Work in progress - integrating energy issues and technologies into an electrical or computer engineering curriculum

Abstract

Most modern electrical engineering and computer engineering programs place emphasis on low power circuits and systems. The critical energy issues now facing the United States and the world, however, are concerned with the generation and distribution of large amounts of energy using high power generation facilities and networks. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Lafayette College is exploring ways and means to integrate energy-related technical material, energy issues, and energy policy considerations into the existing Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program. This paper describes initial steps taken toward this goal, the projected curricular additions and changes, and the rationale for incorporating energy-related course material and laboratory exercises. The work in progress aims to provide an alternative to other approaches that either introduce one or two dedicated courses, or develop an entire energy course stem, to provide electrical or computer engineers with significant energy-related studies.