Spring 2013 textbook list
The Spring 2013 ECE textbook list is available online for students.
Current Prerequisites & Course Offering
For current prerequisites for a particular course, and to view course offerings for a particular semester, see the Virginia Tech Course Timetables.
ECE 4344 Electric Power Quality for the Digital Economy (3C)
Causes, consequences and solutions of power quality problems that affect the operation of computerized processes and electronic systems. Industry standards, monitoring techniques and economic consideration of power quality issues.
What is the reason for this course?
An essential foundation for the digital economy is high quality electric power. Computer-controlled industrial processes, various applications of information technologies, a diversity of security, financial and health care services, etc. cannot be functional without a reliable source of electric power that is free of fluctuations, distortion and interruption. In the coming years, many tasks performed by an engineer will be affected, either directly or indirectly, by power quality issues. This course provides students with the necessary background to analyze and solve power quality problems.
Technical Elective. Typically offered: Fall. Program Area: Power.
Prerequisites: 3304.
Why are these prerequisites or corequisites required?
Students are expected to have acquired the fundamentals in three-phase circuits, generators, motors, transformers and transmission lines. These materials are covered in 3304.
Department Syllabus Information:
Major Measurable Learning Objectives:- Analyze the causes and consequences of various types of power quality problems;
- Develop solutions for various types of power quality problems;
- Apply proper grounding techniques and industry standards
| Course Topics | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Percentage |
| Definition and significance of electric power quality | 5% |
| Causes, consequences and solutions of voltage problems | 40% |
| Voltage sags | |
| Overvoltages and undervoltages | |
| Fluctuations and flicker | |
| Transients | |
| Causes, consequences and solutions of power interruption | 10% |
| Causes, consequences and solutions of harmonics | 20% |
| Wiring and grounding techniques | 10% |
| Industry standards | 5% |
| Monitoring of power quality | 5% |
| Economic consideration | 5% |