Electrical engineering optional

Electrical engineering optional for anyone with ECE/Instrumentation engg background

The extra subjects to be covered are

1. Electrical Machines

2. Power electronics

3. Power systems

4. Power systems protection

These 4 subjects are the bedrock of this optional. They have fair weightage in the papers. It takes considerable time for anyone to cover them holistically.

I have previously mentioned sources by which these subjects can be covered. Here, I have tried to give a sequence in which these subjects (and individual chapters in these subjects) can be covered for someone with non core electrical engineering background.

1. Power systems : This by far is the most beautiful subject I've come across. The concepts of networks and circuits form the basis of concepts. Start by learning per unit system. Then proceed to power flow /load flow calculations. Next would be symmetric and asymmetric faults. Stability and swing equation forms the last part which is nothing but the application of system modelling in control system.

The part on line inductance and capacitance can be done at last since they are calculation intensive (and boring tbh :P)

2. Power systems protection : Theoretical but limited syllabus for CSE. Can be done in a short time. The protection diagrams can be collected in notes. Numericals are mostly asked.

3. Machines : This is challenging. There are certain easier parts such as DC Machines and Transformers.(these 2 should be covered first) The portions on Synchronous and Induction machines require conceptual clarity. Hence, assistance from any video lectures or nptel is beneficial. The focus should be on pyq and numerical solving. Here, unlike power systems, 100% coverage is not possible. The preparation should be such that easier questions can be tackled with ease. In case of complicated Numericals, it is better to avoid.

4. Power electronics : Similar strategy to Machines. The portions on basics, 1 phase rectifiers and choppers are easy. (I personally left inverters part). The easier questions on applications to Machines can be solved since they are conceptual.

In total, it generally takes 2 to 3 months to cover these alone. And then, practice pyq of cse and ese to assess the level of preparation. The question selection in the mains can be done diligently to avoid getting into tougher portions of the above 4 subjects.