A Project Based Implementation of a Power Systems Course for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Students

Abstract

Western Carolina University (WCU) is the only educational institution that offers engineering and technology degrees in the western part of the state. As the power industry is becoming one of the major recruiters of our graduates in the department of engineering and technology at WCU, developing an emphasis in electric power engineering plays a vital role in educating the next generation of the region’s power industry workforce. To that end, an undergraduate curriculum development effort was planned and is projected to train, prepare for research, and educate the students enrolled in the Department of Engineering and Technology for careers in the power industry. The curriculum includes three fundamental power engineering courses: 1. Power Systems 2. Power Electronics 3. Electrical Machines and Drives This paper describes in detail the first pilot implementation of the Power Systems course component entitled “Modern Power Systems Analysis” for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) undergraduates and presents its assessment results. This course includes both lecture and lab sessions which are suitable for junior-level ECET students. During the semester, a campus field trip to explore the electrical infrastructure and major HVAC facilities of the university is organized to introduce students to the practical aspects of power transmission and distribution systems. In addition, a final term project is assigned to challenge the students for the purpose of developing a practical power system infrastructure design proposal to reduce the university’s carbon footprint. The design proposal is intended to transport renewable energy generated from a nearby hydroelectric facility to the university. Finally, a survey is conducted to evaluate the overall course and the faculty performance as well as the sustainability of the established course concept.