Using hardware and software studies to teach power-system modeling and analysis

Abstract

The power industry desperately needs talented young engineers. Researchers in the ECE Department at UNC Charlotte (UNCC) have partnered with AREVA to address this issue. Together, we have developed new curricula that tightly integrate theory with practice. This paper describes a three-level approach used in the senior-level electric machines course at UNCC. In this course, students move directly from theory to hands-on exploration to real-world application. Following the first two stages of that process, students are able to model individual components. Using that ability, they then analyze a complete system. The course culminates in a design project focused on the design of a small power system similar to that encountered in a generating station. Specific curriculum examples are discussed, and some feedback on the initial offerings is presented.