ELECTRIC CONTROL PANEL DESIGNING, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

The value-added course on Designing Electric Control Panels was conducted to enhance the practical and theoretical knowledge of students, preparing them for careers in industrial automation and control systems. This report outlines the key outcomes, activities, and feedback from the course.

Course Overview:

• Duration: 15 Hrs

• Participants: 66 Nos

• Instructors: Mr. G. S. Prashanth / Manager - Design / M/s. ECI Systems Pvt. Ltd.

• Modules Covered:

  • Introduction to Control Panels

  • Design Principles and Components

  • Fabrication Techniques

  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

  • Safety Standards and Regulations

  • Case Studies and Industry Practices

Key Outcomes:

1. Enhanced Practical Skills:

   • Students participated in hands-on workshops where they designed and fabricated control panels.

   • Practical sessions included wiring, testing, and debugging control panel prototypes.

2. Improved Troubleshooting Abilities:

   • A series of troubleshooting exercises were conducted, enabling students to identify and resolve common issues in control panels.

   • Students learned diagnostic techniques and the use of testing equipment.

3. Industrial Exposure:

   • Industry experts delivered guest lectures on the latest trends and technologies in industrial automation.

   • Students visited local manufacturing plants to observe control panels in operation and interact with engineers.

4. Increased Employability:

   • The specialized skills gained through the course have made students more competitive in the job market.

   • Several participants received job offers and internship opportunities from companies they interacted with during the course.

5. Certification:

   • Upon successful completion, students received certificates, enhancing their resumes and demonstrating their expertise.

6. Enhanced Understanding of Safety Standards:

   • Safety standards and regulations were thoroughly covered, ensuring students are aware of compliance requirements.

   • Practical sessions emphasized the importance of safety in design and operation.

7. Networking Opportunities:

   • Networking sessions were organized with industry professionals, providing students with valuable contacts.

   • Students were encouraged to join professional organizations and attend industry conferences.

8. Project-Based Learning:

   • Students worked on capstone projects that simulated real-world industrial challenges.

   • Projects were evaluated by a panel of experts, and top projects were recognized with awards.

9. Interdisciplinary Knowledge:

   • The course integrated knowledge from electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering.

   • Students gained a comprehensive understanding of mechatronics and its applications.

10. Preparation for Advanced Studies:

    • The course provided a strong foundation for students considering advanced studies in control systems and industrial automation.

    • Several students expressed interest in pursuing further research and higher education.

Feedback:

• Student Feedback:

  • 'The hands-on experience was invaluable. I feel much more confident in my ability to design and troubleshoot control panels.'

  • 'The industry visits and guest lectures gave me a real-world perspective on how control panels are used in manufacturing.'

• Instructor Feedback:

  • 'The students were highly engaged and showed significant improvement in their practical skills.'

  • 'This course bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.'

• Industry Feedback:

  • 'The students demonstrated a solid understanding of control panels and were well-prepared for industry challenges.'

  • 'We were impressed by the quality of the projects and look forward to hiring graduates from this program.'

Conclusion: The value-added course on Designing Electric Control Panels was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of enhancing practical skills, improving employability, and providing industrial exposure. The positive feedback from students, instructors, and industry professionals highlights the course's impact. Future iterations of the course will build on this success, incorporating additional industry partnerships and advanced topics.