A novel approach to integrate computer exercises into teaching of utility-related applications of power electronics

The author presents a novel approach to integrating computer exercises into the teaching of utility-related applications of power electronics. First, it is argued that the various emerging high-power applications of power electronics should be included in the power engineering curriculum. Based on a survey of available software packages, two royalty-free programs which are best suited for this purpose are compared. By means of a detailed example of a computer exercise, it is shown how the use of computer simulation in homework problems, laboratory exercises, and group projects can make the education of these important topics more effective and exciting for both the students and the instructor