Power Engineering

Programs available

• Associate Degree in Engineering (Power Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Power Engineering)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Power Engineering)

What is power engineering?

Power engineering students can expect to learn about electrical system and machine design, together with high-power electrical systems. Electrical power systems, such as power generation, distribution and electrical machinery depend heavily on electronic systems and computer control and monitoring, so the well-rounded graduate will be equipped with skills in these discipline areas

The electrical power systems component of the program covers circuit design and analysis and the operation of electrical machinery. There is a strong emphasis on practical work in the program, which students undertake together in small groups.

Options exist to take specialized elective courses in the student’s area of interest – for example, renewable energy, environmental engineering, and transmission planning.   New courses in power systems protection, SCADA systems, and high voltage engineering are planned for future introduction.

Career opportunities

Graduates will have a thorough knowledge of electrical power system operation, and the scope of employment opportunities is wide. This could range from power generation, transmission, and distribution, through to emerging areas such as electric vehicle technology and renewable technologies for electricity generation. As well as electrical power generation and distribution companies, there continues to be strong demand for electrical power engineers in the mining, construction and transport industries.

Research opportunities

Many opportunities are available to the outstanding graduate in power engineering, from  power generation and transport applications, through to generation from renewable sources. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying is active in:

• solar electricity generation research
• the design of highly efficient electric motors
• the modelling of electric motors using advanced computer modelling software.

Resources

The Discipline has continually evolving facilities to support high-quality teaching and research, including:

• power systems simulator software
• electrical machines lab
• finite element software for electromagnetics

Laboratories include teaching facilities for networking, control systems, microprocessors and embedded systems, electronic design, and power systems. The discipline staff have strong links with industry, and power industry bodies have provided both laboratory development funds and prizes and scholarships for students.