Electric Power Engineering

Electric energy is a mature technology in the sense that some problems and solutions have existed for many years. On the other hand, modern environmental constraints and the perennial demands for growth, increased reliability, and competitive costs require new solutions to old problems and introduce entirely new problems, as typified by emerging power quality issues. New technologies and ideas continue to emerge; many fueled by sophisticated computer-based analysis and control.

Can we design generators to make wind an economic source of power?

How can we make better transformers?

Rensselaer's small specialized program furnishes students with a sound grounding in fundamentals and an appreciation of applications. While in most universities electric power studies are done through concentrations within electrical engineering, Rensselaer's program in Electric Power Engineering has its own degree program with its own faculty. Undergraduates collaborate with graduate students and faculty in a computer-intensive study of modern electric power systems.

Rensselaer is one of the biggest suppliers of electrical power engineers to the industry. Our graduates are able to network through extensive industrial contacts. There is also a student branch of the IEEE Power Engineering Society. They work in the utility industry, power equipment manufacturing, firms of consultants and architect constructors, or in large companies operating private power networks.

Quick facts about Electric Power Engineering at Rensselaer

:: Emphasis

Generation and distribution of electric power to consumers, industry, and government. Close ties with electrical, mechanical, and other engineering disciplines.

:: Career Options

Design, planning, or operational functions in power generation or power delivery industries.

:: Curriculum

The program focuses on the generation, delivery, and utilization of electric power. Areas of study include: power switching technology; electric and magnetic field computation; electric transients; electrical insulation; power system analysis and component modeling; and semiconductor power electronics.

:: Special Features

The Electric Power Engineering program maintains close ties with Electrical Engineering.

:: Sample electives

Power Generation Operation and Control; Surge Phenomena in Electric Power Engineering; Protective Relaying

For more about Electric Power Engineering at Rensselaer, go to the Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering Home Page.