Power quality research and education: A new power engineer for today´s energy challenges

This paper presents how power quality activities were used as catalyst for the development and renovation of power engineering research and education at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. The ultimate goal was to provide students with opportunities to learn about power quality and related areas, as well as training future professionals in the energy field. The multidisciplinary nature of power quality offered a unique opportunity to renovate the curriculum and inspire students to engage in energy systems research. Research activities centered on the power quality impact of integrating alternate energy sources such as photovoltaic systems in the distribution grid. The work also entailed consideration of energy policy related to interconnection issues. Education activities included an undergraduate research program, demonstrations to high school students, three courses revised or created, and an energy systems seminar series. All activities contributed to the national debate on energy and to Puerto Rico´s particular energy challenges.