Theodore Wildi - About my book

In the course of my varied career as Professor of Electrical Engineering and consultant to industry, I was often surprised to find that vastly different problems required the same basic knowledge to solve them. This happened again and again. Solving these problems demanded a knowledge not only of electricity and electronics, but also of mechanics, and the thermal properties of materials. For example, the meaning of torque, moment of inertia, and temperature rise are crucial to the solution of many industrial problems.

Another thing I discovered was that the solution often required only a good understanding of basic principles and some relatively simple calculations.

Surprising as it may seem, I rarely had to apply elaborate circuit theory to solve an electrical problem. Most circuits that demand attention can be reduced to simple series or parallel configurations. For example, the complete circuitry of an industrial plant is so complex that it would be impossible to treat it mathematically. Consequently, simplifying assumptions must be made wherein only the principal components are considered. I simply put aside all elements that are not essential.

These fundamental observations have strongly influenced the structure and selection of the topics in my book. The descriptive title - Electrical Machines, Drives and Power Systems - implies three major fields of interest. It has been my privilege to work in these fields, and to follow their development, for over 50 years.

My 934-page book, published by Prentice Hall, covers many topics, ranging from motors and transformers to power electronics and transmission lines. To a specialist in the field, any one of these topics could easily be expanded to fill a book of 1000 pages. So how can I cover so many topics and still produce a useful book?

The secret lies in explaining only those aspects that are essential. These aspects are precisely the ones that have to be brought into play when solving an industrial problem.

Special features of my book

One advantage of this broad-based book is that knowledge gained in one sector (such as motor drives) becomes useable in an entirely different sector (such as transmission lines). Another important feature of my book is the simple mathematical expressions that describe the behavior of rotating machines, transformers, transmission lines and power electronics. Despite their simplicity, the expressions are eminently practical and useful. They enable you to make meaningful calculations using a pocket calculator or a favored computer program. And all you need is a knowledge of simple algebra and elementary trigonometry.
My book as a lasting source of information
How long can my book last as a valuable source of information? Good question. My book was first published more than twenty years ago and during that time it has undergone six revisions and upgradings. But the basic principles of electric motors and transformers, the workhorses of industry, have not changed during that time. Also, the electronic drives described in the book have reached a stage of sophistication that can only be improved by the development of better thyristors, transistors, IGBTs and other switching devices. Consequently, the basic principles of electronic drives and power systems, as described and explained in the 6th edition of Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems, will also remain essentially the same. Having said this, the new editions have the advantage of reflecting the latest concepts that are of lasting importance.
I hope this introduction to the technical and philosophical aspects of Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems will induce you to buy it, keep it, and consult it to meet your future needs.
Click here for the Preface to the 6th Edition of Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems.