Electrical Engineering Technology, Smart Grid
"The grid" refers to a network of electric transmission lines, substations, transformers, and more that deliver electricity from the power plant to homes and businesses. The current electric grid will be replaced by a revolutionary “smart grid” system that streamlines the way we share power and information. The changes will impact every mile of the electric system, reaching every single consumer and business. Today, it consists of more than 9,200 electric-generating units, connected to more than 300,000 miles of transmission lines.
Although the electric grid is considered an engineering marvel, we are stretching its patchwork nature to its capacity. To move forward, we need a new kind of electric grid, one that is built from the bottom up to handle the groundswell of digital and computerized equipment. As an Electrical Engineering Technology, Smart Grid major, you will be trained in this exciting new technology—called the Smart Grid—as well as the system that is currently in place.
Degree Information
Our graduates are:
- Engineers that understand the key facets of problem solving in a “real world” environment
- Engineers familiar with the capabilities AND limitations of state-of-the-art technology
- Engineers that can identify and implement practical solutions using available technology
The electrical engineering technology, smart grid program is a stable, reliable major with high employment and many growing career options. Graduates of the smart grid option in EET have found careers in the fields of electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution; industrial, commercial and residential electrical power distribution; and power systems protection, control, and monitoring:
- Aerospace/Aircraft
- Automotive
- Broadcast Engineering
- Construction
- Consumer Goods
- Entertainment Electronics
- Factory Manufacturing
- GPS Engineering
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Nuclear Power
- Power Generation
- Robotics
- Skyscraper Construction
- Telecommunications
- Toy Design
- Transport
- Utilities Management
A key facet of engineering technology programs is laboratory explorations. Essentially all technical studies are accompanied by lab exercises in which students learn to operate state-of-the-art scientific and technical equipment and to appreciate its capabilities and limitations. In comparison, engineering programs put much less emphasis on laboratory work. An emphasis is on practice-based learning via hands-on laboratories using state-of-the-art equipment:
- Examining and solving “real-world” problems in the process of learning engineering
- Learning from faculty who are actively engaged with local, cutting-edge technology industries
- Internships opportunities with local industry via faculty connections
IEEE Student Chapter: With more than 400,000 members in more than 160 countries, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional society. Through its global membership, IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, consumer electronics, and many other technical areas. IEEE also serves student members in colleges and universities around the world, advocates for the profession and helps to introduce technology careers to young people worldwide.
National Association of Black Engineers (student chapter): With more than 31,000 members with 250 active collegiate chapters, NSBE offers academic support including professional development, leadership training, resume building, and gateways to career opportunities.
Epsilon Pi Tau: The National Honor Society for technology students recognizes academic excellence of students. All prospective members from these groups must meet Epsilon Pi Tau professional and leadership performance criteria. Epsilon Pi Tau has inducted 90,000 plus members since its inception.
Math Club: Math Club takes the topics learned in the classroom and applies them to the real world. The club meets weekly through the semester and members engage in everything from games to in-depth talks from professors, guest speakers, and students.
SAE Mini Baja Competition: This is one of the most unique and exciting extracurricular activities open to electronic technology and mechanical engineering majors. The goal of the competition is to design, build, and race off-road vehicles that can withstand the harshest elements and roughest terrain allows students to design, build and race off-road vehicles
“The smart grid is not just about engineering,i it's also economics, education, marketing, and changing consumer behavior to help our world.”
The New York Power Authority nominated Buffalo State to become an affiliate university with GridEd, which qualified the college for the EPRI award.
