Undergraduate research and new laboratory practices in power engineering

A recent NSF Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) grant supported the adaptation and creation of activities that connect power engineering theory to actual scaled-implementations at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (UPRM). To this end, laboratory practices and undergraduate research projects were conducted at the new Energy Systems Instrumentation Laboratory (ESIL). Activities at ESIL include: traditional laboratory practices; laboratory practices integrated within courses; undergraduate research projects; demonstrations, seminars and short-courses. Laboratory practices were created for two introductory courses and two Senior design courses. ESIL has also enabled more students to participate in power engineering research projects in power quality, photovoltaic systems and power electronics. Assessment tools have been developed with the collaboration of a specialized team from the Social Sciences Department. ESIL also fosters the integration of teaching and research, and the development of new teaching methods for the improvement of undergraduate education.