Application of problem-based learning method for a course on modeling and control of electric drives

Electric drives are a key technology for reducing energy consumption of industrial processes, for wind power generation and for enabling electric transportation. It has been observed that almost half of the global electrical energy is consumed by electric motor drives. The university course about modeling and control of electric drives must give the required knowledge to the students hence they are capable of working with the drives during their future career. The implemented problem based learning (PBL) method encourages the students towards the attitude required in their future career and supports increased motivation for learning. The paper describes the educational strategy, course objectives and the exercises including the developed laboratory setup. The number of the enrolled students and the course grades increased compared to the previous course implementations without the use of the PBL method. Moreover, the feedback from the students was more positive.