Hardware laboratory
Overview
The hardware laboratory of EEN442 is delivered through a one-week Erasmus mobility visit to the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (h_da) in Germany, in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. The visit is planned for the autumn semester and is pending final approval by the University.
During the week, students complete the hardware laboratory component of the course (approximately 12 hours) using the dedicated power systems teaching laboratories at h_da, which are not available on our campus. The activities are coordinated by Prof. Petros Aristidou (CUT, course coordinator) together with the host academics at h_da.
Mandatory attendance
Participation in the hardware laboratory week in Germany is mandatory for all students enrolled in EEN442. The hardware lab report (20% of the final grade) is based on the exercises completed during this week and cannot be reproduced on campus.
Exemptions are granted only in two cases and require written documentation submitted to the course coordinator in advance:
- Documented medical reasons that prevent travel or participation, supported by an official medical certificate.
- Serious family reasons (for example, bereavement or care obligations for an immediate family member), supported by appropriate documentation.
Requests for exemption must be submitted in writing to the course coordinator as soon as the circumstances become known, and no later than the deadlines announced on Moodle. Students who are granted an exemption will be assigned an equivalent individual assignment to cover the learning outcomes of the hardware laboratory.
Students who fail to attend without an approved exemption will receive 0% for the hardware lab component of the course.
Indicative weekly schedule
The exact programme is confirmed each year with the host institution. The schedule below is indicative and based on the most recent visit; details may change subject to host availability and final Erasmus approval.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Travel and check-in | Free time in Darmstadt and welcome dinner |
| Monday | Official welcome at h_da, preparation classes for the laboratory exercises | Guided walking tour through Darmstadt |
| Tuesday | Introduction and safety briefing for the power system protection laboratory | Power system protection exercises |
| Wednesday | Introduction and safety briefing for the high-voltage laboratory | High-voltage laboratory exercises (in two rotating groups) |
| Thursday | Guided walking tour through Frankfurt | Power system SCADA laboratory |
| Friday | Post-processing of the laboratory exercises and award of attendance certificates | Return travel to Cyprus |
Host laboratories at h_da
The visit covers three complementary teaching laboratories operated by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at h_da:
- Power system protection laboratory: hands-on experiments with overcurrent, distance, and differential protection on a reduced-scale transmission line model.
- High-voltage laboratory: practical exposure to high-voltage testing, insulation behaviour, and safety procedures.
- Power system SCADA laboratory: supervisory control and data acquisition exercises on a laboratory-scale power system, including monitoring, control, and visualisation.
Deliverables
Each student must submit a hardware laboratory report covering the exercises completed during the week, following the template and deadlines distributed on Moodle. The report counts for 20% of the final grade of EEN442.
Contact
For any questions regarding the trip, the Erasmus paperwork, or the mandatory attendance policy, please contact Prof. Petros Aristidou.
