Course detail
Electric Drive Systems
FSI-VAPAcad. year: 2026/2027
The subject is focused on the issue of electric drives in automation. Attention is focused first on modern semiconductor elements used in electronics (inverters) for electric drives. Furthermore, the electric drive is defined, the mechanics, heating and energetics of electric drives are discussed. A considerable area is devoted to the control and regulation of electric drives. Here, basic knowledge from the subjects that were taught earlier is used, which is developed on a theoretical and practical level towards the issue of electric drives. Subsequently, the basic properties of individual electric drives are addressed. These are drives with direct current motors, with asynchronous and synchronous motors. The student will also gain knowledge about drives with special motors, specifically stepper and linear motors. Considerable emphasis is given to the description of mathematical and simulation models of motors and drives as well as the analysis of the cascade control structure. Part of the theoretical knowledge is also the practical verification of selected properties of drives in a laboratory exercise.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Assignment to study programme types
Mode of study
Guarantor
Entry knowledge
Knowledge of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanics and the basics of automatic control is assumed, at the level of university courses completed so far.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Laboratory classes are completed with the award of a course credit (granted in the 13th week of the semester). Continuous assessment takes place during the laboratory classes. The main requirements for obtaining the course credit are 100% attendance and successful completion of a written credit test.
If a student is absent from a laboratory class, the missed class must be made up. The method of making up the missed class will be determined by the lecturer or the course coordinator. Further details are communicated and explained to students at the beginning of the semester.
Obtaining the course credit is a prerequisite for taking the final examination.
The examination consists of a written part followed by an oral examination. In the written part, students are required to answer five assigned questions. The oral examination assesses the student's understanding of and ability to discuss the topics covered in the course.
The written part, oral part, and overall examination performance are graded according to the ECTS grading scale.
Aims
The aim of the course is to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge and experience in the field of electric drives. This is an addition to previously completed subjects of a general nature, which are expanded towards use in automation and informatics. In the sense of the above annotation and outline, the student will acquire extensive and comprehensive knowledge in the field of electric drives, which will enable him to be involved in the solution of various technical problems in an erudite manner in industrial engineering and electrical engineering practice.
Study aids
Study supports and study materials for the course are listed in the course literature. This information is also published in e-learning. This is also discussed in detail in the introductory lecture of the course and in the first laboratory exercise (in the combined form of study in the first consultation or laboratory exercise of the course).
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
KOBRLE, Pavel a PAVELKA,Jiří. Elektrické pohony a jejich řízení. Dotisk 3. vydání Praha: Česká technika-nakladatelství ČVUT, Praha. 2019. 200 s. ISBN 978-80-01-06007-0. (CS)
LETTL, Jiří, PAVELKA, Jiří a BAUER, Jan. Výkonová elektronika. Praha - Česká technika - nakladatelství ČVUT Praha, 2019. 228 s. 978-80-01-06514-3. (CS)
MELKEBEEK, Jan A. Electrical Machines and Drives. Springer International Publishing AG, 2018. 733 p. ISSN 1612-1287. (EN)
WEIDAUER, J. and MESSER, R. Electrical Drives. Principles. Planning. Applications. Solutions. Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Berlin. 396 p. ISBN : 978-3-89578-434-7. (EN)
Recommended reading
Dokumentace k simulačnímu prostředí Multisim 7. Dostupné z internetu v počítačové učebně ÚAI FSI VUT Brno. (EN)
HUGHES, Austin a DRURY, Bill. Electric motors and drives: fundamentals, types and applications. 4th ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2013. ISBN 978-0-08-098332-5. (EN)
KŮS, Václav. Elektrické pohony a výkonová elektronika. Druhé vydání. Plzeň: Západočeská univerzita v Plzni, 2016. ISBN 978-80-261-0639-5. (CS)
Elearning
Classification of course in study plans
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Block A – Electronic Components and Power Converters
1. Electronic circuit components, modern electronic components used in electric drives. Basic passive components and semiconductor devices.
2. Basic semiconductor power converters. Classification. Rectifiers.
3. DC-DC converters. Inverters.
4. Frequency converters. Microprocessor-based control systems. Basic functions of power supplies, communication and diagnostics.
Block B – Electric Drive Mechanics and Control
5. Definition of an electric drive. Advantages and disadvantages. Types of driven machinery.
6. Kinematics and mechanics of electric drives. Thermal behaviour and energy aspects of electric drives.
7. Control of electric drives, analysis of control systems. Sensors, feedback and principles of PID control.
Block C – Types of Electric Drives and Their Applications
8. Drives with DC motors and permanent magnet motors. Controlled drives.
9. Drives with induction motors.
10. Drives with synchronous motors.
11. Special types of electric drives. Stepper motors.
12. Drives with linear motors. Mechanical components of electric drives.
Laboratory exercise
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
Block L1 – Electronic Components, Power Supplies and Basic Control
1. Characteristics of electronic components.
2. Design and analysis of an AC-powered DC power supply.
3. On-off control.
4. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) controllers.
5. PID controller using operational amplifiers.
6. Filters and issues related to switching inductive loads.
Block L2 – Controlled Electric Drives
7. Speed control of a DC motor with an encoder (MAXON).
8. PID control of a DC motor.
9. Cascade control and optimization.
10. Controlled induction motor drive with a frequency converter.
11. Controlled induction motor drive with a frequency converter, block diagram of a position servo system, practical verification of vector control.
Block L3 – Industrial Practice
12. Practical training in a manufacturing company + industrial company excursion.
Elearning