Commissioned by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the second edition of the Control Techniques Drives and Controls Handbook, edited by Professor Bill Drury, is to be launched on 6 July this year. The handbook gives an insight into the technology and techniques of AC and DC motor control, from basic theory through to practical solutions.
This book replaces the edition published in 2001 and according to Professor Drury, "Very little of the last edition has made it into the new one without at least some modification and there has also been a lot of entirely new subject material included." This comprehensive and practical work runs over 750 pages and retails at £80. Electrical Review readers, however, can get 20% off when buying it through the IET by visiting www.driveshandbook.com.
The handbook draws upon Control Techniques' engineering expertise in this field but encompasses all aspects of variable speed control applicable to all manufacturers' equipment, including AC/DC industrial motors, servo control, communications and system design.
Recognising the handbook is used in a significant number of Universities as well as by industrial users, Professor Drury has added new sections covering basic electromagnetic and motor theory. New developments in areas including power semiconductors, functional safety and control have also been included.
A detailed consideration is given to the ambient conditions which influence the specification of a drive and associated equipment through to the characteristic impacts of drives. Guidance on EMC, harmonics, thermal management, cabling and fusing have all been significantly updated, including changes to international regulations.
The applications section has also been expanded, though given the breadth of this publication, it has been recognised that only core technologies and exemplars of use could be included.
The structure of the Handbook has been radically redesigned into four parts to make it easier to access:
– Part A: drive types and core technology
– Part B: the drive in its environment
– Part C: practical applications
– Part D: appendices
The index of the book has been revised to make it easier to find.