Electrical Power Engineering Technology
Electrical Power Engineering Technology (EPET) students are trained in both foundational electrical engineering principles and hands-on applications relevant to power generation, distribution, and smart grid systems. Our students are equipped to solve real-world power engineering challenges through system design, simulation, hardware implementation, and performance validation.
Projects start in fall and spring and last 2 semesters (excluding summer). Project proposals are due mid-March (fall project start) and/or mid-October (spring project start). Submit your proposal here:
Fall Project Start Intake Form
Spring Project Start Intake Form
Student Skills:
- Power Systems Design and Analysis: Applying electrical circuit theory and power system modeling to the design and analysis of three-phase systems, transformers, transmission lines, and distribution networks.
- Power Electronics and Machines: Implementing power electronic converters, motor drives, and electrical machines for industrial and renewable energy applications.
- Programmable Logic and Automation Systems: Designing and implementing industrial automation solutions using PLCs, sensors, and motor control systems.
- Renewable Energy and Smart Grid Technologies: Integrating solar, wind, and storage systems into smart grid infrastructure using real-time monitoring and distributed energy resource management.
- Protection and Control Systems: Designing protective relaying schemes and system monitoring protocols to enhance power system reliability and resilience.
- Digital Systems and Microcontrollers: Programming and interfacing of embedded systems and microcontrollers for data acquisition and control tasks within electrical networks.
Previous Projects:
Smart Battery Management System (Team: NeuroGrid Systems)
Design and prototyping of a smart battery management system focusing on safe operation, measurement/monitoring, and control logic suitable for energy storage applications.
Team members: Patrick Ly, Steven Williams, Salem Dambakli
Transfer Capability Analysis & Reinforcement Study of an HVDC Corridor (Team: GridStar)
Planning-oriented study to assess transfer capability limits and identify reinforcement options for a hybrid AC/DC corridor to strengthen regional power-transfer reliability.
Team member: Anissa Salinas
WaveDrive (Team: ShockWave)
Wave-energy capture project exploring electromechanical conversion and system integration considerations for harvesting ocean-wave energy.
Team members: Israel Bernal, Nathan Nguyen, Jesus Otero
Smart Microgrid Control System
Designed and implemented a microgrid prototype with photovoltaic (PV) integration, battery storage, and real-time energy management using microcontrollers and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.
Automated Motor Control Station
Developed a motor control system with energy efficiency optimization using PLC and human machine interfaces (HMIs).
Power Quality Analyzer
Built a system to monitor and analyze harmonics, voltage sags/swells, and transient disturbances in industrial power systems using embedded sensors and real-time processors.
EV Charging Infrastructure Planning
Created a load profile simulation and circuit design for multi-level EV charging stations integrated into a commercial power distribution framework.
Renewable-Powered Off-Grid System
Engineered an autonomous off-grid power supply using solar and wind energy sources with battery management and load shedding control.
Protective Relay Coordination Study
Performed time-current coordination analysis using electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP) to optimize relay settings in a substation environment.