Electric Drives

Electric drives sit at the intersection of machines, power electronics, and control—and understanding one part in isolation is rarely enough. In the fourth edition of Electric Drives, Ion Boldea brings these elements together in a mathematically detailed treatment of how electric motors and generators convert energy and respond to digital control.

The book moves from operating principles and applications into the modeling and control of specific drive systems. Its revised edition adds coverage of flux-modulation drives and predictive control, while case studies and worked numerical examples connect analysis with engineering practice.

From energy conversion to complete drive systems

The opening chapters establish the role of the drive, introduce electric motors and power-electronic converters, and examine how machine, load, and motion requirements shape system behavior. From there, the discussion extends into closed-loop motion control and the characteristics of induction and synchronous machines.

Control methods, machines, and applications

Subsequent chapters explore inverter-fed induction motor drives, permanent-magnet and reluctance synchronous motor drives, flux-modulation machines, practical issues in PWM converter drives, and large-power applications. The book also addresses electric generator control, scalar control of AC drives, multiphase machine drives, and predictive control. This breadth makes it possible to follow the engineering questions across different machine types and control approaches.

Analytical detail with worked examples

The treatment is intentionally quantitative, with worked numerical examples and case studies supporting the theory. Ten MATLAB and Simulink programs associated with the book are available online, offering additional material for readers studying drive behavior and control.

For advanced study and engineering practice

Boldea identifies senior undergraduate and graduate students, along with engineers in industrial research and development, as the principal readership. Readers should be prepared for intensive mathematics and a technically focused discussion of electric machinery, power electronics, and digital control.

For advanced coursework or professional reference, this edition offers a broad, detailed view of modern electric motor-generator drives—and the control systems that make them work.