Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Introduction to Mechatronics
Code ELEC123
Coordinator Dr K McKay
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
K.Mckay@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

Upon completion of this module students will understand the basic elements of Electromechanics. Students will be able to demonstrate the importance of these core topics in engineering applications and complete simple designs of their own. This module will provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the principles and construction of DC and AC machines, transformers and linear actuators .


Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

MATH191 MATHEMATICS I FOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS; ELEC142 Electrical Circuits & Systems 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understanding the fundamentals of current flow into inductors and capacitors.

(LO2) An understanding of how the physical laws of electromagnetism and mechanics apply to practical motors, transformers and actuators.

(LO3) An understanding of the properties of materials best suited for use in electromechanical devices.

(LO4) An introductory knowledge of the behaviour of common electrical devices, such as series and shunt dc motors, alternators, solenoids and transformers.

(S1) Intellectual Abilities: Solve electric field problems (including the application of Gauss's Law to find capacitance); Determine the magnetic effects of electrical currents in circuits (including the application of Ampere's Law to current carrying wires); Determine the performance of AC and DC motors, transformers and simple electro-mechanical actuators.

(S2) Practical Skills: Use of specific instrumentation; Use of spreadsheets in design applications; An ability to analyse a simple electromechanical system in order to predict its characteristics; An ability to prepare an initial design for an electromechanical device from a specification; An ability to take simple electro-mechanical tests on an electrical machine to evaluate its performance; Ability to perform laboratory work safely and effectively.

(S3) General Transferable Skills: Independent learning and time management skills; Problem solving and design skills.


Syllabus

 

Magnetic Circuits and Electromagnetic Induction: Magnetic circuits (with and without air gaps) and comparison with electrical circuits; Introduction to electromagnetic induction, drives and actuators; Faraday's Law and induced voltage; Inductors and applications - case study and design exercise; Energy stored in a magnetic field.

Actuators and Transformers: Linear actuators from first principles; Case study and introduction to design exercise; Moving coil transducers; Ideal transformers, step up and step down transformers, turns ratio; Wireless charging; Practical transformers, sources of loss; Modelling practical transformers and transformer tests.

Motors and Generators: DC motors; principle of operation, torque variation; DC generators; principle of operation, induced emf; AC generators; principle of operation DC machines; different connection types, equivalent circuits (armature and field windings); Calculation of torque.

Alternators Different configuration s; singe, two and three phase; Different numbers of poles on rotor and impact on output frequency; Case study of car alternator.

Further DC and AC Motors: Shunt, series and compound connections; Calculation of motor speed; Operational characteristics of different connection types; Motor efficiency and design considerations; Induction (squirrel cage) motors; Slip and synchronous speed; Advantages, disadvantages and applications.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - Campus based Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake Experiment M
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 1 Day Experiment

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - on-line Laboratory Simulation Experiment
Description: On-Line Laboratory Sessions to undertake Simulated Experiment M
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 1 Day Experiment

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory Ses sions to undertake Experiment M
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 1 Day Experiment


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 17

    3

  2

22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 53
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(123) Examination There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2 examination period    70       
(123.1) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Class Test scheduled in Week 8  50         
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(123.2) Assessment 3 - Experiment M Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Sem 2 - part of Year 1 labs    10       
(123.3) Poster Submission Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Set Approx Wk 10. Submit Wk 12    15       

Reading List

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.