2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Background: The U.S. electricity grid is embracing a vast transformation to support the future of renewable energy and sustainability via advanced technologies (i.e, Smart Grid (SG)). However, different sectors of the electric power industry have all felt a gap between their expectations and the qualifications of the new hires. Also, some Electrical and Computer engineering (ECE) curriculum, especially those without well-established power programs, have a shortfall in covering the industry’s current requirements, which lead to an unclearly defined pathway for ECE students to be able to attain the suitable skills for working in the SG industry.

Purpose: This paper is focused on creating a list of learning objectives based on electric power industry professionals' perspectives to assemble a curriculum that better serves the current industry needs towards the SG transformation.

Methods: This study is conducted using thematic analysis of archival data and interviews with SG industry professionals from varied sectors, positions, and roles. The research team started by reviewing archival data through different resources that focused on the core technologies of the SG. Based on this literature review, the team created an interview protocol aimed to elicit insights from SG industry professionals. As a result of four conducted interviews, the team used the “Dedoose” application to develop 168 codes that were then developed into a codebook of 16 codes with their implicit definitions. Subsequently, the codes and excerpts analysis were used in creating six major learning objectives that are essential to SG industry professionals.

Results: An initial objective list with six major objectives was created to serve as a starting point for the development of the ECE curriculum. The most crucial objectives include technical skills like hands-on experience with smart-grid systems and professional skills in project management and teamwork. As well as key SG knowledge bases, such as energy storage, cybersecurity, renewables, etc.

Conclusion: The transformation of the electric power grid to SG is underway, and its importance to the healthy operation of the entire society is becoming well recognized and much needed during this era. The demand for a sustainable ECE curriculum and a skillful engineering workforce are together required for the country’s development in the green energy sector. The results of this work provide insights into what the SG industry is expecting from freshly graduated students.