A proposal to start training students in power electronics for experimental activities

This article presents the proposition, application, and results of a graduate course focused on practical aspects of developing converters and applications in Power Electronics. The initial motivation behind the initiative was to mitigate the loss of laboratory experience resulting from the closure of laboratories or restrictions on shared access imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the breakdown of the synergistic experience that characterizes practical activities in the research environment. Over time, it was realized that the lack of practical experience in power electronics activities was related to structural issues in the training of engineers, and the pandemic worsened the situation. This signaled that the course could and should be offered regularly. Five themes were focused on topologies, power devices, passive devices, electromagnetic compatibility, thermal design, and electronic and control circuits. The activities included theoretical classes, laboratory classes, technical visits, and simulation exercises, ending with a final project. At the end of the course, an evaluation process with the students made it possible to verify a significant gain in knowledge in the different topics covered, especially in topics less emphasized in traditional courses, such as magnetics components design, printed circuit board development, thermal analysis, and EMC aspects.