Increasing Student Interests in Power Engineering by 3dsMax and Unity3D

Abstract

This research paper introduces a new learning tool to increase student interests in power engineering. Insufficient visualization of the real power system operation and boring theory knowledge cause a general lack of interest in power systems. This paper realized the design of 3D virtual power system using 3ds Max and Unity3D software. Microgrid system, one significant example of a power system, is selected to demonstrate the 3D visualization. The built 3D visualization of microgrid can vividly show the details and function of each component in the Microgrid. Therefore, it can greatly increase students' enthusiasm for learning the power engineering. Moreover, the first time application of Unity3D in the microgrid system laid the foundation for the feasibility of virtual technology in the application of engineering education to further attract more students in all engineering areas.