Energy/Power Technology Design

Course Description

ETP2410C – Energy/Power Technology Design is a sophomore-level, combined lecture and laboratory course within the Engineering Technology: Power (ETP) discipline of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course focuses on the application of engineering design principles to energy and power technology systems. Students engage in structured design projects that integrate electrical power theory, system schematics, component selection, and documentation practices. Laboratory sessions reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on design exercises, simulation, and prototype construction. This course is intended for students pursuing an Associate in Science degree or college credit certificate in Electrical Power Technology or a closely related Engineering Technology program.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply the engineering design process (define, research, specify, design, prototype, test, iterate) to energy and power technology problems.
• Interpret and produce technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and single-line drawings conforming to industry standards.
• Select appropriate electrical components (conductors, overcurrent protection, switching devices, transformers) based on design specifications and applicable codes.
• Apply National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant safety standards to power system design tasks.
• Perform load calculations and power analysis to verify that a designed system meets demand requirements.
• Demonstrate safe laboratory and workplace practices consistent with OSHA and industry standards throughout all design and build activities.
• Prepare and present technical design documentation, including bills of materials, design rationale, and project reports.

Optional Learning Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included at institutional discretion:

• Design or evaluate a renewable energy subsystem (photovoltaic, wind, or micro-hydro) as part of a hybrid power system.
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) or simulation software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, or Multisim) to model and validate power system designs.
• Analyze power quality factors — including harmonics, power factor correction, and voltage regulation — within a system design.
• Apply energy efficiency and sustainability criteria to evaluate and compare design alternatives.
• Demonstrate basic programmable logic controller (PLC) or motor control integration within a designed power circuit.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Engineering Design Process – Problem definition, design constraints, solution development, iteration, and verification in an energy/power context.
• Technical Drawing and Documentation – Reading and creating schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and equipment schedules to industry standards (ANSI/IEEE symbols).
• Electrical Load Analysis and Calculations – Demand load calculations, conductor sizing, voltage drop analysis, and panel schedule development.
• Component Selection and Specifications – Criteria for selecting conductors, circuit breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, transformers, and distribution equipment.
• Applicable Codes and Standards – National Electrical Code (NEC) articles relevant to power system design; Florida Building Code electrical provisions; OSHA safety standards.
• Power Distribution System Design – Design of low-voltage distribution systems including service entrance, panelboards, branch circuits, and feeders.
• Laboratory Design Projects – Structured hands-on projects requiring students to design, build, test, and document a functional power technology system or subsystem.
• Technical Communication – Preparation of formal design reports, bills of materials, and oral or poster presentations of design projects.

Optional Topics

• Renewable and Alternative Energy System Design – Photovoltaic system sizing and layout, battery storage integration, grid-tied vs. off-grid considerations.
• Computer-Aided Design and Simulation – Use of software tools (AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, Multisim, or equivalent) for schematic capture, simulation, and design validation.
• Power Quality and Efficiency – Harmonic distortion, power factor correction capacitor bank design, and energy audit methods.
• Motor Control Circuit Design – Design of motor control centers, starter circuits, and basic PLC-based control integration.
• Project Management Fundamentals – Cost estimation, scheduling, and resource planning as applied to energy/power technology projects.
• Smart Grid and Metering Technologies – Introduction to advanced metering infrastructure and demand-response design considerations.

Resources & Tools

• NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC), current adopted edition (required reference)
• IEEE/ANSI Standards for electrical symbols and single-line diagram conventions
• Manufacturer data sheets and equipment catalogs (Square D/Schneider Electric, Eaton, Siemens, ABB)
• Simulation/CAD software: AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, Multisim, or equivalent (institution-dependent)
• Laboratory instruments: multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers
• Recommended text: Electrical Wiring: Industrial (Mullin & Simmons) or Electric Power Systems Technology (Meade & Diffenderfer)
• Florida SCNS course information: flscns.fldoe.org

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETP2410C supports entry into or advancement within the following career areas:

• Electrical Power Technician / Engineering Technician – Design, setup, testing, and maintenance of industrial and utility power systems
• Power Generation Technician – Operation and maintenance of conventional and renewable power generation facilities
• Renewable Energy Technician – PV system design, installation, and commissioning
• Industrial Electrician / Maintenance Electrician – Electrical system design and troubleshooting in manufacturing and process industries
• Utilities Technician – Power transmission, distribution, and metering roles with electric utilities
• Engineering Design Assistant – Supporting licensed electrical engineers in the preparation of construction documents and system designs

Florida program graduates in Electrical Power Technology report average starting salaries exceeding $70,000, with opportunities in power generation, aerospace, renewable energy, and utility sectors.

Special Information

Laboratory Requirement: The "C" suffix in the SCNS course number designates a combined lecture and laboratory course. Students must complete all scheduled laboratory sessions; lab attendance and project completion are typically required to earn a passing grade.

Certification Preparation: The design documentation and code application skills developed in this course support preparation for industry certifications including:

• NABCEP PV Associate or PV Installation Professional – North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (renewable energy design track)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety – Workplace safety credential applicable to power installation projects
• Florida Electrical Contractor Licensing Exam – NEC knowledge and load calculation skills align with examination content
• ETA International Electronics Technician – Power pathway certification

Program Context: ETP2410C is typically offered within the Electrical Power Technology A.S. degree or related college credit certificate programs at Florida College System institutions. The course builds on foundational ETP coursework and is intended to serve as a capstone design experience at the sophomore level.