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Fundamentals of Electric Machines
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:41
Abstract
This course introduces to different electric machine concepts and provides a deeper understanding of their detailed operating principles. Different aspects arising in the design of electric machines, like dimensioning of magnetic and electric circuits as well as consideration of mechanical and thermal constraints, are investigated. The exercises are used to consolidate the concepts discussed.
Objective
The objective of this course is to convey knowledge on the operating principles of different types of electric machines. Further objectives are to evaluate machine types for given specifications and to acquire the ability to perform a rough design of an electrical machine while considering the versatile aspects with respect to magnetic, electrical, mechanical and thermal limitations. Exercises are used to consolidate the presented theoretical concepts.
Content
‐ Fundamentals in magnetic circuits and electromechanical energy conversion. ‐ Force and torque calculation. ‐ Operating principles, magnetic and electric modelling and design of different electric machine concepts: DC machine, AC machines (permanent magnet synchronous machine, reluctance machine and induction machine). ‐ Complex space vector notation, rotating coordinate system (dq-transformation). ‐ Loss components in electric machines, scaling laws of electromechanical actuators. ‐ Mechanical and thermal modelling.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes and associated exercises including correct answers
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Pocket calculators set in exam mode (not programmable/no extended graphics support). See list of allowed pocket calculators at: https://hpe.ee.ethz.ch/education/allowed-pocket-calculators.html. A summary of the lecture notes is provided to the students at the written exam. Own summaries, exercises and their solutions are not allowed.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Fundamentals of Electric Machines | No time listed | 4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
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Electives (This is only a small selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), ).)
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Track: Electric Energy Engineering (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electric Energy Engineering", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
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Core Courses (These core courses are particularly recommended for the field of "Energy and Power Electronics". You may choose core courses form other fields in agreement with your tutor. A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc EEIT.)
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Foundation Core Courses (Fundamentals at bachelor level, for master students who need to strengthen or refresh their background in the area.)
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Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
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