MODULE DETAILS

AC Electrical Motors and Drives DMEEMD605

Nominal duration: 24 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the basic principles involved in producing a driving torque using motors, and of the various types of motors used in industry.  It includes selection of motors, the operation of motors such as starting, reversing and speed control (including the basic principle of variable frequency method of speed control), the maintenance aspects of motors and how to avoid motor failures, applications of motor control in the industry, and how to match the drive with the driven equipment.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of the module is for participants to develop a broad understanding of the range, functions, applications, selection and maintenance of alternating current (AC) electrical motors and drives.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2010 (52243); 2013 (52606WA); 2016 (52810WA).  This version: V4.0

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

None

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

None

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.    Explain how torque is produced in an electrical motor

2.    Explain the basic principles, construction, starting and speed control of ac motors

3.    Select ac motor for a given application and troubleshoot motor problems

4.    Outline the principles and selection of variable speed drives for ac motors

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Explain how torque is produced in an electrical motor

1.1

Outline the basic relationship between magnetism, electric current and force

1.2

Explain motor parameters such as torque, inertia, efficiency, and power

1.3

Explain how an electric motor produces torque

1.4

List the different types of motors and explain their suitability in different applications

2

Explain the basic principles, construction, starting and speed control of ac motors

2.1

Identify the important components of a motor

2.2

Explain the relation between supply frequency, number of poles and speed of an ac motor

2.3

Outline the basic principle involved for reversal of direction of a 3-phase ac motor

2.4

Explain the efficiency of an ac motor and the types of losses involved

3

Select ac motor for a given application and troubleshoot motor problems

3.1

Explain motor induction torque/speed curves and the significant points on the curves

3.2

Identify the key points to be considered for motor selection

3.3

List and analyse typical problem areas in a motor and identify maintenance requirements

3.4

Identify probable causes for a motor failure

4

Outline the principles and selection of variable speed drives for ac motors

4.1

Outline the need for speed control and the control approach used in ac machines

4.2

Explain the characteristics of a variable speed drive for ac motors

4.3

Identify and analyse the torque/speed/power curves of a typical VSD

4.4

List and explain criteria for selecting a VSD for a given application

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments will be open book assessment and may be completed off-campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.