course-details-portlet

TET4120

Electric Drives

Choose study year

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

In spite the fact that a variable speed drive will require increased investment cost, this will in most cases very quickly be balanced by large energy savings compared to fixed speed drives. Approximately 97 % of all new motors are sold without a frequency converter. This means that a large potential market exists. This course explains the energy savings potential and covers most of the commonly used types of electrical motor drives. Part I gives an overview of different type of electrical motor drives, type of loads and the impact of using mechanical gears/transmissions. In part II simplified models of the most commonly used power electronic converters are presented. Modulation methods are presented. In part III measurement techniques used in a motor drives are presented. In addition, how to choose type of controller and tuning of controller parameters are covered in details. Part IV is devoted to DC drives. Mathematical modelling is performed, analysis of steady state characteristics as well as choice and dimensioning of current- and speed-controllers. In part V a general model of AC machines are presented. This includes introduction of space vectors, coordinate transformations and transformed mathematical models. The three most commonly used AC drives are analyzed; Induction Motor Drives, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives and Synchronous Motor Drives. It will be focus on controllers operating in a synchronous rotating coordinate system, i.e. operating with DC-quantities in steady state.

Learning outcome

The course is aiming to give a thorough understanding of control principles used in modern electrical motor drives. Knowledge: After having followed the course, the candidate shall have obtained thorough insight in and understanding of: - rotating electrical machines and their application - common load models for electrical motor drives - control principles and measurement methods used in electrical motor drives Skills: After having followed the course, the candidate shall be able to: - model and analyze electrical motor drives and their sub systems (converters, rotating machines and loads) - choose a suitable rotating machine for an electrical motor drive - choose a suitable control structure, measurement method and calculate control parameters for an electrical motor drive General competence: After completing the course, the candidate has increased: - skills in cooperation and interdisciplinary collaboration - ability to communicate effectively to professionals and non-specialists alike through reports and presentations - ability to contribute to innovation and innovation processes

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, compulsory exercises, project work including laboratory experiments.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

The final grade for the course is based on a partial assessment of the written school exam (50%) and the project (50%). Both assessments are given a letter grade A-F and must be passed to receive a final grade for the course. The exercises must be approved in order to take the exam.

A re-sit will be held for the written examination in August. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may change from written to oral. If you wish to re-take the project, this must be done next time the course is given.

All students in the group project usually will be given the same grade based on the base on the project report. In special cases, where a student do not contribute sufficiently, this student can be given individual grades based on documented lack of efforts and/or amount of work.

Course materials

Compendium, lecture notes, manuals for simulation program.

Subject areas

  • Electrical Power Engineering
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of electric energy

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code H Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Project
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code H Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.