Switching EE fields to Power

[Hameln]

Hello, I am new to this forum and don't see anything about education in the FAQ so here it goes:

I am an electrical engineer and have been working in the RF/microwave field for about 6 years. A little of that was before I got my master's, most of it after.

At this point I would like to switch to working in the wind power industry and am trying to figure out the best way to do that. Staying on the engineering/technical side may not even be the best way to do that, I don't know.

But to keep the questions focused - If I need to go back to school, which universities are recommended for getting a master's in power that also focuses on renewable energy sources?

Can power engineers find work directly with wind power companies? Or does the power engineer work for a company that has the wind power company as a customer and so finds it being only part of his job?

If you have any other comments that you think might help, I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[SteveFehr]

I jumped feet-first from electronics & integration engineering into power engineering (mostly commercial emergency power). There's a lot more to it than just making sure not to cross the black and white wires! It really depends what you want to do in the field if you need a masters. You already have plenty of circuit theory and know how electrons flow- if you just intend to install/hook up wind turbines, some reading on the side and seminars in NEC, 3-phase power and wind power might be exactly what you need. If you want to get into the design of the turbines and generators themselves, well, that might get a bit deeper

 

[Marmite]

I'm from the UK so my answer reflects what I know of the UK renewables business. There are several UK university running Masters courses on renewable energy systems. There is a very good one run by Loughborough University which you can do entirely by distance learning and take the exams in your own country

http://crestdl.lboro.ac.uk/.

Even if you don't decide to do that course you can browse the foundation modules to start the learning process. Power engineers are employed in all aspects of the business from design of the machines themselves, through to design of the grid connection, system studies and construction/commissioning. Typical employers could be manufacturers, consultants, utilities or contractors. The Danish Wind Industry has an excellent website with lots of useful information

http://www.windpower.org/composite-85.htm

Regards
Marmite

 

[Eleceng01]

Hameln,

Since you didnt indicate what country you are in, I can give you a couple of well respected power engineering programs in the USA. You can look at both the University of Idaho (

http://www.uidaho.edu)

and Washington State University (

http://www.wsu.edu).

Both offer engineering outreach programs that I have used ( I am a practicing power engineer). Other options are GA Tech, University of Wisconsin - Madison. Hope these help.

Regards.
Eleceng01

 

[Hameln]

Thank you for the leads on schools. I live in Boston, Massachusetts, USA but am willing to move. Thanks again!

 

[DanDel]

You may want to check Northeastern University in Boston. They had a power systems program at the time I was there; it may be expanded now into renewable energy.
Other possibilities are Wentworth Institute and WPI, and of course, MIT.

 

[wbd]

I understand that WPI is starting up their power system program again and that they do offer both a certificate and masters in power system mangement.

 

[tulum]

In Canada the university of Waterloo has an outreach program for power systems...they are considered the number one engineering university in Canada... they are very sought after in other countries such as the US...so it may fit with what you are trying to do...

 

[advidana]

I used work in RF/microwave also and switched to power. I would suggest that you get a PE electrical engineering license when pursuiting your power education. In my experience in power, the PE license carries lot more weight than a masters degree for getting jobs and promotions in the power field.

Good luck

 

[Hameln]

Advidana,

Having made the same switch I would like to make I've got a more in-depth question for you.

When you made the switch, what amount of re-education did you get and did you find it sufficient or over/under based on subsequent work experience?

And thanks for the advice about the PE license.
Matt

 

[DTR2011]

I did the same switch and am glad I did. My path was through a service company about 12 years ago. Back in school we were required to learn some things about power/industrial systems. In my experience (when comparing to others who are currently graduating with power degrees), many are not learning all that much in the practical application. I could be wrong.

I have done quite a bit of work in the wind industry. I would say that modern machines would require knowledge of VFD and such as these seem to be popular. PLC programming is also used extensively.

Protecion is another very intersting area of study that is also greatly affected by induction machines connected to long lines and weak systems.

I would agree that a PE would probably be a better bet than a masters. Depending on your age and financial requiremetns, I would recommend getting as much practical experience in the field as possible. As someone earlier said, it is not just the red and black wire.

Good luck.