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227-0518-10L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-PHYS , D-ERDW

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Design and Control of Electric Machines

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Dominik Bortis

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:22

Abstract

This course covers modeling and control concepts of modern drive systems and provides a deeper understanding of the dynamic operation of electric machines. Different aspects arising in the control and design of electric drive systems are investigated. The exercises are used to consolidate the concepts discussed.

Objective

The objective of this course is to convey knowledge on control strategies of different types of electric machines and on design principles of variable speed drive systems. A dynamic modeling of the electromechanical system is investigated, enabling the proper design of cascaded speed, torque/current controllers. In addition, a brief insight into basic inverter circuits applied in advanced motor drive systems is provided. Exercises are used to consolidate the presented theoretical concepts.

Content

1. Introduction to variable speed motor drive systems consisting of: - Electromechanical unit - Power electronic unit - Control unit - Measurement unit 2. Control structures and strategies of DC machine, synchronous machine and asynchronous machine: - Cascaded control - U/f control - Slip control - Field-oriented control 3. Dynamic operation of electric machines - Dynamic modeling of electromechanical system - Controller types and design - Current/torque control - Speed control (Voltage control / Flux weakening) 4. Power electronic inverter circuits in variable speed drive systems - Voltage source inverter systems - Basic operation and pulse width modulation 5. Basic design principles of variable speed motor drives systems

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes and associated exercises including correct answers

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Link zur Institutswebseite

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	Design and Control of Electric Machines	Thu 08:15-12:00 (ETZ E 6)	4 h weekly

Offered In

Maschineningenieurwissenschaften Bachelor
- Bachelor-Studium (Studienreglement 2022)
  - Fokus-Vertiefung
    - Robotics, Systems and Control (Fokus-Koordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Bachelor
- Wahlfächer (Dies ist nur eine kleine Auswahl. Als Wahlfächer können aber auch weitere Fächer aus dem Angebot der ETH belegt werden, siehe dazu die "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare", .)
  - Ingenieurswissenschaftliche Wahlfächer
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2018)
  - Vertiefung: Energy and Power Electronics (The core courses and specialization courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialize in the area of "Energy and Power Electronics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Kernfächer (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.)
      - Advanced Core Courses
    - Vertiefungsfächer (These specialization courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Energy and Power Electronics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialization courses during the Master's Programme.)
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2008)
  - Fächer der Vertiefung (A total of 42 CP must be achieved form courses during the Master Program. The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category.)
    - Energy and Power Electronics
      - Kernfächer (Diese Fächer sind besonders Empfohlen, um sich in "Energy and Power Electronics" zu vertiefen.)
      - Empfohlene Fächer (Diese Fächer sind eine Empfehlung. Sie können Fächer aus allen Vertiefungsrichtungen wählen. Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Tutor.)
Robotics, Systems and Control Master
- Kernfächer
Space Systems Master
- Fachspezifische Vertiefung (Es müssen mindestens 20 KP aus den Deep Track Lerneinheiten absolviert werden. Überzählige KP können für Wahlfächer angerechnet werden.)
  - Robotics
    - Vertiefungsfächer Robotics (Diese LE's können sowohl als Vertiefungsfach als auch als Wahlfach angerechnet werden.)