IRE35123 Power Electronics (Spring 2026)
Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible faculty:
- Faculty of Computer Sciences, Engineering and Economics
- Campus:
- Fredrikstad
- Course Leader:
- Manikandan Palanichamy
- Teaching language:
- Norwegian/English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is affiliated to the following study programme
Recommended previous knowledge
For studyplan 2024 and earlier:
- IRF10721 Engineering Mathematics (10 ECTS)
- IRE10521 Electrical Circuits (10 ECTS)
- IRE20012 Electronics IRE20012
For studyplan 2025:
- ING10225 - Engineering Mathematics (10 ECTS)
- IRE10725 - Electrical Circuits 1 (5 ECTS)
- IRE10825 - Electrical Circuits 2 (5 ECTS)
Teaching semester
Class of 2024: 4th semester (spring)
Class of 2025: 3rd semester (autumn)
Content
This course incl. the fundamentals of power electronics, including:
- Introduction to Power Electronics, and applications
- Power Semiconductor Devices
- Power Converters
- Rectifiers
- DC-DC Converters
- Inverters
- AC-AC Converters
- Power Quality Issues (Harmonics and Power Factor Correction)
- Magnetic Components
- Applications of Power Electronics, AC drive and Control Techniques
- Renewable energy systems (solar and wind power)
- Emerging Trends in Power Electronics
The student's learning outcomes on passing the course
Knowledge
The student
- understands the basics of power electronics components and their uses.
- are familiar with how power electronics are applied in converters, power systems, and motor control.
- knows simple models and simulations used in power electronics.
- can recognize key design factors for power electronics in practical applications.
Skills
The student
- can ddentify and analyze basic types of power converters.
- can simulate and calculate voltage-current behavior in these systems.
- can use laboratory tools and equipment to work with power electronics.
General competence
The student
- understands various converter designs and their applications.
- can grasp basic concepts of power electronics in different contexts.
- can write basic technical reports.
- are familiar with standard terms and manuals in the field.
- recognizes the role of power electronics in promoting sustainable solutions.
Teaching and learning methods
Workload
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
Before the student can sit for the exam, the following work requirements must be approved:
- In total, the course work includes 3-5 lab reports including simulations, and 2-3 theoretical-analytical assignments with calculations.
- Lab Reports: Students must work in groups to complete lab exercises and submit a group report. 3-5 students can participate in one group.
The required coursework is assessed as approved/not approved.
Note: All reports must be approved at least two weeks before the final exam or by the given assignment deadlines for each report.
Exam
There are two partial exams in the course: Individual written exam and report with oral presentation.
Part exam 1: Written exam, individual. Duration: 5 hours (60%)
- Allowed aids: Formula sheet provided. Calculator, with empty memory, which cannot calculate symbolically or communicate wirelessly.
- Part exam 2: Case study report and oral presentation (40%), 1-2 students per group. This task aims to prepare students for the challenges they may encounter in their future careers and motivate students on proactive approaches in problem-solving. More details about the report, and relevant instructions will be given by the course instructor when the course begins.
A grading scale of A-F is used for both parts of the examination. Both parts of the examination must be passed in order to be awarded a grade for the course.One overall grade is awarded for the course, using the grading scale of A-F.