The objective of this paper is to compare laboratory tests of industrial electric a.c. drives and simulation results obtained from the basic model introduced to our students in practical sessions. This basic model takes into account the electrical, electronic and control subsystems which comprise a simplified electric a.c. drive. The proposed tests allow us to analyse the electric drive in four-quadrant operation, which are included in this paper. The main advantage of this approach is that students can verify the differences between real and simulated results and, in this way, they can also progress, strengthen and expand their theoretical knowledge. The proposed methodology has been implemented during the past few years in two optional subjects related to electric and electronic fields. Academic results and student reaction are also discussed.
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