This innovative practice full paper describes the response to significant climate changes, where power grids have increasingly integrated inverter-based resources (IBRs) within integrated power systems (IPS), leading to challenges such as reduced system inertia and variable power generation. Effective inverter control strategies are essential to maintain the stability and resilience of these systems. Among the various inverter control types, grid-following inverters (GFLIs) are prone to frequency and voltage instabilities with higher IBR integration. Conversely, grid-forming inverters (GFMIs) offer superior control by managing both frequency and voltage at their point of common coupling, emulating the performance of traditional synchronous generators. GFMIs have emerged as a pivotal technology, garnering significant interest from both academic and industrial sectors. This paper provides an extensive review of GFMIs, emphasizing their application in undergraduate electrical engineering education. By integrating theoretical understanding with practical simulations and experiments, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of GFMIs and their critical role in modern power systems.

This research-to-practice full paper helps users prepare for blackouts and power outages by presenting a cutting-edge tool for STEM outreach. In an emergency, loads are prioritized according to the Energy Storage System Prioritization Index (ESSPI). It evaluates loads based on recovery time, power consumption, and ranking; it will soon be available as a web application. It provides a cost analysis and prioritizing index for building backup systems. By dividing loads into categories such as important, necessary, discretionary, non-essential, and disposable, the ESSPI tool is being used as an agile system design tool. Case studies show how adaptable it is to many environments, from homes to grid systems, improving energy management. Furthermore, the application educates users about renewable energy by offering cost and size assessments, specifically for Photovoltaic (PV) installations. Based on user inputs such as location, number of hours of sunlight, and length of backup, the app estimates system costs and battery size and optimizes the size of the PV system by taking shading and panel efficiency into account. To sum up, this creative tool and its intuitive online application emphasize STEM education and mark major advancements in backup system design and emergency preparedness. It helps users make cost-effective decisions by promoting knowledge of solar energy and battery technology, which is beneficial for researchers and aficionados of renewable energy sources.

This research-to-practice full paper describes an educational approach for non-engineers about the use of optimization in DC microgrids. This interdisciplinary project can help different students and academics in STEM to provide simplified and optimal solutions in DC microgrids. The application of optimization on the topic of DC microgrids will be a handy tool in the educative process for the awareness of the environmental effect of energy systems. The proposed educational methodology in this paper leverages numerical optimization techniques, explicitly employing MATLAB to minimize transmission power losses with photovoltaic modules under Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) conditions. Previous knowledge of basic programming, computer software, and derivation of functions, including partial derivatives, is needed to understand the basis for the optimization process. It is critical to know how to derive a function and how to find the Hessian matrix to find the minimal value, which will be the optimal value of a function. Additionally, knowledge of electrical engineering will allow further analysis of optimal solutions. The student will gain a deeper understanding of the subject and develop vital and technical skills that will empower them to use computer software as a valuable tool for optimizing a function subject to constraints. This expedited approach facilitates the acquisition of optimal solutions for approximate values. This paper works on developing a theory to educate students on renewable energy topics using mathematical analysis in real-world problems.

This full paper presents an innovative approach to undergraduate engineering education by integrating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Experiential Learning with traditional Lecture- Based Instruction to enhance student engagement and performance. The approach is exemplified through a project where undergraduate students develop a DC-AC inverter, control strategy, and learning experience. The objective is to bridge classroom theory with real-world application by having students design, simulate, and implement the inverter. This hands-on experience emphasizes careful consideration in choosing the appropriate topology, electronic components, and micro controller. The project illustrates how applying PBL and Experiential Learning helps students develop intuitive, creative, and critical thinking skills, addressing nuances that often go unnoticed in lecture-based learning. The paper highlights the benefits of this methodology, including improved problem-solving abilities, increased student engagement, and enhanced professional readiness. Additionally, it underscores the positive impact on workforce development and diversity, particularly through the involvement of female students in a traditionally male-dominated field. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also prepares students for advanced challenges in the field of power electronics, contributing to their academic and career trajectories.

This research-to-practice paper describes developing and analyzing state-of-the-art smart boots created by combining CAD technology and advanced 3D printing techniques to attract students in bio-engineering and related fields. The primary objective of this innovative immobilization boot is to expedite fracture recovery phases through an ergonomic design to ensure optimal patient comfort during its use. Technological solutions are crucial in aiding the rehabilitation process for fractures caused by falls, heavy lifting, or rotational trauma. However, cost and comfort-related issues persist, underscoring the need for alternative approaches. This research addresses these challenges and delves into the broader implications of fracture treatment, catalyzing future projects and investigations in bioengineering. Additionally, this study serves as an educational tool that sparks the interest of high school and engineering students, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration in innovation. By involving students in specialized courses covering 3D design, human bone anatomy, biology, and materials science, this initiative empowers them to deepen their knowledge and develop new technologies to address bone injury problems. Material analyses include evaluating the type of material depending on the fracture site, such as PLA for printing and cotton and silicone gel for the midsection between the splint and the body. This research aims to advance our understanding of the type of fracture, the methods associated with their treatment, and tissue repair processes during bone callus formation. To summarize, this multidisciplinary approach drives advancements in bio-engineering and related fields, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and inspire students to pursue further research in bio-engineering and related fields. As part of this endeavor, a list of university-level courses based on the experience of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez (UPRM), such as biology, bio-materials, 3D design, and 3D printing, will be suggested to foster the development of practical skills and improve each student's proficiency.

This innovative practice full paper presents the Solar District Cup Collegiate Design Competition (SDC), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and how the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is providing tools, training and advisory to the participating teams on how to develop forward-thinking designs for an optimized distributed energy system. The SDC competition provide access and trainings to premium software platforms like Aurora Solar for system designs and to open-source platforms like OpenDSS for impact analysis, System Advisory Model (SAM) for financial analysis, and to the Renewable Energy and optimization (REopt) tool to obtain recommendations on how to find the optimal mix of renewable energy, conventional generation, and energy storage technologies to meet cost savings, resilience, and energy performance goals. The purpose of this paper is to share the knowledge acquired by the authors by participating in the competition, described how this project was integrated in an engineering curriculum as a Project-Based Learning (PBL) elective course and its benefits, and to incentivize other universities to participate in future SDC competitions.

This paper discusses important metrics that should be considered for determining critical loads and locations for energy storage. The evaluation process for these loads is to rank them as critical, essential, discretionary, luxury and disposable. This paper also describes the evaluation criteria for location selection of energy storage systems. The equation presented in this paper determines which loads should be considered to have a backup energy storage system, so in case of a blackout event, the critical and important loads/locations can recover faster. The decision and criteria are based on the experience of Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria. These criteria can be changed or adapted for different regions around the world for different loads that need energy storage systems.

This paper presents an educational perspective into the Puerto Rico CubeSat Project and its objective in preparing undergraduate students into graduate level studies in the field of aerospace engineering. The Puerto Rico CubeSat is a joint effort between the NASA Puerto Rico Space Grant, the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, and other educational entities which promotes space science education. Among its many initiatives lies the Puerto Rico CubeSat project. CubeSats are miniature satellite originally designed for space science exploration. CubeSats are cube shaped micro scaled satellites of low mass and size targeted to perform a wide range of tasks, such as imaging, weather monitoring, gathering information collecting and transmitting data. Each group specializes in a specific engineering field: power, electronics, controls communications, electromagnetics and computing tasked with developing each components of the CubeSat. A project methodology was established and applied to the development of each subsystem of the CubeSat. This methodology consists of a combination of Hands on Learning (HOL) and Project Based Learning (PBL) approaches to help students acquire the necessary skills to succeed in a graduate level environment. The expected impact was not only to encourage and train undergraduate students into a graduate environment, but to develop a teaching platform that can be adapted by other institutions.

The purpose of this paper is to present an interdisciplinary research project in order to attract engineering students to the area of aerospace systems. The Puerto Rico NASA Space Grant (PRSGC) is a joint program between the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (UPRM), the Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon (UIPRB) and other educational institutions. The desired impact of the project is to promote interdisciplinary research in the area of aerospace systems with the collaboration of graduate and undergraduate students from electrical, mechanical and computer engineering departments. As an example of the progress obtained through interdisciplinary research, this paper will focus on the Electronic Power Supply (EPS) developed of a CubeSat by both the UPRM and the UIPRB. CubeSats are miniature satellites designed for space science explorations. Due to their low cost and reduced size, not only have they earned an eminent position in the field of space exploration but they have also become a reliable tool for space education. The multidisciplinary process consists of the design, simulation, and construction of each the CubeSats EPS. This collaboration has helped create ties between UPRM and the UIPRB.

The objective of this paper is to instill in students motivation and interest for what they are studying a little bit further of the theory they learn in classroom. Sometimes students prefer more interactive classes and want to know why the material given in class is helpful in their career. Do we have a solution for this? Autonomous Robotic Vehicle (ARV) projects can be the solution to this problem. This type of project are interdisciplinary and offer students varieties of challenges, while involving different areas of interest like programming, design, assembling and testing. One of the best ARV project is the Micromouse. The Micromouse is a small robot that solves mazes. The basic idea is that the student makes his own Micromouse from scratch using knowledge acquired from different classes and the research done. This project also helps the student to develop teamwork skills and creativity to complete the different challenges and objectives that appear when building a Micromouse. The student learns the importance of working with students from other engineering concentrations, which allows him to experience how a career in engineer will be.

It is the purpose of this paper to encourage the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the development of interdisciplinary engineering education projects. The use of UAVs is an excellent tool to gather students from various engineering and science fields. This paper explores the different features that a four-rotor UAV is used for STEM education including the training of undergraduate students. In this paper, it is discussed how an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate students from University of Puerto Rico-Mayagiiez are working together to provide solutions to the encountered problems regarding quadrotors. The interdisciplinary team was composed by undergraduate students from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. The study problem being treated is the issue of range and endurance of quadrotors in closed perimeters. This project provides undergraduate engineering students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained at courses and provides hands-on experience. The study of UAVs is an excellent tool to motivate students involved in this kind of projects to pursue graduate school, because it is a research topic that can be developed in order to make an expertise in a specific area of research. In addition, the UAV project has got the attention of undeclared freshmen and sophomore students, and it was used to encourage them to pursue studies in science and engineering. Throughout the semester, the interdisciplinary team attended several outreach activities directed towards high school and middle school students. In these activities, it was described how engineering students from various fields can work together to develop a physical object, in this case the quadcopter, and apply the knowledge learned in classes as well as acquire new skills that would otherwise not be obtained in normal courses. Finally, in the paper it is discussed the interdisciplinary student's learning skills developed as part of this UAV project.

The security of our country is constantly being threatened. In order to ensure protection for our society, it is necessary to detect vulnerabilities in critical systems before terrorists or other adversaries are able to exploit them. Part of these vulnerabilities could be solved by improving the effectiveness of certain systems, for example, the electric power system. This system, also known as an electrical grid, can be dramatically improved by utilizing Smart Grid technologies. These technologies can incorporate a large number of features to the current system, which facilitate the production and distribution of electrical energy from the power plants to the customers. Electric companies usually employ the use of a software called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to control this type of systems. The focus of this work is using cybersecurity in Smart Grid systems as a engineering education tool. Students will begin by examining, in a simulated environment with two different machines, the process in which an attacker could potentially penetrate and compromise a computer inside the running SCADA software. The attacker computer has a set of software tools that help in the penetration testing process and the victim computer runs a commercially available SCADA software. These experiments provide computer engineering students with a hands on experience in Smart Grid cybersecurity-related issues.

Traditionally, the energy systems area, or any science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) area, in general, has been male- dominated. Because of this, women in these fields have had a tendency to stand down when it comes to aiding in innovation and practicing a profession within specific fields, such as energy systems. To counteract this effect, research and educational activities have been designed at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM) to create an enriching, hands-on-experience in energy systems for current and future female undergraduates. This paper describes how the department of electrical and computer engineering has developed educational strategies to increase the female participation in the energy systems area at UPRM. Some of these strategies include: a) Deliver hands on experience to prospect high school and freshmen college students, with special emphasis on female participants b) Enhance teamwork skills in project development and interdisciplinary work c) Create lasting interest in the study and design of energy systems. Activities based on these strategies range from building simple photovoltaic arrangements and small induction motors, to computer programming. The strategies presented in this paper have already been integrated with the mechanical, and the electrical and computer engineering class curriculums. They are aimed at creating awareness of the vast fields in the energy systems area with the intention of making females students take the initiative of developing themselves as professionals in these fields.

This paper is about how the uses of computer software's are such valuable tools for undergraduate engineering education, specifically in the design and analysis of renewable energy systems. Right now, there are many programs in the area of design of renewable energy systems, some more complexes, others user-friendlier and others too simple. For this work, the software HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable) has all the tools necessarily to make a good work and it is not too complicated for undergraduate engineering students without previous knowledge in the area of energy systems. As part of this work, three educational modules were developed. The first module is about how to use and interact with HOMER. Second, how to design a residential photovoltaic system to lower energy cost. The last module can be considered as a guide on how to use renewable energy to secure a sustainable grid. The paper presents the technical skills gained by the students using the software HOMER. Finally, undergraduate students had the exposure to non-technical engineering skills, like economic feasibility, logistic and decision on energy security.

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a promising evolutionary algorithm, which has been used in a wide range of applications, due to its simple implementation, fast convergence, parallel behavior, and versatility in working with continuous and discrete domains. In this paper, we consider its application to the load balancing problem, in green smart homes. Specifically, an adapted version of the Binary PSO has been used to determine the optimal distribution of energy resources, across different green energy sources in a green smart home. The case study of interest considers the usage of solar and wind energy, as green energy sources for the green smart home. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm, in terms of the optimal outcome (efficient distribution of energy resources), finding installation material surplus, and the execution speed of the algorithm.