The electromechanical systems educational program within the EECSc Department at SDSU has a long history, dating back to  1956.  Dr. J.O. Storry and Professor Wayne Knabach established a strong program educating engineers employed in power-related jobs in the surrounding region, including SD, ND, MN, MT, NE, and IA.  They established the Center for Power Systems Studies (CPSS), a conglomerate of 10 member and 18 associate members, resulting in a well-connected and mutually beneficial relationship with our regional power industry.  In 1994 Dr. Steven Hietpas joined SDSU to continue this excellent program and became the CPSS coordinator in 1997.  Since 1994, the program has maintained its commitment to education while expanding it focus in research with emphasis placed in the areas of power systems and specifically power electronics and electric drive technology.   Through support of CPSS members and the National Science Foundation (NSF), SDSU boasts a state-of-the-art electromechanical systems lab facility meeting the needs of it undergraduate and graduate students.

Electromechanical Systems Research and Development at SDSU

Design of various machines drives for DC and 3-phase AC induction motors

Design of AC-AC voltage-to-voltage converters for use in low voltage distribution substations.  The intent is to replace costly tap-changing transformers.

S. M. Hietpas and M. Naden, “Automatic Voltage Regulator Using an AC Voltage-Voltage Converter, ” IEEE Trans. on Industry Applications, Vol. 36, No. 1, January/February 2000, pp. 33-38.

Laboratory Facility

The educational and research facility is comprised of four rooms totaling 3050 square feet.  The instructional lab (classroom) is 1150 ft², the undergraduate lab is 900 ft², the graduate lab is 550 ft², and the utility room is 450 ft²

 

For more details, including an inventory of equipment, walk through a virtual tour at  virtual tour of these four rooms.

Outreach at SDSU

Center for Power Systems Studies:

• Hosts semiannual and annual meetings to maintain its strong industry tie
• Hosts the Biannual South Dakota Regional Power Conference
• Sponsors a Biannual North Central States Technology Tour, where power plants and large power users are visited during a 1700 mile week-long field trip.
• Guest speaker to regional companies and their boards when requested

Contact Dr. Steven Hietpas at steven.hietpas@sdstate.edu.