The unit aims to provide students with a sound knowledge of electrical circuits, circuit analysis techniques, transformers, motors, generators as well as digital electronic circuits. The unit covers fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for non-electrical engineering students from Mechanical, Architectural and Building Engineering courses. Electrical circuits begins with a revision of basic fundamentals including Direct-Current (DC) circuits. The concept of nodal-analysis (node-voltage method) for the analysis of DC circuits is introduced. The principle of Superposition, derivation of Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits are discussed in detail as well as the maximum power transfer theorem. Alternating-Current (AC) circuits are explored and the analysis of these circuits using complex numbers is covered. Three-phase AC systems are studied and the concept of power factor correction is introduced. An overview of electrical transformers is given. Finally, DC and AC motors are examined as well as synchronous generators.Digital Electronics begins with a discussion of arithmetic operations, Boolean expressions and their reduction techniques.

Unit details

Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEF2251

Prerequisites

NEF1205 - Engineering Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Analyse and solve DC, AC circuits and balanced three-phase systems using a range of techniques;  
  2. Appraise the significance of transformers in electric circuits, how they operate and perform transformer operational and performance calculations;  
  3. Investigate the operational principles of motors and generators, and use their equivalent circuits to estimate their operating and performance characteristics; and  
  4. Identify different Logic Gates, truth tables and examine their use in given contexts.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test Test 1 (1hr) 20%
Laboratory Work Two Laboratory Reports (1000 word equivalence) 50%
Test Test 2 (1.5hrs) 30%

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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