Simplifying the Integration of Power Electronics and Machines Principles in Mechanical Engineering Education

This work suggests a simplified approach to teaching mechanical engineering students power electronics, which controls mechanical factors like speed and torque. The method integrates power electronics knowledge into machinery courses for electrical engineering students because power electronics is complex and requires knowledge of many electrical components, signal analysis, and circuit modeling. AC and DC machines, their operation, and uses are introduced. Students then learn about the electrical conversion units needed for particular machinery applications, focusing on operational concepts rather than component specifics or topology. Block diagrams show the system’s structure and key parameters for control techniques compatible with these conversion units. To help students grasp how power electronics work in mechanical systems, the curriculum stresses parallel study of control systems and related mathematics using simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink. This method helps mechanical engineers integrate electrical systems with mechanical applications by demystifying a technically challenging electrical engineering topic.