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Session 1633

Integrated Electrical Laboratory with Internet-based Distance Learning Capabilities Ilya Grinberg State University of New York, College at Buffalo

1. Introduction

Students of electric power technology and electric machines traditionally perform hands-on activities in a physical laboratory. Using Lab-Volt’s standard electrical power training system (EMS), students are guided by instructional manuals to set up modular components, make electrical connections among various components, and perform measurements and experiments on the actual, physical equipment. An enhancement was made by integrating existing Lab-Volt’s electromechanical modules, Lab-Volt simulation software (LVSIM), and additional modules to create a state-of the art laboratory. This additional equipment includes: • Data Acquisition and Management System (consists of Data Acquisition Interface, or DAI, Advantech PCL 711b data acquisition card, cable, and software); • Prime Mover/Dynamometer(Digital)

Students are able to power up the equipment and set the operating levels of parameters such as voltage, current, torque and speed. A built-in link with Lab-Volt’s Data Acquisition and Management system (LVDAM) enables students to obtain real-time measurements on all operating parameters. In other words, LVDAM allows substituting analog meters on the physical panels by more accurate digital meters on the computer screen. Moreover, such parameters, as speed, torque, power factor, apparent power, and a number of programmable meters, which were not readily available before, can be easily displayed. Excellent recording and graphing capabilities, virtual four-channel oscilloscope, and phasor analyzer allow time allocated for typical experiments in Electric Machines course to be reduced twice, e.g. twice as many laboratory exercises can be done during the coursework.

Typically, electromechanical equipment that can operate separately from an array of other devices and installations does not exist. This includes motor control apparatus (electromechanical and digital), programmable logic controllers (PLC), and power electronics devices among others. Obviously, it is necessary to integrate and coordinate curricula and laboratory exercises in various electrical engineering disciplines. A block diagram of the possible integration is shown in Figure 1. This integration allows utilization of existing equipment more effectively, reducing costs for laboratory enhancement, as well as demonstrating integration and coordination of real-life engineering processes. It also allows instructions on the processes to take place at the junction of disciplines.

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Grinberg, I. (1999, June), Integrated Electrical Laboratory With Internet Based Learning Capabilities Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--7748