50-413-765Power Systems & Variable Speed Drives for Industrial Electricians
Course Information
Description
This course provides the opportunity for students to learn about power systems and variable speed drives (VSD's). Topics include electricity, electronics, power transmissions, motor operations, AC and DC motor drives, servo and stepper drives, peripherals and communication. Apprentices will also explore closed loop control, feedback devices, and drive maintenance and the troubleshooting of VSD's.  Course includes lab/shop and classroom lecture-lab hours.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Compare AC and DC drive installations
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a table that compares drive proliferation and applications
    Criteria
    the table includes a horizontal axis showing different AC and DC drive types
    the table includes a vertical axis with a row for current drive proliferation, future drive proliferation, applications, circuitry, misapplications
    the table shows each intersection filled in with correct information

  2. Compare traditional and current methods of motor control
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a table that compares traditional and current methods of motor control
    Criteria
    the table includes a horizontal axis showing different methods of motor control
    the table includes a vertical axis with a row for advantages, disadvantages, description of operation, possible future trends
    the table shows each intersection filled in with correct information

  3. Present the fundamentals of various industrial drive systems
    Assessment Strategies
    by making an electronic presentation that presents the fundamentals of various industrial drive systems
    (actual class presentation is optional but creating the presentation is mandatory)
    Criteria
    CONTENT
    presentation includes a clear introduction to types of drive systems
    presentation shows how the fundamentals of electricity apply to the various drives
    presentation describes the relationship between single and three-phase power, and horsepower and efficiency
    presentation explains how mechanical power is converted to electrical power
    presentation clearly relates the concepts of ratios and reduction and step up
    presentation shows various types of coupling devices
    SLIDE SHOW
    presentation includes a minimum of 12 slides
    presentation includes a variety of text, graphics, clip art, with sounds optional
    presentation has a professional look with an overall graphic theme
    presentation fonts and transitions are consistent from slide to slide

  4. Analyze the operational characteristics of single-phase, three-phase, AC, DC, servo, and stepper motors
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a drawing with written explanations showing characteristics of single-phase, three-phase, AC, DC, servo, and stepper motors
    Criteria
    drawing shows construction methods
    drawing shows control methods
    drawing includes labels to 100% accuracy
    written explanation describes the differences between the various motors
    written explanation describes the factors affecting motor heating and cooling
    written explanation describes operating principles of the various motors
    written explanation describes the safety and protection features: overload protection etc.

  5. Create a construction/operation/troubleshooting matrix for various DC drives
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a DC drive matrix
    Criteria
    the matrix shows the various DC drives down the vertical axis with a row for each drive
    the matrix shows these headings on the horizontal axis: construction, operation, common troubleshooting procedures
    apprentice has each intersection on the matrix filled in
    apprentice has information at each intersection that is 100% accurate

  6. Create a construction/operation/troubleshooting matrix for various AC drives
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating an AC drive matrix
    Criteria
    the matrix shows the various AC drives down the vertical axis with a row for each drive
    the matrix shows these headings on the horizontal axis: construction, operation, common troubleshooting procedures
    apprentice has each intersection on the matrix filled in
    apprentice has information at each intersection that is 100% accurate

  7. Explain the construction, operation, and performance of a servo drive system and a stepper motor installation
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a drawing with written explanations concerning a servo drive system and a stepper motor
    Criteria
    drawing shows a servo drive system and a stepper motor
    drawing labels the parts of the servo drive system and stepper motor
    drawing is neat and professional
    written explanation describes the construction of the servo drive system and the stepper motor
    written explanation describes the operation of the servo drive system and the stepper motor
    written explanation describes the performance of the servo drive system and the stepper motor

  8. Detail the type of drive peripheral equipment, control system and communication device, and physical installation requirements for a specific situation
    Assessment Strategies
    by detailing equipment requirements for an industrial setting simulated in the classroom or laboratory
    Criteria
    apprentice details specific wiring and cabling requirements
    apprentice details considerations for voltage drop
    apprentice details considerations for "electronic noise"
    apprentice details grounding requirements
    apprentice details methods to suppress electrical disturbances: surges etc.
    apprentice details input/output signal requirements
    apprentice selects the correct tools and equipment (as appropriate for the simulation)
    apprentice selects the correct instruments and materials (as appropriate for the simulation)

  9. Describe the construction and operation of sensors, controls, and other components used in a closed loop feedback system
    Assessment Strategies
    by creating a drawing with written explanations describing the closed loop feedback system
    Criteria
    drawing shows sensors and controls in a closed loop feedback system
    drawing shows related components in a closed loop feedback system
    drawing labels the parts of these systems accurately
    drawing is neat and professional
    written explanation describes the construction of the sensors controls and other components in a closed loop feedback system
    written explanation describes the operation of the sensors controls and other components in a closed loop feedback system

  10. Apply troubleshooting principles to power systems and VSD's
    Assessment Strategies
    by repairing defective power system and VSD
    Criteria
    apprentice can locate, or describe exactly how to locate, manufacturer's troubleshooting references for power system and VSD
    apprentice gives a clear explanation of how the power system and VSD should be functioning when functioning properly
    apprentice lists possible causes for a fault and isolates or shows how they would isolate a fault in the power system and VSD
    apprentice explains the appropriate test procedure and completes the actual power system and VSD correction
    apprentice provides an accurate description of the repair procedure including references and tools required to correct a defective power system and/or VSD

  11. Compare the construction and operation of the various sensors and telemetry devices employed in electronic control of motors
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written or Graphic Assessment
    Lab Report
    Criteria
    apprentice answers all application questions completely
    apprentice shows work that reflects an accurate analysis of the problem presented
    work is accurate and error free
    lab report includes an overview of the procedure that you applied for the lab
    lab report is complete
    lab report includes any charts, graphs or drawings (IF required)
    lab report is well organized, clear and neat
    lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary