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Fundamentals of Electric Machines
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:03
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
Learning Materials (Links)
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 |
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (Fokus-Koordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
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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")
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Vertiefung: 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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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.)
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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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Wahlfächer (Diese Kurse sind besonders empfohlen, andere ETH-Kurse aus dem Feld Energy Science and Technology im weiteren Sinne können in Absprache mit dem Tutor gewählt werden.)
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