ECE 3501: Electromechanical Energy Systems

The duality of electromechanical systems, which may be used to either generate or consume electrical power, is studied through examination of methods and machines that enable energy conversion to occur. The analysis and design of systems that employ coupled magnetic fields to convert electrical to mechanical energy and vice versa is explored using fundamental electromagnetic concepts, AC/DC systems analysis, and numerical simulation. Generator and motor machine components are modeled using magnetic circuits to demonstrate energy flow. Electric transformers are carefully considered to understand voltage and current conversion with corresponding device power losses. The principles of rotating single and polyphase systems are covered with application examples ranging from micro to industrial scale. AC/DC motors and generators are explored through a review of their physical construction, equivalent circuits, and performance characteristics. Power factor and power factor correction are examined to enable greater system efficiency. Special emphasis is given to synchronous machines, which comprise most of modern power generation, and induction machines, which are used in a myriad of everyday applications. This course includes simulations of motors and generators with some circuit analysis using circuit simulators, project work, and selected power system demonstrations.