Good afternoon everyone!
First of all, I just want to thank you for taking the time to view my blog. Today, I just want to reflect a bit on what has happened this month and a bit of what I plan to do in the months to come. It's been one hell of a ride these past four years at iPoly high school. We all knew this day would come, and it's finally arrived: our graduation. It's the final stretch of the race... just a few more meters to go. However, by no means does my graduation from high school mean that my journey will end from there. We may be approaching the finish line of this race, but only to begin training for a new one in the fall. In the next few paragraphs, I just want to give a word of thanks to everyone that has contributed to making my senior project a success.
Mr Hunzeker,
Thank you for being such a supportive teacher. You provided me with so many things, such as the materials I needed to carry out my activity. Your expertise in electrical engineering was greatly appreciated. Thank you for providing with invaluable insight into your field and for giving me the educational incentive to pursue my ambitious goals despite their inherent intricacies.
Allen Barreno,
Thank you for allowing me to mentor at your company over the past nine months. It has been an extraordinary learning experience for me as both a student and a worker. You've taught me so much about the field of electrical engineering and C.A.D.D., and I feel truly blessed for having the opportunity to have found BERG Power Engineers. God Bless you and your family.
Yagi and Jason,
Thank you for helping me achieve my drafting projects throughout my mentorship at BERG. You provided me with very valuable tips and tricks for Microstation and AutoCAD that I will cherish and utilize as I pursue my dream of becoming a power engineer. You and Jason were very hospitable when I first entered BERG that hot August morning nine months ago, and I just want to tell you guys that I am grateful that you guys were such a great help to me and I hope to be able to see you two again in the near future.
Amanvir Sudan,
Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to allow me to conduct an interview with you. The knowledge and insight about engineering college and the field of power engineering that you provided is more valuable to me than you may realize. I am truly grateful to have met you at that SEL seminar this past March. I wish you the best of luck as you continue to grow and expand your horizons at SEL.
The Senior Team,
Thank you for providing me with the rigorous and competitive opportunity to pursue a mentorship and create a final project centered around our field of choice. This project has been such an eye-opening experience for me. Nine months ago, my former self would've deemed a project such as this impossible, but now that I have finally completed it to the best of my ability, I feel so much more confident not only about myself, but my skills as a worker, drafter, and a student. I hope to carry out the interpersonal and technical skills I have attained through this project in my everyday life and professional environment.
The iPoly Faculty (teachers),
Thank you for providing me with a rock-solid foundation in utilizing comradeship and communication to develop my skills in problem-solving and delegating. Without you support, this project wouldn't have had a solid base to launch from.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Blog 23: Senior Project Reflection
Directions: Please answer the following questions, and submit them to the blog.
Due Date: The day after your block presentation by 8:00 A.M.
(1) Positive Statement
What are you most proud of in your block presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
There are many things that pleased me about my block presentation. However, I am most proud of the fact that I was able to effectively teach a mathematical concept to my audience. According to my Advisory House teacher, "... if you can can get us to do this [activity] and understand it, you get a standing ovation..." If her enthusiasm and eagerness to try my activity was an indicator that my activity was engaging, then I hope that means I'm in the clear for that section of my Component Contract. The feedback from the audience about my activity was quite positive as well.
As far as my senior project goes, I am most proud of the scope of work I was able to accomplish over this past year. If I had a time machine to go back one year ago, my former self would have deemed a project like this impossible. Now, after countless hours of research and drafting, I am much more confident of my abilities as a drafter, researcher, and a working individual in not only the electrical engineering field but as an iPoly student as well. My mentorship at BERG Power Engineers in West Covina, CA was an amazing experience for me. My mentor, Allen Barreno taught me so much about the essence of electrical engineering as a discipline and provided me with a plethora of resources to expand my educational horizons through interviews, seminars, and Computer-Aided Drafting and Design. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with a number of electrical engineering professionals during my second Independent Component. They provided me with so much insight into the field of power engineering as a whole and guided me in the attainment of my second and third answers for my EQ.
(2) Questions to Consider
a. What assessment would you give yourself on your block presentation (self-assessment)?
AE P AP CR NC
b. What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?
AE P AP CR NC
(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
What really worked for me is that I was able to integrate many real life examples and applications into my lecture content.
Also, my activity was executed in an engaging way.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the opportunity to engage in a small Q&A session with my audience at the end of my presentation.
(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?
If I had a time machine, I would have gone back to cite more published sources while I was presenting my three answers.
(5) Finding Value
How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors? Be specific and use examples.
In many ways, this project has not only shaped who I am, but who I want to be as well. At the beginning of my senior year, I thought I was absolutely sure that I wanted to pursue a career as an electrical engineer at Caltrans. One year later, my career goals are still the same. However, the latter potion has had some unprecedented changes. Now, I would definitely consider Caltrans as an option but over the past year I have come to realize that nothing is stopping me from pursuing a job at a different company. Now, I want to broaden my horizons by exploring internship opportunities at not only power companies, but also engineering firms in my area. The reason I decided to expand my career opportunities is because of man named Kirby.
When I attended a power engineering seminar this past March, I was exposed to a number of different professionals in my senior topic. Some of these engineers had been in the field for 30+ years, so their knowledge and experience had a significant effect on me. One of these engineers went by the name of Kirby. What made Kirby different from the rest of the engineers was that he happened to be close friends with my mentor's dad. When we were at the seminar, Kirby gave me some very valuable advice: Don't let the place you want to work at limit your educational goals. If you let your educational goals and your thirst for knowledge drive your career, then people will notice and job opportunities will follow right after. College for engineers isn't so much about teaching you the theory of your field of study. But teaching you how to be a better learner; in power engineering, [and to a certain extent, every branch of engineering], you're going to encounter many problems, most of which you will have never seen before. College for engineers is a series of mind-bending problems, practical solutions, and applications of those solutions in everyday life. The goal of college isn't to teach you how to regurgitate information from a textbook, but how to be resilient enough to apply what you learned to solve every problem you come in contact with.
I plan to keep this bit of insight in my mind as I pursue my degree in electrical engineering and as I begin the process of attaining an internship at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) this summer.
Due Date: The day after your block presentation by 8:00 A.M.
(1) Positive Statement
What are you most proud of in your block presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
There are many things that pleased me about my block presentation. However, I am most proud of the fact that I was able to effectively teach a mathematical concept to my audience. According to my Advisory House teacher, "... if you can can get us to do this [activity] and understand it, you get a standing ovation..." If her enthusiasm and eagerness to try my activity was an indicator that my activity was engaging, then I hope that means I'm in the clear for that section of my Component Contract. The feedback from the audience about my activity was quite positive as well.
As far as my senior project goes, I am most proud of the scope of work I was able to accomplish over this past year. If I had a time machine to go back one year ago, my former self would have deemed a project like this impossible. Now, after countless hours of research and drafting, I am much more confident of my abilities as a drafter, researcher, and a working individual in not only the electrical engineering field but as an iPoly student as well. My mentorship at BERG Power Engineers in West Covina, CA was an amazing experience for me. My mentor, Allen Barreno taught me so much about the essence of electrical engineering as a discipline and provided me with a plethora of resources to expand my educational horizons through interviews, seminars, and Computer-Aided Drafting and Design. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with a number of electrical engineering professionals during my second Independent Component. They provided me with so much insight into the field of power engineering as a whole and guided me in the attainment of my second and third answers for my EQ.
(2) Questions to Consider
a. What assessment would you give yourself on your block presentation (self-assessment)?
AE P AP CR NC
b. What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?
AE P AP CR NC
(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
What really worked for me is that I was able to integrate many real life examples and applications into my lecture content.
Also, my activity was executed in an engaging way.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the opportunity to engage in a small Q&A session with my audience at the end of my presentation.
(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?
If I had a time machine, I would have gone back to cite more published sources while I was presenting my three answers.
(5) Finding Value
How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors? Be specific and use examples.
In many ways, this project has not only shaped who I am, but who I want to be as well. At the beginning of my senior year, I thought I was absolutely sure that I wanted to pursue a career as an electrical engineer at Caltrans. One year later, my career goals are still the same. However, the latter potion has had some unprecedented changes. Now, I would definitely consider Caltrans as an option but over the past year I have come to realize that nothing is stopping me from pursuing a job at a different company. Now, I want to broaden my horizons by exploring internship opportunities at not only power companies, but also engineering firms in my area. The reason I decided to expand my career opportunities is because of man named Kirby.
When I attended a power engineering seminar this past March, I was exposed to a number of different professionals in my senior topic. Some of these engineers had been in the field for 30+ years, so their knowledge and experience had a significant effect on me. One of these engineers went by the name of Kirby. What made Kirby different from the rest of the engineers was that he happened to be close friends with my mentor's dad. When we were at the seminar, Kirby gave me some very valuable advice: Don't let the place you want to work at limit your educational goals. If you let your educational goals and your thirst for knowledge drive your career, then people will notice and job opportunities will follow right after. College for engineers isn't so much about teaching you the theory of your field of study. But teaching you how to be a better learner; in power engineering, [and to a certain extent, every branch of engineering], you're going to encounter many problems, most of which you will have never seen before. College for engineers is a series of mind-bending problems, practical solutions, and applications of those solutions in everyday life. The goal of college isn't to teach you how to regurgitate information from a textbook, but how to be resilient enough to apply what you learned to solve every problem you come in contact with.
I plan to keep this bit of insight in my mind as I pursue my degree in electrical engineering and as I begin the process of attaining an internship at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) this summer.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Blog 22: Mentorship
Due Date: Thursday, May 14 by 8AM
Content:
Content:
LIA Response to blog:
Literal
· Log of specific hours with a total and a description of your duties updated on the right hand side of your blog
· Contact Name and Mentorship Place
- Allen Barreno, BERG Power Engineers, Inc.
Interpretive
What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
Aside from the plethora of power engineering knowledge that my mentor has provided me, Allen has inadvertently led me to my second and third answers for my Essential Question. After my third interview, he told me about a power engineering seminar in Ontario, CA. On the third of March, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend numerous presentations, interview a handful of electrical engineers, and transcribe what felt like a vast collection of knowledge about my EQ and topic. All of this occurred within the span of eight hours.
Applied
How has what you’ve done helped you to answer your EQ? Please explain.
After interviewing the engineers, I carefully analyzed their answers to my EQ; checking for patterns and similarities. When I had finished, I had discovered that all of the engineers I had interview had one answer in common: Voltage and VAR control. This, I decided, would be one of the answers to my EQ. Upon further inspection of my notes, I also managed to find another answer among the plethora of leftovers. There were quite a few relevant answers to choose from, but in the end, only one rose to the occasion, and that was fault location and detection.
*Please do not turn in your mentorship hours to the office. After we collect the total list from all seniors, we will turn in one piece of paper with all hours for everybody. It is counted as 50 hours of the 200 you need in order to graduate from I-Poly. The 10 hours in the summer have already been added to your community service total.
Grading Criteria (May 13th)
- 50 hours completed (50 from the academic year)
- LIA response (submitted to your blog)
- Essential question connection
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Blog 21: Exit Interview
Due Date: Thursday, May 7th by 8AM
Please be advised. The senior team will not conduct any exit interview in which the student has not turned in a passing research count and completing this blog. In addition, you are expected to dress as you would for a job interview.
Content:
Please be advised. The senior team will not conduct any exit interview in which the student has not turned in a passing research count and completing this blog. In addition, you are expected to dress as you would for a job interview.
Content:
(1) What is your essential question, and what are your answers? What is your best answer and why?
My essential question is "How can a power engineer best optimize the electrical grid to ensure maximum operating efficiency?" Now I know it seems a little bit complex, so let me help break it down a bit. A power engineer, in essence, is someone who manipulates electrical energy to make it flow more efficiently. In this case, they are looking for ways to enhance the electrical grid, the world's largest electrical delivery system, so ensure that everything is running safely, reliably and resiliently. So basically, they are asking themselves, "Hey, we have this giant system to run, so how are we going to make sure that it's delivering power 24/7 while keeping the supply and demand in constant balance?"
After talking to a power engineer named Amanvir Sudan, he told me that there are two types of power: active and reactive. Active power is used for purely resistive loads, such as our lights and television sets, while reactive power is used for inductive loads, or things that require a magnetic field to operate, such as motors, compressors, transformers, etc. As it turns out, one of the main problems that power engineers are facing today is controlling the amount of reactive power being generated at electrical substations. Having too much reactive power puts a heavier strain on the power source, as well as the power source's distribution system. Since many of the loads in industrial electrical distribution systems are inductive, they require a combination of active power and reactive power to operate. So the question became, " How can you continue to deliver reactive power to these loads without putting a heavy strain on the system?" The answer: Voltage and VAR control. VAR is just a fancy way of saying reactive power, which is measured in volt-amperes reactive. The way power engineers control the amount of reactive power being generated is through capacitor banks. Capacitor banks act like sources of reactive power in a distribution system, so if you put them near your inductive loads, you can minimize the distance that the reactive power has to travel, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the grid.
Another one of the great things about Voltage/VAR control is that allows power engineers to optimize the power factor of their system.
Power factor is a measure of how effectively electrical power is being used. A high power factor (approaching unity) indicates efficient use of the electrical distribution system while a low power factor indicates poor use of the system.
(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?
If you really want to know, it took me about 8 hours to arrive to this answer. It was the day of my third interview with my mentor. We were just about finishing up for the day when he told me about this power engineering seminar in Ontario, CA. He said that they were going to be having a couple of presentations about microgrids, my first answer. I asked him, "Are you serious?". He said, "Yeah, I'll forward you the email with the information if you want." Later that day, I signed up. I knew that it would be happening on a school day, but it didn't matter. That opportunity was too valuable to pass up.
Fast-forward to March 3rd, and I gathered my things for the seminar. I knew there would be plenty of professional engineers in my field of study, so I got dressed up, much like today, and set off with nothing more than a double handful of questions and the optimism of gambling addict. I spent the whole day going to presentations, listening to engineers speak, interviewing experts in the field about my EQ. It was quite surreal, I have to admit. I felt truly humbled being among such esteemed experts in my topic. I felt like the paparazzi at times, trying to get just a few minutes with that one celebrity to ask them that one question that is one everyone's mind.
But anyway, after a handful of interviews, I decided to start analyzing their answers, looking for patterns and other similarities, Turns out, most of the engineers I interviewed had at least one answer in common, and that was Voltage/VAR Control. And from there, I researched more and more, hoping to further support the claims of the engineers.
(3) What problems did you face? How did you resolve them?
The biggest problem I faced with this answer was simply explaining it in a concise and meaningful way. Out of all three answers, my best answer is definitely the most technical in regards to the terminology used to explain its significance as well as the technology used to implement it. Also, most of the research I have on my best answer only describes very general applications for Voltage and VAR control and how it can improve the operating efficiency of the grid. However, in the end, I was able to overcome my problem with the help of my mentor. Sometimes, you just need to look at things from a different perspective, and his opinions really aided my understanding of the applications of voltage and VAR control to the electrical grid.
(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?
If I had to pick only two sources, I would probably choose this government proposal by the National Electrical Manufacturers' Association (NEMA) called Volt/VAR Optimization Improves Grid Efficiency. IT provided me with invaluable background information about Voltage and reactive power management in general, as well as its inherent benefits to a distribution system.
The second source I would choose is my interview with power engineer, Amanvir Sudan. He provided me with a plethora of knowledge about the applications of capacitor banks to reduce the electrical line losses of industrial loads, such as substations and factories. He taught me the basics of how the power triangle works, how Voltage and VAR regulation effects power factor, and how power engineers can optimize it using capacitor banks.
Be prepared with evidence and specific examples to support any response. It is also significant to cite sources as you explain.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Blog 19: Independent Component 2
Due Date: Friday 4/24 by 8AM
Content:
LITERAL
(a) Statement saying:
“I, Matthew Ibarra, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.”
(b) Cite your source regarding who or what article or book helped you complete the independent component
Done.
(d) Explanation of what you completed.
For my second independent component, I successfully completed three drafting projects and attended a power engineering seminar.
Defend your work and explain how the significant parts of your component and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work. Provide evidence (photos, transcript, art work, videos, etc) of the 30 hours of work.
Computer Aided Drafting and Design has become more than a tool, but an essential component of modern engineering. Forty to fifty years ago, engineers would painstakingly draw their designs by hand using a pen and paper. However, innovations in computer software technology have made it possible for engineers to not only draw their designs on screen, but to also edit them in real-time. With the added bonus of being able to collaborate with other engineers anywhere and anytime, this technology has greatly increased the efficiency of the design process.
As drafting software has become more ubiquitous, utility companies such as Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric have adopted programs such as AutoCAD and Microstation into their normal business operations. As a result, electrical engineers have upgraded their work stations to utilize this innovation in their business settings as well. This is one of the many reasons why my power engineering mentor, Allen Barreno said that C.A.D.D. is a very valuable skill for an electrical engineer to have.
Throughout my mentorship, I have both observed and experienced the significance of my mentor's words. For example, Allen told me he uses drafting programs such as AutoCAD and Microstation everyday is his line of work. Whenever I go to BERG Power Engineers, the design team is always using drafting software to work on projects. Aside from physical copies of blueprints for reference, the drafting and design projects at BERG have become virtually paperless. This is why I decided to practice drafting for my first independent component. To keep the momentum rolling, I wanted to continue practicing this invaluable skill as I continue acquiring knowledge about my EQ and the field of power engineering.
As a whole, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (C.A.D.D.) projects have sharpened my skills as a drafter. The Poly Game Project aided me to learn some basic, yet extremely vital drafting skills. That project really was the gateway to helping me overcome my past problems with projects I had initiated during my first independent component, such as my first FPP. For instance, the game board project inadvertently taught me how to: properly add dimensions to my floor plan; add a multileader to a text object; and to learn through immersion. Without it, I wouldn't have established a strong foundation for my future drafting endeavors.
APPLIED
How did the component help you answer your EQ? Please include specific examples to illustrate how it helped.
By continuing my mentorship for my independent component, I received invaluable information about a power engineering seminar that was not only an unprecedented outlet for research, but an opportunity to meet and interview a number of professionals in my senior topic.
Throughout the seminar, I attended a number of presentations, each pertaining to a certain technology or concept relevant to the field of power engineering. I also conversed with a number of electrical engineers, each with varying levels of expertise. Whenever I talked to these engineers, I would ask them my EQ and their opinions on the subject matter. This experience inadvertently led me to my second and third answers for my EQ. Although there were a variety of pertinent answers to choose from, the results were quite consistent. Each engineer I interviewed chose at least one answer in common: Voltage profile optimization (otherwise known as Voltage/VAR Control). After careful examination, I determined what my other answer would be based on the other options the engineers had provided.
Each presentation I attended was jam-packed with information about my topic, so I transcribed what I could, hoping to 'fill in the blanks' as I continued my research independently. Some choice words helped me to locate important journal articles at home, facilitating my search for support of my newly discovered answers.
In the end, I had a very well-rounded independent component. I was able to practice my drafting skills as well as develop connections with engineering professionals that will hopefully lead me to outlets in research for years to come.
Content:
LITERAL
(a) Statement saying:
“I, Matthew Ibarra, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.”
(b) Cite your source regarding who or what article or book helped you complete the independent component
- Allen Barreno (electrical engineer)
- My mentor helped me complete my independent component by answering questions about my EQ. He also provided me with information about an invaluable power engineering seminar that led me to my second and third answers.
- Amanvir Sudan and his associates
- He is a very knowledgeable power engineer with an MS in Power Systems Protection. Through the combined experience of him and his engineering associates, I was able to formulate the second and third answers for my EQ.
Done.
(d) Explanation of what you completed.
For my second independent component, I successfully completed three drafting projects and attended a power engineering seminar.
- Drafting projects
- The Poly Games Project (PGP)
- The first C.A.D.D. project I completed for my independent component was a game board that I designed on AutoCAD. Dubbed the Poly Games, this project represents approximately 25 hours worth of my blood, sweat, and tears. The PGP pushed me to my drafting limits, as I constantly researched commands that I had never attempted prior. In the end, I learned a handful of new tips, tricks, and techniques that helped me become a lot more knowledgeable and efficient in my drafting endeavors.The Poly Games Project - 25 hours
- The First Floor Plan Project (FPP)
- The first FPP was a drafting project that I had started during my first independent component, but due to a number of factors beyond my control at the time, I was unable to complete it. Now that I gained a lot more experience from the game board, I was ready to begin where I had left off on the floor plan. Utilizing the new things I had learned, I promptly completed my first FPP within my first three hours at the mentorship. Happy to have accomplished my long-set goal, I eagerly began part 2...My "First" Floor Plan - Completed
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- The Second Floor Plan Project (FPP)
- Not to be confused with the first FPP, this floor plan was the second story of my mentorship building. It also featured many of the same components, such as cubicles, doors, bathrooms, stairs, etc. Much like its first-story predecessor, it was bound to be time-consuming... If it were not for my best friends: Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V. Thanks to them, I was able to finagle my way to completion in three hours flat.The Second Floor - 3 hours
.jpg)
- Four Symbols Project (FSP)
- One of the best things about C.A.D.D is that the industry is dynamic. This means that there's always something new to be learned, whether it be a new technique, command, or program. And just when you think you've learned everything there is to know about your trade, you encounter a road block that forces you to think outside of the computer screen. This is the essence of how I felt "walking into" my FSP. I've yet to decipher the best way to create these complex shapes, but once I remaster the basics of Microstation, I will be happy to continue.I wish I was a linebender...
.jpg)
- Power Engineering Seminar
- On March 3rd, 2015, I attended an SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) product training seminar in Ontario, CA. Seminar located at the wonderful DoubleTree Hilton Hotel
- At this seminar, I acquired information on some of the following topics:
The Game Board - Final Product
(Box not included)
- Transmission, Distribution, Metering, Fault Indicators and Sensors
- Generator and Motor Protection, Information Processors, I\O Processors and Controllers
- Transformer, Bus, Breaker and Capacitor Protection, Testing and Commissioning, Event Analysis
- Synchrophasors, Software, Fiber-Optic Products, Services and Solutions, Networking and Communications
- As an added bonus, I was able to talk to a number of highly qualified electrical engineers about my senior project and EQ.
- This event lasted approximately eight hours in length (from 8AM - 5PM)
- Lunch time not included
Defend your work and explain how the significant parts of your component and how it demonstrates 30 hours of work. Provide evidence (photos, transcript, art work, videos, etc) of the 30 hours of work.
Computer Aided Drafting and Design has become more than a tool, but an essential component of modern engineering. Forty to fifty years ago, engineers would painstakingly draw their designs by hand using a pen and paper. However, innovations in computer software technology have made it possible for engineers to not only draw their designs on screen, but to also edit them in real-time. With the added bonus of being able to collaborate with other engineers anywhere and anytime, this technology has greatly increased the efficiency of the design process.
As drafting software has become more ubiquitous, utility companies such as Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric have adopted programs such as AutoCAD and Microstation into their normal business operations. As a result, electrical engineers have upgraded their work stations to utilize this innovation in their business settings as well. This is one of the many reasons why my power engineering mentor, Allen Barreno said that C.A.D.D. is a very valuable skill for an electrical engineer to have.
Throughout my mentorship, I have both observed and experienced the significance of my mentor's words. For example, Allen told me he uses drafting programs such as AutoCAD and Microstation everyday is his line of work. Whenever I go to BERG Power Engineers, the design team is always using drafting software to work on projects. Aside from physical copies of blueprints for reference, the drafting and design projects at BERG have become virtually paperless. This is why I decided to practice drafting for my first independent component. To keep the momentum rolling, I wanted to continue practicing this invaluable skill as I continue acquiring knowledge about my EQ and the field of power engineering.
As a whole, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (C.A.D.D.) projects have sharpened my skills as a drafter. The Poly Game Project aided me to learn some basic, yet extremely vital drafting skills. That project really was the gateway to helping me overcome my past problems with projects I had initiated during my first independent component, such as my first FPP. For instance, the game board project inadvertently taught me how to: properly add dimensions to my floor plan; add a multileader to a text object; and to learn through immersion. Without it, I wouldn't have established a strong foundation for my future drafting endeavors.
APPLIED
How did the component help you answer your EQ? Please include specific examples to illustrate how it helped.
By continuing my mentorship for my independent component, I received invaluable information about a power engineering seminar that was not only an unprecedented outlet for research, but an opportunity to meet and interview a number of professionals in my senior topic.
Throughout the seminar, I attended a number of presentations, each pertaining to a certain technology or concept relevant to the field of power engineering. I also conversed with a number of electrical engineers, each with varying levels of expertise. Whenever I talked to these engineers, I would ask them my EQ and their opinions on the subject matter. This experience inadvertently led me to my second and third answers for my EQ. Although there were a variety of pertinent answers to choose from, the results were quite consistent. Each engineer I interviewed chose at least one answer in common: Voltage profile optimization (otherwise known as Voltage/VAR Control). After careful examination, I determined what my other answer would be based on the other options the engineers had provided.
Each presentation I attended was jam-packed with information about my topic, so I transcribed what I could, hoping to 'fill in the blanks' as I continued my research independently. Some choice words helped me to locate important journal articles at home, facilitating my search for support of my newly discovered answers.
In the end, I had a very well-rounded independent component. I was able to practice my drafting skills as well as develop connections with engineering professionals that will hopefully lead me to outlets in research for years to come.
Thanks for the help Allen! And thanks to SEL for allowing high school students like me to attend your seminars to expand my electrical engineering knowledge.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Living La Vida Loca
Absolutely horrible!
Perfectly normal day, until my mentorship literally went up in flames...
Reality struck me in the face when I called 911, but the firemen were already on their way.
I can't believe this... I hope my my mentor is ok...
Little pieces of rubble surrounded the cars, trees, and shops nearby
Flames engulfed the right side of the building when I arrived
Oblong windows seemed to melt away as they brightened up
Oh god... what am i going to do now... Suddenly I heard a woman scream as she exited the left side...
Luckily... it was all a dream.
So thanks for listening. Have a nice day!
Perfectly normal day, until my mentorship literally went up in flames...
Reality struck me in the face when I called 911, but the firemen were already on their way.
I can't believe this... I hope my my mentor is ok...
Little pieces of rubble surrounded the cars, trees, and shops nearby
Flames engulfed the right side of the building when I arrived
Oblong windows seemed to melt away as they brightened up
Oh god... what am i going to do now... Suddenly I heard a woman scream as she exited the left side...
Luckily... it was all a dream.
So thanks for listening. Have a nice day!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Fourth Interview Questions
Due Date: Thursday, March 12, 2015
Content: Post 20 open-ended questions you want to ask an expert in the field concerning your senior project. The focus of your questions should be on your answer to your EQ.
If you have already interviewed someone two times, you aren't allowed to interview that same person without House teacher approval.
The interview itself is not due until Friday, April 17th to turnitin.com. However, we want to give you as much time as possible, so we are asking you to complete the blog now. Remember that in addition to turning in the interview, you also need to turn in the verification sheet to your House teacher.
Content: Post 20 open-ended questions you want to ask an expert in the field concerning your senior project. The focus of your questions should be on your answer to your EQ.
- What do you think is the best way to optimize the electrical grid to ensure maximum operating efficiency? Why?
- How big of a role do you think Home Automation Systems will play in optimizing the electrical grid?
- 1 I can see that it is apparent that maintaining reliability is an integral part of any power system. So how do you deal with new technology being introduced into the power system reliably and efiiciently? Do only “proven technologies” get introduced into your projects? Or do you find yourself “de-risking” technology before it is implemented? If so, how? Please give examples.
- What do you think is the best way to boost the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid?
- What do you think are the benefits of utilizing HVDC transmission systems as opposed to HVAC systems?
- According to Peter Vaessen, there is a double risk trend in reliability, which is becoming increasingly apparent as our networking increases and electronic information exchange develops. Furthermore, he states that this trend urges governments and transmission system operators to take measures to improve the availability of the system through standards and codes.
- How do you think new standards and codes will improve the availability of the electrical grid?
- Do you think that new standards and codes could increase the operating efficiency of the grid? If so, why? In what ways?
- Are there any standards/codes that you think are detrimental to the reliability of the grid? If so, why and be specific.
- Nispen stresses that being active in the integration of customer-centric microgrids is an important step for utilities to take. Have you heard of microgrids/know what they are?
- How do you think utilities can combat this problem?
- Why is operating efficiency important to the electrical grid?
- How would you describe the current state of the electrical grid for all aspects? (e.g., generation, transmission, and distribution)
- How reliable is our electrical grid (in the U.S.A.) today as far as electrical delivery is concerned?
- In your opinion, is the reliability of our electrical grid deteriorating? Why or why not?
- From a technological standpoint, how does our electrical grid today compare to the grid 10 years ago? 20 years ago?
- A man named Hugo van Nispen once said, “Sustainability has moved beyond being a marketing message. For many utilities and their customers, it is a way of life.” Do you agree with these statements? If so, why?
- I read a blog post about the Utility of the Future Leadership Forum recently. In that post, Mr. Nispen also said that “Innovation is constantly redefining [the power] industry. However, while utilities have done a great job of applying innovative technologies in some cases… few have taken the required next step of transforming their business operations in a way that enables them to take full advantage of the applied innovation.” To what extent do you agree with this quote and why? Have you seen this happen while “in the field”?
- What are capacitor banks, and how do they contribute to the operating efficiency of the power grid?
- What repercussions do utilities encounter by deviating from the unity power factor?
- What do you think is the best way to reduce the amount of reactive power in a distribution network?
If you have already interviewed someone two times, you aren't allowed to interview that same person without House teacher approval.
The interview itself is not due until Friday, April 17th to turnitin.com. However, we want to give you as much time as possible, so we are asking you to complete the blog now. Remember that in addition to turning in the interview, you also need to turn in the verification sheet to your House teacher.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Blog 17: Third Answer
Due Date:
Thursday, March 5th by 8AM
Content:
Just like you did for answer 1 and 2 post your:
- EQ
- What is the best way
to optimize the electrical grid to ensure maximum operating
efficiency?
- Answer #3 (Write in a complete
sentence like a thesis statement)*
- Change voltage profiles to decrease
the amount of reactive power being generated.
- 3 details to support the answer (a
detail is a fact and an example)
- Changing the voltage profile of a
distribution system, such as the electrical grid, helps utilities
maintain a power factor of one (aka, "unity power factor"). The
unity power factor is the goal of any electrical utility service. If
utilities have a power factor less than one, then they have to supply
more current to the user for a given amount of power use. In so doing,
they incur more line losses. They also must have larger capacity
equipment in place than would be otherwise necessary. As a result, an
industrial facility will be charged a penalty if its power factor is much
different from 1. According to my mentor, keeping the power factor close
to one also minimizes the amount of reactive power being generated.
- There are two types of power: real
power and reactive power. According to my mentor, reactive power is
synonymous with wasted energy due to traveling between an input (e.g., a
substation) and the output (e.g., a home). In order to reduce this
reactive power in a distribution network, such as the electrical grid,
engineers must remember the equation for electric power: P=VI (Power =
voltage x current). This equation gives the instantaneous power in an AC
circuit. Current is measured in Ohms.
- Changing the voltage profile of a
distribution system also helps facilitate the integration of distributed
generators, DG. As DG becomes more widespread, there are some problems
that are encountered. The distribution networks to which distributed
generators (e.g. solar farms and wind farms) are connected were not
designed for direct connection of generators. They were designed for
power flow from a source (substation) to the consumer loads. Introduction
of DG often leads to changes in the direction of power flow in
distribution networks. In addition to this, DG cause changes to
stability, voltage profile and protection systems. Because distribution
networks were not designed to accommodate generators, constraints are
placed on DG utilization. One limit is the amount of power that DG can
supply. Supply of real power causes voltage level around the power source
to rise. If the real power supplied is too high, voltage level may rise
beyond acceptable limits set by the NEC (National Electric Code).
- The research source (s) to support
your details and answer
- Interview 3 (with Allen Barreno)
- https://www.uonbi.ac.ke/abunguodero/files/ijetae_1212_13.pdf
- http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/powfac.html#c1
- Mini Interviews (with Ali Kazemi and
Amanvir Sudan)
- Concluding Sentence
*Write your answer like you would write a thesis statement. Please don't give us one or two words or start your sentence with "by". Thanks!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Answer 2
Label: Presentation
Due Date: Thursday, 2/19 by 8AM
1. What is your EQ?
What is the best way to optimize the electrical grid to ensure maximum operating efficiency?
2. What is your first answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Integrate microgrids into the electrical grid system.
3. What is your second answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Develop new standards and codes.
4. List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.
For the following reasons, let us look at the benefits of mandatory vegetation management (a standard implemented into our electric code).
5. What printed source best supports your answer?
Vaessen, Peter. "How Do You Cope with the "double Risk Trend" in Reliability? (Part 1)." Web log post. DNV GL Blog Utility of the Future. N.p., 26 June 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.
6. What other source supports your answer?
Vaessen, Peter. "How Do You Cope with the "double Risk Trend" in Reliability? (Part 2)." Web log post. DNV GL Blog Utility of the Future. N.p., 26 June 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.
7. Tie this together with a concluding thought.
As our networking increases and electronic information exchange develops, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a double risk trend is emerging. "We are heading towards unprecedented changes in the power system caused by the unstoppable electrification and transition to a sustainable energy supply." According to Peter Vaessen, this trend urges governments and transmission system operators to take measures to improve the availability of the system through standards and codes. This becomes especially crucial as our power system integrates new technology, which makes it more complex and interdependent.
Due Date: Thursday, 2/19 by 8AM
1. What is your EQ?
What is the best way to optimize the electrical grid to ensure maximum operating efficiency?
2. What is your first answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Integrate microgrids into the electrical grid system.
3. What is your second answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
Develop new standards and codes.
4. List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.
For the following reasons, let us look at the benefits of mandatory vegetation management (a standard implemented into our electric code).
- They can drive the industry towards controlling important risks in bulk power transmission systems. One of the most important risks in bulk power transmission systems is natural disaster. This particular standard ensures that these systems have adequate protective control settings that contribute to the prevention of disasters.
- They help increase the reliability of the electrical grid by ensuring the interoperability of equipment. The interoperability of equipment is crucial to these systems working properly because they can't communicate, exchange data, and use the info they have been given without it.
- They facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the power system. Standards, such as the one fore-mentioned, keep areas clean to ensure a seamless grid integration of variable renewables.
5. What printed source best supports your answer?
Vaessen, Peter. "How Do You Cope with the "double Risk Trend" in Reliability? (Part 1)." Web log post. DNV GL Blog Utility of the Future. N.p., 26 June 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.
6. What other source supports your answer?
Vaessen, Peter. "How Do You Cope with the "double Risk Trend" in Reliability? (Part 2)." Web log post. DNV GL Blog Utility of the Future. N.p., 26 June 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.
7. Tie this together with a concluding thought.
As our networking increases and electronic information exchange develops, it is becoming increasingly apparent that a double risk trend is emerging. "We are heading towards unprecedented changes in the power system caused by the unstoppable electrification and transition to a sustainable energy supply." According to Peter Vaessen, this trend urges governments and transmission system operators to take measures to improve the availability of the system through standards and codes. This becomes especially crucial as our power system integrates new technology, which makes it more complex and interdependent.
On Friday, 2/20 for Advisory #2, you will be presenting what you have from this blog. The presentation is more like a share-out and should not last longer than 2 minutes. You don't need a visual, and you should not read what you have written.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Blog 15: Independent Component 2 Approval
Due Date: Thursday, 2/12 by 8AM
Content:
Please review the component contract on page 12 of the senior project packet. The Independent Component 2 is an opportunity for you to add a dimension of creativity and/or an additional outlet for research. The goal of the component is for you to explore your answers in more depth. On Friday, April 24, 2014, you will be turning in the following to your blog to prove completion of this component:
· Log of hours on an digital spreadsheet (with total number of hours included)
· Evidence of the 30 hours of work (e.g. transcript, essays, tests, art work,
2. Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
3. Explain how this component will help you explore your topic in more depth.
4. Post a log in your Senior Project Hours link and label it "Independent Component 2" log.
Done.
Your answers to the questions should be supported with details and examples for the senior team to understand what you plan to do. Once we review your Blog Post 15, your house teacher will discuss with you the approval of your plan. If it is approved, please start working on it. If it is not approved, your house teacher will explain why. It is your job to address the concerns so you can get your component approved.
Content:
Please review the component contract on page 12 of the senior project packet. The Independent Component 2 is an opportunity for you to add a dimension of creativity and/or an additional outlet for research. The goal of the component is for you to explore your answers in more depth. On Friday, April 24, 2014, you will be turning in the following to your blog to prove completion of this component:
· Log of hours on an digital spreadsheet (with total number of hours included)
· Evidence of the 30 hours of work (e.g. transcript, essays, tests, art work,
photographs) as digital artifacts
· LIA
· LIA
The senior team expects that your log will be on the right hand side of your blog in the Senior Project Hours link. In addition to this, we expect that you will be able to prove the total 30 hours of work by submitting evidence to the blog by the due date. For this blog post and approval, please answer the following questions.
1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
For my second independent component, I plan to do additional mentorship hours. More specifically, I plan to continue my previous drafting projects, as well as delve into new ones. For example, the current project I am working on is a floor plan of my mentorship building. Once I finish the first floor, I will move on to the second one, which --- as previously demonstrated in my last blog post --- will provide me with plenty of time-consuming work for my second IC. I will also be consulting with my mentor about my project, conducting interviews, and asking questions about my EQ.
2. Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
I will take pictures of my drafting projects and record my progress and methodology in my Mentorship Notebook. I will also record our interviews via cell phone and record his answers on word documents.
3. Explain how this component will help you explore your topic in more depth.
This component will help me explore my topic more in depth because aside from my research at home, my mentor, Allen Barreno, is my best source of information because he has decades of experience working as an electrical engineer. Through him, I hope to attain additional outlets of research, as well as technical and concise explanations of research content I have discovered at home. Additionally, he is adept at drafting using Microstation and AutoCAD, so I can also consult with him for guidance on drafting projects.
4. Post a log in your Senior Project Hours link and label it "Independent Component 2" log.
Done.
Your answers to the questions should be supported with details and examples for the senior team to understand what you plan to do. Once we review your Blog Post 15, your house teacher will discuss with you the approval of your plan. If it is approved, please start working on it. If it is not approved, your house teacher will explain why. It is your job to address the concerns so you can get your component approved.
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