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Design and Control of Electric Machines
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:20
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 |
|
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 short 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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Track: Electric Energy Engineering (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.)
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Specialization Courses (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.)
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Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
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Deep Track Robotics (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
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