EPE Association: EPE 2001 - Topic 13a: Education Methodology

EPE 2001 - Topic 13a: Education Methodology
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2001 - Conference > EPE 2001 - Topic 13: EDUCATION > EPE 2001 - Topic 13a: Education Methodology

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   Development of Advanced Courses on Power Electronics
By L. V. Karadžinov; T. A. Džekov; D. C. Hamill [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The paper presents development of undergraduate and postgraduate advanced courses on Power Electronics at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Saints Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia. A modern and well-equipped laboratory is also establishes. The courses are developed under Tempus Phare Program of the European Union and lectured by eight professors from five European Union universities.

   Discussion of Problem Based Learning for Teaching Advanced Power Electronics Techniques in a Laboratory Setup
By K.W.E. Cheng; V.Y.T. Mok; X.D. Xue; K.W. Chan [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper discusses the application of problem-based learning to the Power Electronics course. The resonant technique is one of the difficult areas of study. A Problem-based learning method of an engineering subject is proposed and the results after the students have undertaken a range of PBL problem of the resonant techniques is investigated. Evaluation of this method of teaching was obtained from the students’ performance in the final examination. The result shows the students have obtained better understanding of the advanced topic.

   Environmental Engineering in the Power Electronics Education
By A. Nilsson; P. Karlsson; L. Gertmar [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Sustainable development and engineering ethics as well as social aspects of engineering are emerging issues related to power electronics. Several important topics like environmentally sustainable products and electromagnetic compatibility fit into this description. Therefore, these issues have recently become part of the advanced course on power electronics at Lund University. The authors’ intention with the present overview paper is to share the ingredients and results so far and to review ongoing Nordic activities that could form a basis for others to expand from traditional power electronics. It is our firm opinion that issues like LCA, EPR, EMC, EMI have to be addressed and highlighted in the education of power electronic engineers.

   Multimedia laboratory for power electronics
By Ž. Jakopoviæ; Z. Benèiæ; V. Šunde [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The paper presents multimedia laboratory for power electronics dedicated for undergraduate and graduate power electronic courses. Concept of multimedia laboratory is based on simultaneous application of different teaching techniques to make courses more attractive and understandable. Video projection equipment is used for presentation of short video-clips or prepared simulation-clips, to introduce students into exercise. Exercise consists of simulation and real-circuit measurement component based on the same converter circuit. Each component of exercise is important for student’s ability to synthesize knowledge obtained at lectures and literature, and to reach some practical experience. Computers in the lab are networked and Internet access if fully utilized in the lab. Exercises for basic power electronic courses ere developed and described, but this concept is fully applicable for advanced power electronic courses.

   Simple Cheap Converters for the Classroom
By M. Ossmann [View]
[Download]

Abstract: We show a family of simple converters for use in the classroom. Showing the basic topologies (buck,boost,buck-boost, flyback) the student can be introduced to the functionality and problems of power conversion. The circuits are cheap and inherently save. They can be used in a first introductory electronics course. By building the circuits and making measurements and simulations the students gain insight into many specific topics of electronics engineering like: measurement, devices, topologies, magnetics, control.

   Simplified analytical description of static converter in time and frequency domain
By Grzegorz Skarpetowski [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The paper explains in more detail the basics of the analytical converter description presented by the author in previous papers. [3,4,5]. In these publications, the information is presented in very condensed form, and it would appear that not all elements of the theory are presented clearly enough. Some of the letters received from different users of the theory, indicate that it is necessary to provide additional explanations. The majority of the questions raised concerned the property of tsd(t), the generalised function of time, introduced by the author for describing the switching states of waves and the converter.

   Strategies for increasing enrolments in power electronic & drives
By S. Round; R. Duke [View]
[Download]

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.

   Students build their own SMPS or how to promote power electronics
By Heinz Van Der Broeck [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The paper presents a concept of labwork in “switched mode power supplies” for students at universities as a supplement to the lecture. Aim of the labwork is to make power electronics more attractive to students, especially to those who originally preferred non power related subjects. Three power circuits have been prepared to be built by the students. These are a step down chopper, a flyback converter and an electronic “DC-DC transformer” based on a series resonant converter. Within the course the students learn to design and build reactive components, they use a smart power IC, insert a voltage control loop and they get an impression of resonant topologies. Thus, the laboratory work covers many different subjects of electrical engineering. The theory is presented in the lecture while most information of the labwork (e.g. datasheets) are available via internet. Up to now the labwork has been carried out 2 times at the FH Köln and the RWTH Aachen. It found high interest among all participating students who enjoyed building their own SMPS circuits. The success of the labwork can also be seen in the fact that many of the students have been encouraged to chose power electronics as a subject for their diplom thesis.

   Teaching Power Electronics in 21 Century
By P. Bauer; J.W. Kolar [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Web based learning tool and two projects oriented practicals for power electronics education are introduced in the paper: problem based learning in the first year of study (Theme project) and design oriented practical for the fourth year of study as a supplement to lectures of Power Electronics.

EPE 2001 - Topic 13a: Education Methodology
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2001 - Conference > EPE 2001 - Topic 13: EDUCATION > EPE 2001 - Topic 13a: Education Methodology
	[return to parent folder]

	Development of Advanced Courses on Power Electronics By L. V. Karadžinov; T. A. Džekov; D. C. Hamill	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The paper presents development of undergraduate and postgraduate advanced courses on Power Electronics at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Saints Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Macedonia. A modern and well-equipped laboratory is also establishes. The courses are developed under Tempus Phare Program of the European Union and lectured by eight professors from five European Union universities.

	Discussion of Problem Based Learning for Teaching Advanced Power Electronics Techniques in a Laboratory Setup By K.W.E. Cheng; V.Y.T. Mok; X.D. Xue; K.W. Chan	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper discusses the application of problem-based learning to the Power Electronics course. The resonant technique is one of the difficult areas of study. A Problem-based learning method of an engineering subject is proposed and the results after the students have undertaken a range of PBL problem of the resonant techniques is investigated. Evaluation of this method of teaching was obtained from the students’ performance in the final examination. The result shows the students have obtained better understanding of the advanced topic.

	Environmental Engineering in the Power Electronics Education By A. Nilsson; P. Karlsson; L. Gertmar	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Sustainable development and engineering ethics as well as social aspects of engineering are emerging issues related to power electronics. Several important topics like environmentally sustainable products and electromagnetic compatibility fit into this description. Therefore, these issues have recently become part of the advanced course on power electronics at Lund University. The authors’ intention with the present overview paper is to share the ingredients and results so far and to review ongoing Nordic activities that could form a basis for others to expand from traditional power electronics. It is our firm opinion that issues like LCA, EPR, EMC, EMI have to be addressed and highlighted in the education of power electronic engineers.

	Multimedia laboratory for power electronics By Ž. Jakopoviæ; Z. Benèiæ; V. Šunde	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The paper presents multimedia laboratory for power electronics dedicated for undergraduate and graduate power electronic courses. Concept of multimedia laboratory is based on simultaneous application of different teaching techniques to make courses more attractive and understandable. Video projection equipment is used for presentation of short video-clips or prepared simulation-clips, to introduce students into exercise. Exercise consists of simulation and real-circuit measurement component based on the same converter circuit. Each component of exercise is important for student’s ability to synthesize knowledge obtained at lectures and literature, and to reach some practical experience. Computers in the lab are networked and Internet access if fully utilized in the lab. Exercises for basic power electronic courses ere developed and described, but this concept is fully applicable for advanced power electronic courses.

	Simple Cheap Converters for the Classroom By M. Ossmann	[View] [Download]
Abstract: We show a family of simple converters for use in the classroom. Showing the basic topologies (buck,boost,buck-boost, flyback) the student can be introduced to the functionality and problems of power conversion. The circuits are cheap and inherently save. They can be used in a first introductory electronics course. By building the circuits and making measurements and simulations the students gain insight into many specific topics of electronics engineering like: measurement, devices, topologies, magnetics, control.

	Simplified analytical description of static converter in time and frequency domain By Grzegorz Skarpetowski	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The paper explains in more detail the basics of the analytical converter description presented by the author in previous papers. [3,4,5]. In these publications, the information is presented in very condensed form, and it would appear that not all elements of the theory are presented clearly enough. Some of the letters received from different users of the theory, indicate that it is necessary to provide additional explanations. The majority of the questions raised concerned the property of tsd(t), the generalised function of time, introduced by the author for describing the switching states of waves and the converter.

	Strategies for increasing enrolments in power electronic & drives By S. Round; R. Duke	[View] [Download]
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.

	Students build their own SMPS or how to promote power electronics By Heinz Van Der Broeck	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The paper presents a concept of labwork in “switched mode power supplies” for students at universities as a supplement to the lecture. Aim of the labwork is to make power electronics more attractive to students, especially to those who originally preferred non power related subjects. Three power circuits have been prepared to be built by the students. These are a step down chopper, a flyback converter and an electronic “DC-DC transformer” based on a series resonant converter. Within the course the students learn to design and build reactive components, they use a smart power IC, insert a voltage control loop and they get an impression of resonant topologies. Thus, the laboratory work covers many different subjects of electrical engineering. The theory is presented in the lecture while most information of the labwork (e.g. datasheets) are available via internet. Up to now the labwork has been carried out 2 times at the FH Köln and the RWTH Aachen. It found high interest among all participating students who enjoyed building their own SMPS circuits. The success of the labwork can also be seen in the fact that many of the students have been encouraged to chose power electronics as a subject for their diplom thesis.

	Teaching Power Electronics in 21 Century By P. Bauer; J.W. Kolar	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Web based learning tool and two projects oriented practicals for power electronics education are introduced in the paper: problem based learning in the first year of study (Theme project) and design oriented practical for the fourth year of study as a supplement to lectures of Power Electronics.