| Abstract |
Over the last decade student enrolments in electrical power engineering subjects at the University of
Canterbury have been falling. This paper discusses changes designed to stimulate interest in power
electronics and drives. One of the changes that have been introduced is the use of practical
assignments to stimulate interest. In the Year 4 power electronics course the practical assignment is to
design and build a DC-DC converter for use in a mini solar car race. In the Year 4 electrical machines
and drives course there are two assignments, the first is designing and constructing a coil gun, and the
other is commissioning an induction motor speed control system. A number of other strategies, such as
the early introduction of power electronics and drives, team teaching, and industry relevant lectures
have also helped increase the number of students enrolling in Year 4 power electronics and drives
courses at the University of Canterbury. |
