analyze AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion in steady-state
  • LO4. modeling and simulation of DC/DC, DC/AC, and AC/DC power conversion
  • LO5. test and troubleshoot power converters
  • LO6. performance evaluation of power converters

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

no major change

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.