Development of Smart Electric Power System (SEPS) Laboratory for Advanced Research and Undergraduate Education

In this work, the author discusses development of the Smart Electric Power System (SEPS) Laboratory at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). The fully reconfigurable six-bus, three-phase power system hardware operates with ratings of (at 60 Hz) and 0.2 kW. It is composed of various synchronous generators with associated prime movers, induction motors with associated dynamometers, transformers, transmission lines, contactors, constant-impedance loads, renewable generation-emulator modules, battery storage devices, and appropriate power electronic converters. The SEPS lab significantly expands the ability of faculty and students at TCNJ to study energy problems, providing a sound foundation for the institution's small but growing power engineering program. The National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program provided external funding for the hardware.