1. Multimedia Introductory Course in Electric Energy Systems
Michigan Tech University
Leonard Bohmann Bruce Mork Noel Schulz Dennis Wiitanen
4/22/2019

2. Objectives of The New Core Course
Broader Scope
Multidisciplinary
Societal Issues
Scope
production - large and small scale
distribution - low(er) voltage as well as high
utilization - rotating machines, power electronics
Multidisciplinary
natural topic to bring other branches of engineering/science together, students see big picture
synthesis of EE subdisciplines
Societal Issues
ABET 2000
effected by world at large
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3. Goals
1) Provide an Exciting Introduction to Energy Systems for all Students
2) Serve as a Feeder Course for Students Interested in Power
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4. What Doesn’t Work Broad Survey Course
Goal 1 Introduction
Goal 2 Feeder
Broad Survey Course Goal 1 NOT Goal 2
Do not cover much in depth
cover a little bit of everything
not enough time
do everything poorly
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5. What Does Work Focused Survey Course
Goal 1 Introduction
Goal 2 Feeder
Do a few things well
Introduce the basics
Pitch course to USERS, not practitioners
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6. What Students Like Practical Material Non-technical Aspects
relate material to them
Non-technical Aspects
relate technical to business and economic aspects
Exciting Lectures
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7. Topical Outline Background material Sources of Electrical Energy
ac steady state circuits, ac power, three-phase circuits
Sources of Electrical Energy
PV, batteries, thermal central station, renewables, distributed generation, economic/environmental costs
Transformers
single phase equivalent circuit, qualitative discussion otherwise
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8. Topical Outline (continued)
Fundamentals of Electromechanical Energy Conversion
forces on conductors, induced voltages on conductors, motivated by ideal linear motor
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
ideal switches, buck converter,3 phase bridge inverter, power supplies
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9. Topical Outline (continued)
Synchronous Machines
qualitative description, round rotor equivalent circuit with reactance, power/angle relations
Coal Fired Power Plant
coal handling to electricity out
economics and environmental regulations
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10. Topical Outline (continued)
Power System Overview
central station, distributed generation,
Electrical Faults and Protection
Single Phase or 3f to ground, sectionalizers, reclosers, fuses
Distribution Systems
layout, equipment, operations
Loads
system loads variation, induction machines, speed control
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11. Continuing Development
Right Mix of Topics
Instructional Aids
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12. Electrical Energy Conversion
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13. Coal
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14. Green House Effect
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15. Fuel Cell
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16. Transient Stability
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17. Case Study on Photovoltaics
Used as lead-in example
Photovoltaic generation
Battery storage
An Off-Grid Application
Mt. Baldy Mobile Radio Repeater Site, Utah
Design & Performance Issues
Limited winter sunlight
Temperature Extremes
On 9050-ft Mountain
Reliability is crucial
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18. System Configuration Dual arrays and regulators for reliability
Alarms transmitted for low voltage
Even lower voltage: disconnect equip.
Fuses for short-circuit protection
4/22/2019

19. Educational Case Study on Blackout Restoration
Purpose
Real life scenarios to help motivate students
Combines education with fun for students
Expands students knowledge about power systems and a specific topic
Goals
Completion of open-ended exercises to see how the student can immediately apply their newly acquired knowledge
Introduction to advanced power system subjects

20. Case Study Layout
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21. Supplemental Web Pages
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22. 4/22/2019

23. Case Study Assignment WWW case study Questions
Problems with Power World
Report
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24. Assessment
85% of students said the case study project was very useful or somewhat useful
In final evaluations students asked for more problems like case study. Many mentioned it as best part of class.
Students’ overall impression of power engineering went up after class with case study.
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25. Photovoltaic Experiment
Inexpensive to buy and implement
$20 solar cell
120-volt spot lamp
Light meter
Fundamental concepts emphasized
Luminous flux (lumens) vs. radiant flux (watts)
Maximum power point
I-V curves vs. light level
Theoretical and observed behaviors match
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26. Photovoltaic Lab Setup
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27. Power Engineering Videos
Other Initiatives
Power Engineering Videos
IEEE PES Power Engineering Education Committee trying to help promote power engineering
Video #1: High School/ Early College Available
Video #2: Junior/Senior in Development
Need suggestions on type of companies to videotape
Need reviewers for script and pre-production
4/22/2019

28. Other Initiatives
Listservers
Web Pages title_page.htm
Teaching Effectiveness Workshop (before PES SM 2000, Seattle, July ‘00)
4/22/2019