Birchfield Research Group Starter Guide

Welcome to the Birchfield Research Group Starter Guide.

This guide is intended to help new and existing group members get started with research-related software, computing resources, remote desktop access, PowerWorld and ESA, degree planning, course selection, and other resources commonly used within the group.

If you are new to the group, we recommend working through the following sections in order:

1. Start with Setting Up Desktop and Remote Desktop Access.

   Unless you have a particularly fast/powerful laptop, you will likely want to use one of the research group’s desktop workstations. This section explains how to log in to your desktop, configure VPN access, and connect remotely from another computer.

2. Set up PowerWorld Simulator and become familiar with Easy Sim Auto (ESA).

   Many research projects in the group rely on PowerWorld, ESA, and related power-system analysis tools. This section explains how to install, configure, and begin using these tools.

3. Review Degree Planning and Recommended Courses.

   This section contains information about degree requirements, committee formation, and recommended courses that may be useful during your graduate studies.

For information on maintaining or updating this website, see How to Update the Documentation.

If you identify any inaccuracies, have comments, or would like to provide feedback, please contact us at:

joshuaxia7@gmail.com.