Teaching utility applications of power electronics in a first course on power systems

Power electronics applications in utility systems are growing very rapidly and promise to change the landscape of future power systems in terms of generation, operation, and control. This paper attempts to justify the importance of introducing undergraduates to these applications in the first course in power systems, so they become familiar with current and future practices and technologies. It presents a roadmap of doing so, taking a top-down approach where first various utility applications of power electronics are briefly described along with the role of power electronics as an interface, and then the power electronics systems are discussed in appropriate detail to fulfill these roles.