The Revision Of Power Courses Into Industrial Automation And Communications

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 threephase 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.