The Power Technology Tour is a premier experiential learning course for senior-level electrical engineering students. Offered by the McComish Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, this immersive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to see large-scale power and energy systems in action, bridging the gap between advanced engineering theory and real-world industry practice.
Why Take the Power Technology Tour?
- Accelerate Your Career: Gain a distinct competitive advantage with hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers. The tour helps you build a compelling resume and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the power and energy sector.
- Build Your Professional Network: Interact directly with practicing engineers, project managers and corporate leaders at the region's top energy companies. These connections can lead to mentorships, internships and full-time employment opportunities.
- Apply Classroom Knowledge: Witness firsthand how the core principles of power engineering are applied to solve complex challenges. This practical context reinforces classroom learning in circuits, energy conversion and control systems.
- Enhance Your Senior Design Project: The tour provides essential context for real-world engineering challenges, helping you select an impactful senior design project and potentially connect with an industry sponsor.
What You Will Experience
This weeklong tour provides inspections of approximately 10 significant electric power technology sites across a four-state area. The central theme is to connect students with the infrastructure and professionals that power our region.
Typical tour sites include:
- Hydro, coal and nuclear generation plants
- Alternatives like solar, wind and bio
- Co-generation plants (sunflower, wood and garbage)
- Coal and taconite mining
- 400 kV DC transmission line terminals and 500 kV AC substations
- Utility energy control centers
- Static VAR generator facilities
- BIg paper plant
Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Number | EE 438 |
| Course Title | Power Technology Tour |
| Credits | 1 / 3 |
| Registration | Instructor consent required. |
For whom: Electrical engineering students specializing in power and energy systems or those interested in careers with utility companies, renewable energy firms or engineering consultants.
Financial Information and Enrollment
To help make this experience accessible, the Center for Power Systems Studies provides stipends specifically for students enrolled in this course.
- EE 438 Stipends: Enrolled students are eligible for stipends of $250-$350 to help offset expenses incurred during the weeklong trip. The amount depends on the number of students enrolled, with approximately 10 stipends awarded annually.
- Additional Scholarships: Students are also encouraged to apply for general Center for Power Systems Studies and other Power and Energy scholarships offered through the college.
Interested students who meet the prerequisites should consult their academic advisor. For specific questions, please contact the department.
