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The Revision of Power Courses into Industrial Automation and Communications Courses

Dr. Scott Dunning, P.E.

University of Maine

Abstract

One of the concerns facing educators in electric power programs is the lack of interest expressed by incoming students in the subject matter. This conflicts with the strong demand for graduates with knowledge in industrial power systems. A topical survey of industrial manufacturers in Maine revealed that a strong need exists for graduates with knowledge of three- phase power, electric machines, electric drives, and industrial automation.

As part of University of Maine’s continuous improvement process, this input served as a driver to revise traditional coursework in power systems analysis to courses introducing state of the art technology in industrial automation, controls and communications. This paper will discuss the course content covered in the new “power” courses and will also discuss the laboratory improvements made to support this effort.

Previous Courses

Historically, the Electrical Engineering Technology program at the University of Maine has provided excellent training for students interested in careers in electric utilities and manufacturing. Firms such as General Electric, Rockwell Automation, ABB and regional electrical utilities have hired a significant percentage of each graduating class. This strong client base has served actively on the program’s Industrial Advisory Committee and helped shape a three-course, power sequence in the program. The first course in the sequence was EET 321 – Power Systems I. That course covered Three Phase Power, Magnetics, Per Unit Calculations, Transformers, DC Motors, DC Generators, and an introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers. The second course was EET 422, which covered AC Induction Motors, AC Synchronous Motors and Generators, Admittance and Impedance Matrix Calculations, and Transmission Lines. The final course was EET 423, which covered Power Flow Analysis, Symmetrical Components, Sequence Networks, Three Phase Faults and Shunt Faults. During the last five years, the hiring of power equipment manufacturers have changed while utilities needs have dropped off. Manufacturers have requested additional coursework in electric drives, and digital communications. To address these concerns, we have revised our power courses.

Main Menu Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Dunning, S. (2002, June), The Revision Of Power Courses Into Industrial Automation And Communications Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10215