Invitation to Electric Power Engineering

University of Idaho ECE Sophomore Seminar

Presented By: John J. Kumm, P.E.

Electric Power Engineering• The Electric Power System• Challenges Ahead• Career Areas• Studies

• Dependably generate, transport, and distribute electric power to consumers

• One of the most complex machines ever built

The Electric Power System

Electric Power Generation• Hydroelectric• Thermal (coal, nuclear, biomass)• Combustion Turbine• Wind, Solar, Geothermal, Tidal

Electric Power Transmission

Electric Power Distribution• Safe, economical electricity at

homes and businesses, even in rural areas

Electric Power Energizes:• Comfort• Entertainment• Public Safety• Communication• Transportation• Education• Industry• Medicine

• ‘Traditional’ Growth: New plants, lines, and substations

• Conversion from fossil fuels• Conversion to electric

personal transportation• Secure communications• Complex system

identification, modeling, and control

Challenges in US Electric Power

Challenges in US Electric Power• Multi-discipline technical approach• Multiple technical generations in existing

applications• Demographics

Renewable Portfolio Standard: 20% by 2030• Plants: Add 16 MW/yr, not 4 MW/yr • Grid: Move

power from wind zones to load centers

• Smarts: Monitor, control dynamic generation, loads

Electric Power Industry Employers• Utilities• Power Producers• Manufacturers/

Vendors• Bulk Power

Consumers• Consultants &

Engineers

Possible Job Titles• Substation Electrical Engineer• Protection Engineer• SCADA/Communications Engineer• Project Manager• System Planner• Vendor Applications Engineer

Choices in Studies and Coursework• Fundamental EE Curriculum• Electric Machines, Lines, Protection,

Electromagnetic Modeling Options• Statics, Dynamics, Thermo• Engineering Economics• Coops & Internships• FE Exam• Writing & Speaking Skills

Questions?