Unit Outline

This unit introduces students to the fundamental principles, models and operational characteristics of electrical machines, including synchronous machines, induction generators, transformers and other machines such as brushless and DC motors. By integrating electromagnetic theory with practical applications, students will develop the skills to analyse, model and assess the performance of electrical machines in real-world energy systems and industrial applications.

Through practical laboratory experiments, field trip experiences, mathematical modelling and hands-on design projects students will explore three-phase AC circuits, power conversion and efficiency analysis, gaining insights into how electrical machines support energy generation, industrial automation and climate safe power systems. The unit also introduces key safety considerations ensuring that students develop the technical expertise required for future work in power engineering, renewable energy integration and industrial electrical applications.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Analyse three phase electrical circuits by applying fundamental electrical principles in an AC context
2	Explain the operational principles of AC and DC electrical machines in energy systems and industrial applications
3	Analyse the performance of electrical machines by applying electromagnetism principles
4	Evaluate the outcomes of physics and electrical machines experiments

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG108 Electrical Engineering Foundations KMA252

Alterations as a result of student feedback

N/A

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Laboratory	Week 9	35 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Design and Build Project	Week 11	25 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Field Trip	Refer to Assessment Description	15 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 4:	Final Exam	Exam Period	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory

Task Description:

In this task, students will complete 4 laboratory experiments to explore the underlying physics principles, three-phase circuit analysis, transformer operation, and induction machine performance covered in the unit. Laboratory work will generally be completed in pairs or groups of up to 3, with an individual proforma to be completed and submitted one week after the lab session.

The laboratory program includes:
Lab 1: physics, including measurement of flux and experimental determination of magnetic properties, including properties of the material to be used in the project;
Lab 2: three-phase circuits and analysis;
Lab 3: transformers;
Lab 4: induction machines.

Some lab sessions may also require completion of a pre-lab proforma prior to attendance. These labs provide hands-on experience, allow students to perform measurement and testing, demonstrate safe work practices, and analyse the behaviour and performance of electrical systems, transformers, and machines.

The measurement, testing, and analysis techniques developed through the laboratory activities will support students in completing the other assessment tasks in the unit by providing practical understanding of the properties, characteristics, and operation of electrical machines and transformers.

* Not all criteria will be assessed on each lab.
* GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement) in completion of lab proformas.

Task Length:

2 page proforma lab report for each lab

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Safely complete laboratory work	LO4
2	Measure characteristics of machines	LO4
3	Analyse experimental results and accuracy of experiments	LO4
4	Calculate magnetic circuit and electrical properties of machines and transformers	LO3
5	Model electrical machines and transformers in steady state using equivalent circuits	LO2
6	Perform tests and analysis on machines and transformers to accurately determine their equivalent circuit parameters	LO2
7	Analyse how inductors and capacitors can effectively alter the power factor of power supplied to a three phase AC load.	LO1
8	Represent and solve 3-phase systems using per-phase equivalent circuits	LO1
9	Calculate the line to line and phase voltages and currents for Y and Delta connected loads	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Design and Build Project

Task Description:

In this project, students will design a transformer to meet specified design requirements, including the use of relevant physics knowledge to characterise material properties where required, and then construct, test, and evaluate its performance. This task is intended to develop students’ design, construction, and analytical skills in the context of electrical machines and transformers, while also supporting the safe completion of practical activities. The construction, testing, and evaluation stages of the project will draw on measurement and analysis techniques developed through the laboratory program.

As part of the project, students will participate in workshop and laboratory sessions associated with transformer design, construction, and testing, including cutting the transformer core and laminations, adding windings, and undertaking measurement and analysis.

Students will prepare and submit a design proposal in the early stage of the project for feedback and checking before construction, deliver a 10-minute product demonstration after constructing and testing the transformer, and submit a final 10-page summary report.

* GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement) in the development of the written elements of this task.
* Peer evaluation will be a component of this assessment.

Task Length:

1 page design proposal, 10 minute demonstration of product, 10 page summary report

Due Date:

Week 11

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain fundamental electromagnetism principles such as Ampere's Law and Faraday's Law and apply them to machines and transformers	LO3
2	Model electrical machines and transformers in steady state using equivalent circuits	LO2
3	Safely complete laboratory work	LO4
4	Design and build a transformer	LO4
5	Analyse experimental results and accuracy of experiments	LO4
6	Calculate efficiencies and losses in electrical machines and transformers	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Field Trip

Task Description:

Students will engage in a field trip where they will be exposed to industry applications of electrical machines with a consideration of climate safe applications of the technologies they are learning about.

During the field trip students will complete a series of exercises on a proforma to perform calculations and analyse systems. Engagement with industry representatives throughout the field trip will provide students an opportunity to further develop their understanding of electrical machines. This field trip experience will build on skills developed in the lab work, and research assignment. The Field Trip assignment is due one week after the field trip. GenAI use is permitted (with acknowledgement).

Task Length:

up to 5 page proforma

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Calculate the key electrical circuit parameters, including real, reactive and complex power, and power factor for 3-phase circuits.	LO1
2	Identify a suitable machine for a particular application	LO2
3	Describe the characteristics, operation and implementation of electrical machines and transformers	LO2
4	Represent and solve 3-phase systems using per-phase equivalent circuits	LO1
5	Calculate the line to line and phase voltages and currents for Y and Delta connected loads	LO1

Assessment Task 4: Final Exam

Task Description:

Final examination of two hours duration. Approximately 25% of the exam content will relate to the physics foundations of the unit, and the remainder will relate to the three-phase circuits, transformers, and electrical machines content. GenAI use is not permitted.

Task Length:

Two hours

Due Date:

Exam Period

Weight:

25 %

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you must demonstrate attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), achieve a final unit grade of 50% or higher, and pass any hurdle tasks. Specifically:

To pass ILO1 your aggregate mark on the components of Final Exam and Laboratory assessing ILO1, weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO2 your aggregate mark on the components of Final Exam and Laboratory assessing ILO2, weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO3 your aggregate mark on the components of Final Exam and Laboratory assessing ILO3, weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

To pass ILO4 your aggregate mark on the components of Laboratory and Design and Build Project assessing ILO4, weighted according to their contribution to the final mark, must be greater than or equal to 50%.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.