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Fall 2026 ASE 502: Advanced Electric and Hybrid Flight Propulsion Systems (Units: 1.5)


Territory Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Withdrawal without reduction of tuition fees: 2026-09-22
Withdrawal with 50% reduction of tuition fees: 2026-10-13
Last day for withdrawal (no fees returned): 2026-10-31
Additional important academic dates: https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/dates.


Accessible Learning

The University of Victoria is committed to creating a learning experience that is as accessible as possible. If you are registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning and anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you are a student with a disability or chronic health condition, you can meet with a CAL advisor to discuss access and accommodations.

How to contact CAL: https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php

Academic Concessions

The university recognizes its responsibility to offer academic concessions to students whose ability to complete course requirements is interrupted by unexpected and unavoidable circumstances or conflicting responsibilities.

Review the Academic Concession Regulation:

https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/future/grad/index.php#/policy/BkHogjfON?bc=true&bcCurrent=18%20-%20Academic%20concessions&bcGroup=Registration&bcItemType=policies

and Leave of Absence information:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/graduate/registration/index.php#ipn-leaves-of-absence

Communicating With Your Instructor

Students share responsibility in maintaining strong communication channels with their instructors; in-person and email options are provided. Students are strongly encouraged to make use of Instructor office hours. These times are opportunities for you to get valuable insights on assignment/lab/project work. When emailing your instructor, please cc your TA or co-instructor to help ensure your query is seen amongst heavy email traffic. At any time, if you have trouble getting in contact with your instructor, you can drop by the dept office (EOW 548) for assistance.

 

Additional instructor information: 

Prerequisites & Co-requisites

Prerequisites: None.

Recommended Preparation: Prior coursework in aerodynamics, and control systems is highly beneficial.

 

Textbook & Course Materials

Theoretical slides will be provided with all information required for the course.

For complementary information students can use:

  1. Aircraft Electricity and Electronics, Sixth Edition, Eismin, Thomas K. McGraw-Hill Education, 2019
  2. Electric Powertrain: Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives for Hybrid, Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles, Anne Hayes, J. G., & Goodarzi, G. A., John Wiley & Sons, 2017
  3. Multiphysics modeling using COMSOL®: a first principles approach, Pryor, R. W., Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2009

Generative Artificial Intelligence

GenAI use in this course

The University of Victoria's Academic Integrity Policy applies to all work completed in this course. Students are expected to complete their work honestly and follow the instructor's expectations regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini). Responsible use of AI means using it in ways that align with the learning goals and the expectations outlined in this course. See UVic Policy on Academic Integrity.

In this course, you can use AI in the following ways:

  • Assignments: Level B - AI assisted idea generation and structuring

    • AI can be used in the course activity for brainstorming, initiating analysis or design, and generating ideas for improving work. (e.g. brainstorming design ideas). No AI generated writing, material creation or problem solving is allowed in the final submission. 

  • Midterm: Level A - AI must not be used at any point during the course activity. 

    • The course activity is completed entirely without AI assistance. This level ensures that students rely solely on their knowledge, understanding, and skills (e.g. closed-book exams or foundational calculations)

  • Exams: Level A - AI must not be used at any point during the course activity. 

    • The course activity is completed entirely without AI assistance. This level ensures that students rely solely on their knowledge, understanding, and skills (e.g. closed-book exams or foundational calculations)

  • Participation: Level E - You may use AI throughout the course activity to support your work. 

    • AI can be used as a co-pilot in order to meet the requirements of the course activity, allowing for a collaborative approach with AI (e.g. AI-assisted design iteration). Any AI created content must be cited. 

 

Remember to ask for guidance from your instructor(s) if you have any questions or concerns about the use of AI tools.

LevelCategoryDescription
ANO AIAI must not be used at any point during the course activity. 
The course activity is completed entirely without AI assistance. This level ensures that students rely solely on their knowledge, understanding, and skills (e.g. closed-book exams or foundational calculations)
BAI ASSISTED IDEA GENERATION AND STRUCTURINGNo AI generated writing, material creation or problem solving is allowed in the final submission. 
AI can be used in the course activity for brainstorming, initiating analysis or design, and generating ideas for improving work. (e.g. brainstorming design ideas) 
CAI-ASSISTED EDITINGAI can be used, but your original work with no AI content must be provided in an appendix. 
AI can be used to make improvements to the clarity or quality of student-created work to improve the final output, but no new content can be created using AI. (e.g. language editing for lab reports)
DAI TASK COMPLETION, HUMAN EVALUATIONAI can be used to complete specific tasks within the course activity. 
Any AI created content must be cited. AI can be used to complete certain elements of the task, with students providing discussion or commentary on the AI-generated content. This level requires critical engagement with AI-generated content and evaluating its output (e.g. critique or evaluation of AI-generated analysis). 
EFULL AIYou may use AI throughout the course activity to support your work. 
Any AI created content must be cited. AI can be used as a co-pilot in order to meet the requirements of the course activity, allowing for a collaborative approach with AI (e.g. AI-assisted design iteration). 

 

Course Objectives

This course focuses on the analysis, design, modeling, and control of electric propulsion systems for aircraft, including both propulsion and auxiliary power generation. It covers the definition of power requirements throughout different flight phases, the selection and operation of electric motors, and the evaluation of their performance through loss and efficiency analysis. The course also examines motor operating regions, including constant torque and field-weakening zones, and explores control techniques such as Scalar Control and Field-Oriented Control (FOC). Additionally, it introduces the modeling of electric motors, as well as the main energy storage technologies for aviation, including batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors, with a particular focus on battery modeling and aircraft power system sizing.

 

Learning Outcomes

With this course, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze, characterize and design solutions of electric propulsion systems for the aeronautical industry, ensuring the propulsion and/or production of auxiliary electrical energy in aircraft. 

  2. Define the power requirements for the different phases of flight. 

  3. Provide methodologies for the selection the right electric motors for flight dynamics.

  4. Understand the basic principle of electric motors: Synchronous, BLDC and induction motors.

  5. Understand the “Constant torque” zone and “Field Weakening” zone. 

  6. Estimate the performance of the electric propulsion system based on the evolution of its losses during its operation. 

  7. Analyze the different types of electric motor control: Scalar Control and Field Oriented Control. 

  8. Understand the different alternatives for energy storage: batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors. Understand battery models for sizing an aircraft's power system. 

 

Assessment

The course assessment will have two components:

AssessmentWeightNote/Date
Midterm Test (MT)40%

During middle of semester (approx. end of Oct/early Nov). Date will be discussed with students in class

  • Without consultation (closed book, non-communicating calculator permitted)
Final Project (FP)60%

To be delivered at the end of the semester

  • With consultation 
Final Grade (FG)0.4*MT+ 0.6*FP  

 

Project

Final Project: Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System Simulation

Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 to model and simulate a hybrid-electric propulsion system. Students will be provided with a baseline Simulink aerodynamic model of a large cargo drone. 

Each group is responsible for:

  • Developing the electric motor model.
  • Implementing the motor control.
  • Modeling the energy storage system.

Deliverables & Expectations:

  •  
  • Project progress will be completed in consultation with the instructor throughout the term.
  • At the end of the semester, teams will submit a report detailing their implementation and simulation results.
  • Weight: 60% of Final Grade

 

Notes

WORK COMPLETION
Failure to complete and submit the final project will result in a grade of F.  

SUPPLEMENTAL EXAM
There will be no supplemental examination for this course. A make up exam will be provided in case of missed midterm examination due to special circumstances.

GRADING SCHEME  
The final grade obtained from the above marking scheme for the purpose of GPA calculation will be based on the percentage-to-grade point conversion table as listed in the current Undergraduate Calendar.

COURSE LECTURE NOTES (SHARING MATERIAL)
Unless otherwise noted, all course materials supplied to students in this course have been prepared by the instructor and are intended for use in this course only. These materials are NOT to be re-circulated digitally, whether by email or by uploading or copying to websites, or to others not enrolled in this course. Violation of this policy may in some cases constitute a breach of academic integrity as defined in the UVic Calendar.

 

Course Schedule

TopicsDuration
Full electric, hybrid-series, hybrid-parallel and turboelectric1.5h
Aircraft: Sizing of Aircraft propulsion systems: load, range, cruise speed/altitude capability, takeoff and landing distance. Requirements.4,5h
Sizing of Aircraft propulsion system: Electric Motors Operation: AC and DC Motors operation principle. Synchronous speed vs rotor speed. Torque-speed zones: Constant zone torque, and constant power torque. Maximum torque (limited time) and rated torque.3h
Sizing of Aircraft propulsion system: Electric Motors Operation: Electric motor: Losses Segregation.3h
Introduction to induction machine control.3h
Scalar command. Introduction to Synchronous machine dq model.4.5h
Synchronous Machines and Induction Machines: Field oriented control (FOC). Idq Maps.4.5h
PMSM implementation of FOC. Electronic Converters for AC Drives. Pulse width modulation (PWM). Space-vector PWM. Induction Machine dq-model and FOC.3h
Brushless DC motors: Operation principle, main constitutive parts, modelling, and control.3h
Brushless DC motors: CONTROL: Rectangular pulses and FOC.3h
Energy Storage Modeling. Lithium ion batteries. Fuel cells.4.5h

 

General Information

Note to Students: Students who have issues with the conduct of the course should discuss them with the instructor first. If these discussions do not resolve the issue, then students should feel free to contact the Chair of the Department by email or the Assistant to the Chair to set up an appointment.

Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response at UVic:
UVic takes sexualized violence seriously, and has raised the bar for what is considered acceptable behaviour. We encourage students to learn more about how the university defines sexualized violence and its overall approach by visiting https://www.uvic.ca/sexualizedviolence/. If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexualized violence and needs information, advice, and/or support please contact the sexualized violence resource office in Equity and Human Rights (EQHR). Whether or not you have been directly impacted, if you want to take part in the important prevention work taking place on campus, you can also reach out:
Where: Sexualized violence resource office in EQHR; Sedgewick C119
Phone: 250.721.8021
Email: svpcoordinator@uvic.ca
Web: https://www.uvic.ca/sexualizedviolence/

Office of the Ombudsperson:
The Office of the Ombudsperson is an independent and impartial resource to assist with the fair resolution of student issues. A confidential consultation can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. The Ombudsperson can also clarify information, help navigate procedures, assist with problem-solving, facilitate communication, provide feedback on an appeal, investigate and make recommendations.
Phone: 250-721-8357
Email: ombuddy@uvic.ca
Web: https://uvicombudsperson.ca/

Electronic devices in labs and lectures: No unauthorized audio or video recording of lectures is permitted.

Electronic devices in midterms and exams: Calculators are only permitted for examinations and tests if explicitly authorized and the type of calculator permitted may be restricted. No other electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, pagers, PDA, etc.) may be used during examinations or tests unless explicitly authorized.

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Victoria Standards for Professional Behavior

It is the responsibility of all members of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, students, staff, and faculty, to adhere to and promote standards of professional behavior that support an effective learning environment that prepares graduates for careers as professionals...
You are advised to read the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science document Standards for Professional Behavior which contains important information regarding conduct in courses, labs, and in the general use of facilities.

Graduate Students' Society The Graduate Students' Society (GSS) serves all students registered in an Graduate degree program. For information on GSS activities, events and services navigate to https://gss.uvic.ca/ .

Course Policies and Attendance

Late Assignments: No late assignments will be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor at least 48 hours before the assignment due date.
Coursework Mark Appeals: All marks must be appealed within 7 days of the mark being posted.
Attendance: We expect students attend all lectures and labs. It is entirely the students' responsibility to recover any information or announcements presented in lectures from which they were absent.
Electronic devices in labs and lectures: No unauthorized audio or video recording of lectures is permitted.
Electronic devices in midterms and exams: Calculators are only permitted for examinations and tests if explicitly authorized and the type of calculator permitted may be restricted. No other electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, pagers, PDA, etc.) may be used during examinations or tests unless explicitly authorized.
Plagiarism: Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic fraud are taken very seriously by both the University and the Department. You should consult the link given below for the UVic policy on academic integrity. UVic guidelines and policy concerning fraud and academic integrity are at http://web.uvic.ca/calendar/grad/academic-regulations/academic-integrity.html
UVic Privacy Policy: If any student has concerns about their private information being stored or accessed outside of Canada, they are required to inform the course instructor about their concerns before the end of second week of classes.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes in which they are enrolled. An academic unit may require a student to withdraw from a course if the student is registered in another course that conflicts with it in time. 

An instructor may refuse a student admission to a lecture or laboratory because of lateness, misconduct, inattention or failure to meet the responsibilities of the course. Students who neglect their academic work, including assignments, may be refused permission to write the final examination in a course. Instructors must inform students at the beginning of term in writing of the minimum attendance required at lectures and in laboratories in order to qualify to write examinations. Students who are absent because of illness, an accident or family affliction should report to their instructors upon their return to classes.

https://www.uvic.ca/calendar/future/grad/index.php#/policy/SJJ2lif_V?bc=true&bcCurrent=09%20-%20Attendance&bcGroup=Faculty%20Academic%20Regulations&bcItemType=policies

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is intellectual honesty and responsibility for academic work that you submit individual or group work. It involves commitment to the values of honesty, trust, and responsibility. It is expected that students will respect these ethical values in all activities related to learning, teaching, research, and service. Therefore, plagiarism and other acts against academic integrity are serious academic offences.

The responsibility of the institution Instructors and academic units have the responsibility to ensure that standards of academic honesty are met. By doing so, the institution recognizes students for their hard work and assures them that other students do not have an unfair advantage through cheating on essays, exams, and projects.

The responsibility of the student Plagiarism sometimes occurs due to a misunderstanding regarding the rules of academic integrity, but it is the responsibility of the student to know them. If you are unsure about the standards for citations or for referencing your sources, ask your instructor. Depending on the severity of the case, penalties include a warning, a failing grade, a record on the student's transcript, or a suspension.

It is your responsibility to understand the University's policy on Academic Integrity

Grading System

The University of Victoria follows a percentage grading system in which the instructor will submit grades in percentages. The University will use the following Senate approved standardized grading scale to assign letter grades. Both the percentage mark and the letter grade will be recorded on the academic record and transcripts.

FDCC+B-BB+A-AA+
0-4950-5960-6465-6970-7273-7677-7980-8485-8990-100
GradesDescription
A+Exceptional work. Technically flawless and original work demonstrating insight, understanding and independent application or extension of course expectations; often publishable.
AOutstanding work. Demonstrates a very high level of integration of material demonstrating insight, understanding and independent application or extension of course expectations.
A-Excellent work. Represents a high level of integration, comprehensiveness and complexity, as well as a mastery level of relevant techniques/concepts.
B+Very good work. Represents a satisfactory level of integration, comprehensiveness and complexity; demonstrates a sound level of analysis with no major weakness.
BAcceptable work that fulfills the expectations of the course. Represents a satisfactory level of integration of key concepts/procedures. However, comprehensiveness or technical skills may be lacking.
B- , C+, C, DUnacceptable work revealing some deficiencies in knowledge, understanding or techniquesy. Represents an unacceptable level of integration, comprehensiveness and complexity. Mastery of some relevant techniques or concepts lacking.
FFailing grade. Unsatisfactory performance. Wrote final examination and completed course requirements.

Student Experience of Learning (SEL)

I value your feedback on this course. Towards the end of term you will have the opportunity to complete a confidential Student Experience of Learning (SEL) survey regarding your learning experience. The survey is vital to providing feedback to me regarding the course and my teaching, as well as to help the department improve the overall program for students in the future. When it is time for you to complete the survey, you will receive an email inviting you to do so. If you do not receive an email invitation, you can go directly to the SEL site

You will need to use your UVic NetLink ID to access the survey, which can be done on your laptop, tablet or mobile device. I will remind you closer to the time, but please be thinking about this important activity, especially the following three questions, during the course.

  • What strengths did your instructor demonstrate that helped you learn in this course?
  • Please provide specific suggestions as to how the instructor could have helped you learn more effectively.
  • Please provide specific suggestions as to how this course could be improved.

Equality

This course aims to provide equal opportunities and access for all students to enjoy the benefits and privileges of the class and its curriculum and to meet the syllabus requirements. Reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be made available to students with documented disabilities (physical, mental, learning) in order to give them the opportunity to successfully meet the essential requirements of the course. The accommodation will not alter academic standards or learning outcomes, although the student may be allowed to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a different way. It is not necessary for you to reveal your disability and/or confidential medical information to the course instructor. If you believe that you may require accommodation, the course instructor can provide you with information about confidential resources on campus that can assist you in arranging for appropriate accommodation. Alternatively, you may want to contact the Centre for Accessible Learning located in the Campus Services Building.

The University of Victoria is committed to promoting, providing, and protecting a positive, and supportive and safe learning and working environment for all its members.

Resources for students

a. UVicLearn is the primary learning resource for students that offers many learning workshops and resources to help students with academics and learning strategies.
b. Library resources
c. Indigenous Student Services (ISS)
d. Academic Skills Centre (ASC)
e. Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
f. Community-Engaged Learning (CEL)
g. Learning in Motion - Co-op and Career Portal
h. Academic concession
i. Academic accommodation
j. Academic accommodation & access for students with disabilities
k. Student groups and resources
l. Student wellness
m. Ombudsperson

University statements and policies

a. University Calendar - Information for all students
b. Accommodation of Religious Observance
c. Student Conduct
d. Non-academic Student Misconduct
e. Academic Accommodations and Accessibility
f. Diversity / EDI – VPAC commitment
g. Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response
h. Discrimination and Harassment

Copyright Statement

All course content and materials are made available by instructors for educational purposes and for the exclusive use of students registered in their class. The material is protected under copyright law, even if not marked with a ©. Any further use or distribution of materials to others requires the written permission of the instructor, except under fair dealing or another exception in the Copyright Act. Violations may result in disciplinary action under the Resolution of Non-Academic Misconduct Allegations policy (AC1300).