From 1 to 5 December 2025, students from KU Leuven, RWTH Aachen, Riga Technical University, TH Köln and other partner institutions gathered at EnergyVille (Thor Park, Genk, Belgium) for the physical module of the P4ELECS course “Design and Reverse Engineering of Power Electronic Converters.” The intensive week marked an important milestone in delivering advanced, practice-oriented energy-transition skills to future engineers.

A Unique Hands-On Learning Experience

Throughout the week, students worked with real hardware such as laptop chargers, LED drivers, PV inverters and motor drives. After weeks of online preparation and simulation work, the physical sessions allowed them to open devices, desolder components, create schematic overviews and measure characteristics using lab equipment.

Many participants emphasized how valuable it was to move from theoretical understanding to hands-on exploration:

“Being able to get very close to components and the things I learned theoretically at my university was the most fun part about this course.”

Students noted how eye-opening it was to compare schematic symbols with the real components inside commercial converters:

“It was surprising to see how components are actually integrated in devices and what they look like in reality.”

This direct exposure helped consolidate their understanding of topology choices, component behavior and design trade-offs — skills essential for working on renewable energy systems.

International and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

One of the core strengths of the P4ELECS programme is its international setting. Students worked in mixed teams from different universities and engineering backgrounds. This collaboration proved highly beneficial:

“Everyone brings different backgrounds, and this adds up to a great overall knowledge and skill set.”
“We learned from each other — even with similar backgrounds, each of us knew something others didn’t.”

The collaborative learning environment mirrors real-world engineering practice and strengthens Europe’s capacity for cross-border innovation.

Supporting Career Development

For several students, the experience had a direct impact on their academic and career planning:

“This course helped me make up my mind about my master’s field of study.”

By engaging deeply with real hardware and advanced design tools, students gained confidence and clarity about future specialization paths in power electronics and renewable energy technologies.

Acknowledgements

P4ELECS warmly thanks the teaching team for their commitment and expertise:
 Wilmar Martinez and Simon Ravyts (KU Leuven), Lars Haegemann and Julius Kleutgens (RWTH Aachen), as well as the PhD and postdoctoral researchers who supported the lab sessions. Their guidance made this demanding and rewarding week possible.

The P4ELECS project continues to develop innovative, practice-oriented learning opportunities that equip students with the technical and interdisciplinary skills necessary for Europe’s energy transition.