Instructor

Prof. James L. Kirtley, Jr.

Pre-requisites
6.002, permission of instructor

U: 6.061
H: 6.979

Spring Term
2003 Schedule

Course Meeting Timings:
2 sessions / week
1.5 hours / session

Fundamentals of energy-handling electric circuits and electromechanical apparatus. Modeling of magnetic field devices and description of their behavior using appropriate models. Simplification of problems using transformation techniques. Power electric circuits, magnetic circuits, lumped parameter electromechanics, and elements of linear and rotating electric machinery. Modeling of synchronous, induction, and dc machinery. Alternate years.

This is an introductory subject in the field of electric power systems and electrical to mechanical energy conversion. Electric power is becoming increasingly important as a way of transmitting and transforming energy in industrial, military and transportation uses. Examples of new uses for electric power include all manners of electric transportation systems (electric trains that run under catenary, diesel-electric railroad locomotion, 'maglev' medium and high speed tracked vehicles, electric transmission systems for ships, replacement of hydraulics in high performance actuators, aircraft launch and recovery systems, battery powered factory material transport systems, electric and hybrid electric cars and buses, even the 'more electric' airplane.

Material encountered in the subject includes: Fundamentals of energy-handling electric circuits and electromechanical apparatus. Modeling of magnetic field devices and description of their behavior using appropriate models. Simplification of problems using transformation techniques. Power electric circuits, magnetic circuits, lumped parameter electromechanics, elements of linear and rotating electric machinery. Modeling of synchronous, induction and dc machinery.

The subject will use examples from current research. Currently we are working on 'the electric ship' for the U.S. Navy, on electric launch (using a linear motor) and recovery systems and on development of large, low rotational speed, high efficiency machines for use with wind turbines, among other things.

6.061 is an elective subject in the concentration area of "Electrodynamics and Energy Systems".
6.979 carries 'Grad-H' credit. It will meet with 6.061 and will incorporate two additional elements.
6.979 will have different (and harder) problem sets.

Each student taking 6.979 will be asked to formulate and carry out a nearly term-long project in an area related to the subject. For the academic year 2002-2003, it is anticipated that most of the projects will be concerned with development of power electronics laboratory exercises.

Familiarity with the subject material of 6.013 is helpful but not necessary, if a student feels comfortable with the material of 8.02. Please consult with the instructor if there are any questions about preparation.

The material in this subject will be useful to students who pursue careers or research in electric power systems, power electronic systems, vehicle electrical systems (e.g. electric or hybrid vehicles), development or use of electric motors and generators, robots and "mechatronics".