ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Nidec Motor Corporation (NMC), a global manufacturer of motors, drives and automated systems, has announced a $100,000 donation to the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T). The gift will fund the relocation and expansion of the undergraduate power lab in the electrical and computer engineering department at the University and also support equipment upgrades in the lab.
“We are very pleased to contribute to Missouri S&T, a leader in academic excellence,” said Tim Schamel, president of Nidec’s HVACR Group and an S&T graduate in mechanical engineering. “Giving engineering students access to state-of-the art resources and technologies is one of the most direct ways that we can support the future of our industry.”
A longtime S&T industry partner, Nidec has also provided funding for an endowed scholarship and the senior design lab in electric and computer engineering.
“Electrical engineering is a foundational program on our campus,” said Dr. Richard W. Wlezien, vice provost and dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “When the electrical engineering community went micro, we maintained our focus on macro-scale power systems. This generous gift from Nidec Motor is yet another example of the type of industry partnership that shows we lead the way in this important area. It will ultimately help enrich our students’ academic experience.”
Electrical engineering is one of the oldest degree programs at Missouri S&T. The first bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering was awarded in 1917, and courses in electrical engineering have been offered since the 1890s. The electrical engineering department expanded to include computer engineering in 1998.
The power lab is used by every undergraduate student in electrical engineering for required labs in electromechanics and power system design and analysis. Students use the lab to conduct experiments and tests on all aspects of electrical power including motor control, energy conversion, system integration and design optimization. The lab relocation and renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the fall semester.
The lab will be expanded by 25 percent with the relocation. New equipment will include digital power analyzers, multimeters, power supplies, connection panels, cables, oscilloscopes, probes, a motor drive and more.