Program Overview

Electrical and Computer Engineering Program

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program at the University of Waterloo is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program that covers a wide range of topics in electrical and computer engineering.

About the Program

The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of electrical and computer engineering, as well as hands-on experience in the design, development, and application of electrical and computer systems.

• The program includes courses in:
  • Electrical circuits and systems
  • Computer hardware and software
  • Control systems and robotics
  • Communications and information systems
  • Power and energy systems
  • Biomedical engineering

Research Areas

The program has a strong research focus, with faculty members and students working on a wide range of research projects in areas such as:

• Applied electromagnetics and photonics
• Artificial intelligence
• Biomedical engineering
• Communications and information systems
• Computer hardware and software
• Control, robotics, and autonomous systems
• Integrated devices, circuits, and systems
• Nanoengineering
• Power and energy systems
• Quantum engineering

Course Details

One of the courses offered in the program is ECE 6606 PD, which deals with the essential aspects of distribution system engineering. The course covers topics such as:

• Load forecasting and planning strategies
• Distribution automation and control
• Sub-transmission and substation design
• Primary and secondary system design considerations
• Distribution system performance and operation

Objectives

The objectives of the ECE 6606 PD course are to:

1. Provide a good understanding of different distribution system elements
2. Introduce state-of-the-art techniques in planning and automation of distribution systems
3. Train distribution engineers on how to operate optimally the distribution networks
4. Enhance the design aspects of distribution system components

Course Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the ECE 6606 PD course include basic knowledge of power systems engineering, optimization techniques, statistics, and electric circuits.

Main Topics and Delivery Plan

The course covers the following main topics:

1. Load characteristics and load forecast
2. Distribution system planning, automation, and control
3. Sub-transmission and substation design
4. Primary and secondary system design considerations
5. Distribution system performance and operation

References

The course references include:

1. T. Gonen, Electric Power Distribution System Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 1986
2. Westinghouse Electric Corporation: Electric Utility Engineering Reference Book – Distribution Systems, Vol. 3, East Pittsburgh, Pa, 1965
3. Anthony J. Pansini "Guide to electrical power distribution systems", Tulsa, Okla.: Pennwell Pub. Co., 1996
4. James J. Burke "Power distribution engineering: fundamentals and applications", M. Dekker, New York, 1994
5. Luces M. Faulkenberry "Electrical power distribution and transmission", Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1996