Using virtual worlds to explore electric power grids and plants

The authors present the design and implementation of two virtual worlds-a QuickTime VR model of a power plant and a VRML model of a power grid-to be used in electric power systems courses. These educational aids provide an economical and accessible way to help students relate and differentiate the mathematical description of a device and its actual appearance. The paper also briefly describes the technologies behind these virtual worlds and their deployment via the World Wide Web.