OVERVIEW

In the context of the global energy transition, an increasing share of electrical energy is processed by power electronics and, to a large extent, used in electric drives. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency, electric motors account for nearly half of the world’s electricity consumption, and a growing fraction is managed through static converters. In this scenario, the digital control of electric drives becomes a strategic element: it not only improves energy efficiency, but also enables operational flexibility, integration with renewable energy sources, and optimization of dynamic performance. The course Digital Electric Drives Control aims to provide the theoretical and practical tools required to design advanced control algorithms, which are essential for making electrical systems more sustainable, intelligent, and resilient.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main aim of the teaching is to provide students with the basic notions on the theory of digital control systems, and to train them to apply it to the real world, with the help of the means offered by current electronic and information technology, with particular reference to the study and development of advanced control systems for electric drives.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned educational activities will allow the student to:

correctly and rigorously formulate even complex problems and set up their solution, also using the means offered by current electronic and computer technology;

apply the knowledge acquired to the study and development of advanced control systems for power electronic converters and electric drives;

solve converters and electric drives control problems using digital simulation tools;

implement elementary control systems on digital architectures.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of automatic controls, power converters and electric drives

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes theoretical lectures (50 hours) and laboratory exercises (10 hours). The exercises will be both passive and active, the students will be invited to set up some computer motor drive control systems. Attendance is absolutely recommended.

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 teacher and 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

Variable structure control:  Applications to motor drives.

Cascade control for electric drives: general structure, meaning and effect of the limitations, feedforward action, anti-windup. Exemplification to the case of the DC motor.

Specific control techniques for electronic power converters and alternating current motors: voltage and current control of converters, scalar and vector controls of ac electric motors.

Acquisition and estimation of motor variable quantities and parameters for regulation: sensors, estimation algorithms.

Digital control theory including Z transform, sampled-data systems, discrete equivalents and design and implementation of control systems for digital architectures.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the audiovisual material used during the lessons and other educational material will be available on aulaweb. In general, the notes taken during the lessons and the material on aulaweb are sufficient for the preparation of the exam.

The texts indicated below, normally available at the University Library, are suggested as support for some parts or for further information:

1. N. Mohan, T. M. Undeland, W.P. Robbins – “Power Electronics: Converters, Applications and Design”, John Wiley & Sons Limited, 1995.
2. P.C. Krause, O. Wasynczuk, S.D. Sudhoff, “Analysis of Electric Machinery and Drive Systems”, IEEE Press, 2002
3. B. K. Bose - “Power Electronics and Variable Frequency Drives: Technology and Applications”, IEEE Press, 1996.
4. N. Mohan - “Electric Drives: an Integrative Approach”, MNPERE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 USA, 2001.
5. Franklin, G. F., Powell, J. D., & Workman, M. L. (1998). Digital control of dynamic systems.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11955/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of two oral tests, each graded out of thirty: the first covers the topics taught by Prof. Mario Marchesoni, and the second covers the topics taught by Prof. Andrea Formentini. The final grade is determined by the  average of the two marks. Let A and B be the grades obtained in the first and second tests, respectively. The final grade is calculated as: 0.5A+0.5B. The result is then rounded to the nearest integer. If the first decimal digit is equal to 5, the grade is rounded up to the next integer.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and on the degree of depth of each topic will be given during the lectures. The exam will focus on all the topics covered both during the lectures and during the exercises and will allow us to verify the knowledge of the theory taught and the ability to correctly formulate even complex problems and set their solution.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule