DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Professor J. C. Peet

Professor A. A. Nims

Asst. Prof. S. Fishman

Asst. Prof. F. E. McKone

Asst. Prof. P. C. Shedd

Mr. J. H. Johnston

Mr. W. Jordan, 3rd

Mr. F. A. Russell

Mr. C. H. Stephans

The problems and techniques associated with the production, delivery, utilization and control of energy in the electrical form are given the inclusive title of Electrical Engineering. Any general preparation for the recognition and analysis of these problems and the mastery of these techniques, in their infinite variety, must, of necessity, emphasize the basic conceptions and principles which are of widest application. Specific applications, sufficient in number and variety to maintain the student’s interest and broaden his point of view are, however, useful supplements.

The work of the freshman and sophomore years consists, primarily, of the foundation mathematics, physics, English and mechanical drafting usually given to all engineering students. In addition, a course in the fundamental electrical units and their application to the magnetic, electro-static and electric circuits, is given. This is followed by a general engineering course in d-c and a-c circuits. The classroom work is paralleled by a laboratory course in electrical measurements.

During the upper class years the principles of electrical engineering are applied to many problems; characteristics and operation of direct-current, synchronous, and induction machinery, rectification, wave form analysis, transient phenomena, power plant equipment, transmission and distribution and electro-physical measurements in magnetism, in induction and capacitance by balance methods and in multi-electrode vacuum tube characteristics.

A student branch of The American Institute of Electrical Engineers holds about eight or ten meetings each year. All upper classmen become members and are expected to attend its meetings. The second year men are invited to join the local society.

Since electrical engineering is closely related to mechanical and chemical engineering much material from these branches is included in the course.

The Electrical Laboratories

The electrical laboratories are located on the first floor of the Laboratory Building. A centrally located stock room houses much of the equipment used for test and measurement.

Electric power for the laboratories is obtained from the Public Service Electric & Gas Company through a 240-volt, 3-phase, 60-cycle alternating current line. By means of transformers, motor-generator sets, synchronous converters, oscillators, rectifiers, and storage batteries, direct or alternating current power of wide range of voltage and frequency is available. This power can be distributed to any part of the laboratories on either two or three wire lines, through a carefully planned distribution system.

Equipment is available for setting up all types of electric circuits, reactive and non-reactive, for either direct or alternating current power, together with the usual voltmeters, ammeters, and wattmeters, required in the measurement of these circuits.

Several examples of each of the fundamental types of generators and motors for both direct and alternating current, as well as the usual transformers and various special types are conveniently arranged for study and complete tests.

Special types of instruments for extreme range of voltage current and power are also available, together with special instruments such as frequency meters, power factor meters, electro-static voltmeters, oscillographs, and bridge networks for resistance, capacitance and inductance.

Provision is also made for extensive study of the fundamental operating characteristics of the vacuum tubes of many kinds which are so widely used in the control of electric power in its various forms.

The following equipment is worthy of special mention:

A General Electric Educational Set consisting of a synchronous machine; a wound-rotor induction machine; a squirrel cage induction machine; and a double-current generator, each with a 15 k v a rating and wound for either 1, 2, 3 or 6 phase operation.

A Westinghouse synchronous motor-generator set, rated at 15 k v a and wound for 1, 2, 3 or 6 phases. One machine is arranged as a cradle dynamometer and equipped for phase shifting.

A General Electric sine-wave generator coupled to a synchronous motor. This machine generates a voltage wave which conforms accurately to standard wave form. It has a capacity of 5 k v a for three phases and has a ring gear mechanism for phase shifting.

A two-unit General Electric motor-generator set consisting of one 5 k v a generator capable of single-, three- or six-phase operation at 110/220 volts. This is coupled to a 5-kw, 250-volt d-c machine.

Three mercury-arc rectifiers complete with switchboards and auxiliaries.

Three General Electric Oscillographs complete with all auxiliary apparatus.

One Westinghouse four-element Oscillograph.

One Westinghouse Osiso.

One Sundt Neobeam Oscilloscope.

One Du Mont Cathode-Ray Oscilloscope.

One Westinghouse Audio Oscillator.

One Western Electric Audio Oscillator.