A web-based virtual power electronics laboratory

Abstract

In the science and engineering, supporting theoretical knowledge with practical information is crucial. Thus, there are laboratory courses together with theoretical lectures in engineering education. However, laboratory applications can't give expected successful results because of insufficient laboratory environment of educational institutions, excessive number of students etc. Depending on the developments in the computer field, concepts such as computer aided education, computer-assisted learning, computer-aided engineering have gained importance. In the carried out study, remote accessible virtual laboratory consisting of six modules is designed for power electronics courses. Realized software which can run online or offline and includes almost forty circuits (rectifiers, dc-dc converters, ac-ac converters, dc-ac converters, power supplies) belongs to power electronics field. Detailed analysis and applications can be realized with the virtual laboratory which also contains description of subjects, animations, online support, environment for preparing lab reports etc. The software is available in Uludag University, 111 undergraduate students and 17 faculty members tested it separately without requesting their personal information. Obtained results from two questionnaires are evaluated here.