OVERVIEW

The course introduces power electronic converters and analyzes the behavior of the main circuit architectures from electrical, energy, and thermal perspectives. Theoretical analyses are supported by computer simulations and hardware laboratory exercises, which allow for the evaluation of real converter performance.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This subject aims to provide skills for the analysis, modelling, simulation, control, and design of switching electronic power converters. The theory is substantiated through HW activities and SW implementation in MATLAB code.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims
The course aims to:

• Introduce the main categories of power electronic converters;
• Provide knowledge about the electrical, energy, and thermal behavior of converters;
• Present techniques for the design of power electronic converters;
• Illustrate the main methods for automatic control of converters;
• Enable students to compare theory and practice through computer simulations and laboratory activities.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Recall the technical terminology used for power converters;
• Understand the principles underlying the operation of power converters, correctly applying prior knowledge of circuit theory and electronics;
• Apply these principles to analyze, simulate, control, and design converters;
• Build simple power converters in hardware, including the related control system;
• Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the course topics through discussions with the instructor.

PREREQUISITES

A basic understanding of circuit theory, electronics, and the use of laboratory instrumentation.

TEACHING METHODS

The topics are presented and exemplified during lectures (approximately 50 hours) and applied during laboratory sessions (approximately 30 hours). Attendance is strongly recommended.

The lectures consist of explanations and examples on the blackboard.
The practical laboratory sessions involve the use of:

• Circuit simulators (Simulink-Simscape and LTSpice);
• Laboratory equipment (breadboard, multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator, power supply);
• Microcontrollers.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Introduction to power converters
• Components used in power converters (ideal models, more realistic models)
• DC/DC converters (main architectures, operating modes, design and control techniques)
• DC/AC converters, inverters (main architectures, operating modes, design and control techniques)
• AC/DC converters, active rectifiers (main architectures, operating modes, design and control techniques)
• Overview of AC/AC converters

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Erickson, Robert W., and Dragan Maksimovic. Fundamentals of power electronics. Springer Science & Business Media, 2007.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test, including discussions on topics covered during lectures and laboratory sessions. Students who actively participate in laboratory exercises may be awarded up to 2 bonus points.

Students with specific learning disabilities (DSA) will be allowed to use specific methods and aids, to be defined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the Delegate for Engineering Courses within the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The learning outcomes are assessed through the examination procedures described in the "Exam Description" section. The educational objectives are considered achieved insofar as the student is able to communicate correctly, clearly, and effectively, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the course topics and using appropriate technical terminology.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (DSA) may request compensatory and/or exemption measures for the exam. These arrangements will be defined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Engineering Representative of the University Committee for the Support of Students with Disabilities and DSA. Students wishing to make such a request are advised to contact the course instructor well in advance, copying the Engineering Representative (https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html), without attaching any documentation regarding their disability.