Development of Smart Electric Power System (SEPS) Laboratory at The College of New Jersey

This work discusses the need for power engineering laboratory facilities at smaller colleges and universities, especially those that focus on undergraduate education. The author also discusses his experience developing the Smart Electric Power System (SEPS) Laboratory at The College of New Jersey. The fully-reconfigurable six-bus, three-phase power system hardware operates with ratings of 60Hz, 208VLL, and 0.2kW. It is composed of various synchronous generators with associated prime movers, induction motors with associated dynamometers, transformers, transmission lines, contactors, constant-impedance loads, renewable generation-emulator modules, battery storage devices, and appropriate power electronic converters. The SEPS lab significantly expands the ability of faculty and students at TCNJ to study energy problems, providing a good foundation for the institution´s small but growing power engineering program.