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A proper and successful methodology of electrical contact design is achieved by combining the theoretical and practical studies. This paper presents an instructional approach involving FEM simulations in order to aid in the practical operations on electrical contacts in MV and HV electrical apparatuses effectively. Prior to the completed engineering and scientific work in the field of the electrical apparatuses, constructing the FEM-based model is an effective way to achieve and understand the pros and cons of the experimental solutions. This design method is widely used by the industrial companies and can be implemented as an educational method giving young engineers a new edge. The desired effect of the proposed course was to develop student understanding of electrical contacts engineering by combining the theoretical (simulations) and the practical approach. Ordered creativity was successfully put into practice by checking the parameters derived from the simulations on the real scale layout, which affected and enhanced student confidence in the field and in engineering skills. This instructional approach consisted of two sections (The Theoretical and the Practical) and is essential for understanding and further exploiting the acquired knowledge and certain other measures in engineering work. Moreover, it renders a complete engineering experience employing consequences and their impact on experimental electrical contact research based on multitasking and diversity. The statistical analysis proved that the proposed method had a significant impact and yielded improved results. Moreover, a major improvement in student learning and satisfaction after participating in the proposed course was noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the proposed course is to enhance students' knowledge, engineering skills and understanding in the field of electrical contacts power engineering – the currents of contact welding. The main goal for students is to acquire brief skills concerning measurements of certain parameters using static layout: currents that cause contact welding, clamping force of contacts joints and breaking force. Moreover, students are encouraged to obtain soft skills like confidence in the mentioned field and creativity. Student work during the exercise is evaluated on the basis of report from laboratory work and test. Essential aspect is safety training while working with HV and MV switchgears – that is another obligatory feature which participants will obtain from this course. Course results were evaluated as significant on the basis of concluded statistical analysis and comparison to previous formula employed during the classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]