One of the most unique laboratories our campus has to offer is our Power Lab. This laboratory allows students to simulate the United States power grid and test various scenarios of power outages and how to repair the system. This lab operates with high voltage and high current which means that you need special training to ensure that you can safely operate the equipment.
The Power Lab also houses our microgrid structure that was constructed as a student’s capstone project. This system replicates a working power grid and allows for hands-on study for students.
The LabVolt Power Electronics System allow students to test and understand high voltage circuits. This system is primarily used in the study of transmission lines and how long distance transmission affect electrical infrastructure. These devices have a modular design that allow students to swap out components between builds and to customize their LabVolt system to fit the needs of their experiments. This lab has very high currents and voltages which makes it very dangerous to work in so student access is restricted until you have taken and passed the electrical safety quiz. If you would like more information on this lab, please contact Professor Chitra Venugopal.
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Dr. Chitra Venugopal’s academic and professional background combines science and engineering (BEng in Electronics, Communication and MEng in Power Electronics and Drives from Bharathidasan University and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Sastra University). Her professional experience includes researcher in power system and power electronics field and published many research articles. Dr. Chitra is a senior member of the IEEE, a member of Eta Kappa Nu (the international honor society for electrical engineers). She joined the Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy (EERE) department at Oregon Tech in 2018 where is now a tenure track Assistant Professor. Dr. Chitra currently serves as the program director of the BS Renewable Energy Engineering Program, Portland – Metro Campus. Her areas of teaching include power system, power electronics, electric power conversion and grid integration. Her current research focuses on smart grid integration of renewable energies, demand response and grid oscillations, power converters for nano and micro power applications, smart drives including PLCs, intelligent converters for EVs.
