Introducing Computers to the Undergraduate Machinery Laboratory???Computer Control of a DC Generator and Motor

By taking advantage of an undergraduate student´s natural interest in computers, the machinery laboratory is enhanced by the introduction of the computer control of a dc generator and motor. In view of the limited background of students at the junior level, the two computer projects are completely described with schematics, flow charts and programs. Two control strategies are presented that students at this level can understand. As a natural consequence of the sense of achievement and increased interest in the machinery laboratory because of these computer projects, many students become interested in the power area of electrical engineering and more students find this area attractive.