Electric machines play an important role in our modern lives, but are often quiet and unobtrusive. Electricity, which we have come to expect as an in dispensable commodity, is produced using generators. Many of the modern conveniences we enjoy are powered by electric motors of various shapes and sizes. It is difficult to imagine a world without electric machines.
For a longtime, the study of electric machines was a major part of electrical engineering programs. In the past two or three decades, however, this subject has received less attention while subjects such as digital and computer systems have become a major part of the curriculum at many universities.
In recent years, electric machines have been used on a large scale in radically new and exciting applications, for example, in renewable energy generation and electric and hybrid vehicles. Advances in power electronics and control systems have given electric machines a new lease of life. This book aims to engage students in the subject of electrical machines and drives by laying a solid foundation rooted in the physical operating principles of such systems.
About the Book
The book consists of nine chapters and three appendices. The first two chapters are devoted to the physical principles underlying electric machines. The laws of induction and interaction are explained and their fundamental role in electrical machines is demon strated through many examples. Chapter 3 is about direct current machines. Its operating principles are described, followed by a simple dynamic model used to develop speed and torque control strategies. Chapters4 through6 are on induction machines.
Modeling, steady-state based drives, and high performance drives are presented, with special attention to the underlying physics of the machines. Chapter7 deals with modeling and high-performance control of permanent magnet synchronous machines. Chapter8 introduces the power electronics elements used in electric drive systems.
Computer simulation is an essential tool in the study of modern electric machines and drive systems. Computer tools have evolved far beyond traditional analysis tools and are now often used as design tools as well. Chapter 9 deals with simulation-based optimal design of electric motor drive systems.
The material on numerical simulation of dynamic systems in Appendix A is important. It allows students to develop their own simulation codes for electric machines and conduct experiments on their computer models.