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Once Upon A School - TED Prize Winner

I recently watched an inspiring talk given as part of the TED 2008 conference by Dave Eggers, a philanthropist and teacher-at-large (as they describe him). The talk shows ways in which dedicated one-to-one teaching can be provided to pupils who would not normally have access to this sort of personal tuition. What's more, the students seem to lap it up.

The successful and growing network of professionals volunteering their time to shine their light on local students of all ages is only part of the story. His novel approach to teaching and the way he makes learning fun should be an inspiration to all of us.

As Time puts it: "Many writers, having written a first best-seller, might see it as a nice way to start a career. He started a movement instead."




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Pound sand

If someone's tells you to pound sand, they are telling you to get lost.





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Largest US public power company launches new nuclear program

The largest public power company in the U.S. is launching a program to develop and fund new small modular nuclear reactors as part of its strategy to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.




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Family, data and power generation: A conversation with CPS Energy’s Melanie Green

Melanie Green is currently Sr. Director of Power Generation at CPS Energy in San Antonio, Texas.




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Sleep - A Student's Most Important Homework Assignment

Want to know how sleep "resets" your brain? How memories are formed and retained?  Then watch The Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep, embedded below, and learn how sleep balances and regulates the body's vital systems which, in turn, affects declarative and procedural memory.

This short TED-Ed lesson by Shai Marcu is an important topic as school starts and students will soon be staying up late or all night in order to cram for tests and other educational requirements. Marcu goes into detail describing the neurological importance of 8 hours of sleep, but the application is interesting as going to sleep three hours after memorizing math formulas (declarative memory) and one hour after practicing music scales (procedural memory) is the most ideal.

I'm left wondering what I might have accomplished if my sleep and learning patterns were consistent during my formative years...
    




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Auxiliary DC power system used for fault detection, trip coils and remote operation

The auxiliary DC control power system is considered the most crucial element of a protection, control, and monitoring system. The failure of the direct current (DC) control power can result in the inability of fault detection devices to identify faults,... Read more

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Controlling power system parameters through reactive power (VAr) compensation

To be honest, transmission and distribution networks are full of problems. But that’s nothing new, and you already knew that. This technical article will shed some light on solving some pretty severe problems in transmission and distribution networks by using... Read more

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Five power quality devices that every commercial plant must have installed

Nowadays everybody speaks about power quality. For many reasons, I would say. Electrical energy is now polluted more than ever, and consumers are more sensitive to power disruptions and fluctuations than a small flower to the stronger wind. But, it... Read more

The post Five power quality devices that every commercial plant must have installed appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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How to measure power quality? What devices should you use and what to measure?

Measuring power quality and finding a bugbear in the network which is messing with the power are considered a highly paid job. Every electrical network and its problems with harmonics, transients, or disturbances are unique and need careful planning, setting... Read more

The post How to measure power quality? What devices should you use and what to measure? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Practical design knowledge in harmonics distortion and power factor correction (PFC)

Nowadays, if you do not consider harmonics distortion when designing a new network, you missed the whole point of the network design. Yes, really. The sooner you realize that harmonics problems are on the rise, the better. Modern power networks... Read more

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7 energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in lighting system

There are a lot of opportunities to optimise lighting system in (almost) any industrial facility. Seven practical energy-efficiency opportunities to reduce energy use cost-effectively are given below: Lighting controls Replace T-12 tubes by T-8 tubes Replace mercury lights with metal halide or... Read more

The post 7 energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in lighting system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.






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Design issues in HV busbar protection systems (substation topology and DC power supply)

This technical article discusses criteria and requirements for designing protection systems for busbars in HV/EHV networks. One of the most critical requirements is reliable busbar relay protection to assure power system integrity during fault conditions. This requirement is further emphasized because... Read more

The post Design issues in HV busbar protection systems (substation topology and DC power supply) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Good practice in the design of concrete and steel structures in power substations

The process of designing a substation usually begins with the general substation layout, which is dependent on the required safety clearance and insulation withstand, as well as the permissible loads delivered to substation equipment and structures. The permissible loads, in... Read more

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Eleven most important calculations you can perform with power system analysis software

This technical article we will go through a number of existing applications for conducting a wide range of electrical studies. However, the practice says that studies involving load flow and fault analyses are the most commonly utilized programs in power transmission... Read more

The post Eleven most important calculations you can perform with power system analysis software appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Mastering stability test of power transformer: Differential and Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection

This technical article discusses the essentials of transformer differential protection and restricted earth fault protection schemes, contrasting the two and elaborating on why the latter is necessary. Furthermore, it reveals the outcomes of stability tests performed on a 502 MVA... Read more

The post Mastering stability test of power transformer: Differential and Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Contract drawings for a power transformer – The checklist you should always follow

This technical article provides a collection of the common drawings that are sent by the manufacturer to the client for approval and reference. The goal of these drawings is to verify that the transformers that are going to be manufactured... Read more

The post Contract drawings for a power transformer – The checklist you should always follow appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Transformers in plant power distribution: The bigger picture

This technical article provides an overview of the various choices and assists electrical engineers in determining the criteria that should be included in the transformer specifications in order to meet the requirements of their particular application. A power plant often... Read more

The post Transformers in plant power distribution: The bigger picture appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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EN61800-3 (IEC1800-3) – Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems

The countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) have agreed on common minimum regulatory requirements in order to ensure the free movement of products within the EEA. The CE marking indicates that the product works in conformity with the directives... Read more

The post EN61800-3 (IEC1800-3) – Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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An Overview of IEC 60076-10 – Determination Of Sound Levels Of Power Transformers

The audible sound radiated by transformers is generated by a combination of magnetostrictive deformation of the core and electromagnetic forces in the windings, tank walls and magnetic shields. Historically, the sound generated by the magnetic field inducing longitudinal vibrations in the... Read more

The post An Overview of IEC 60076-10 – Determination Of Sound Levels Of Power Transformers appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Potential Energy Savings In Utility Buildings Using EIB

Flexibility, utilisation value and energy saving are the three main requirements for utility buildings (administration, office and public buildings, schools, hospitals, etc.). Apart from recouping investment costs, so-called life-cycle costs are also becoming increasingly important. These are made up of... Read more

The post Potential Energy Savings In Utility Buildings Using EIB appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Six energy efficiency improvement opportunities in fan systems

Efficiencies of fan systems vary considerably across impeller types. The average energy saving potential in these systems in the U.S. manufacturing industry is estimated at 6%. For optimal savings and performance, it is recommended that a systems approach is used.... Read more

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Eleven energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in compressed air systems

Instrumentation consumes large amounts of compressed air at many individual locations in a textile plant, but these uses are susceptible to leakage. Most such leaks are at threaded connection points, rubber hose connections, valves, regulators, seals, and in old pneumatic... Read more

The post Eleven energy-efficiency improvement opportunities in compressed air systems appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Solar Panels and Feed-in Tariffs – The Intricacies of Solar Power

At its most basic, Solar Power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity; either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP systems use a combination of lenses/mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area... Read more

The post Solar Panels and Feed-in Tariffs – The Intricacies of Solar Power appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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An Overview Of Smart Power Grid

The present electric grids use the technology of 1970’s. But with the advancement in various concepts of power generation, problems associated with power outages and thefts, and also due to increase in demand, we require a modernized grid to avail... Read more

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Comparison of major power grid failures in US and around the world (1)

The creation and delivery of power is one basic infrastructure expected by all modern industrial societies. Power distribution basics started in the US in the early 1900s when the first AC grid was established. Since 12 independent power grids were... Read more

The post Comparison of major power grid failures in US and around the world (1) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Comparison of major power grid failures in US and around the world (2)

Continued from first part: Comparison of major grid failures in United States and around the world (part 1) On the International side, about 1/5 of the power outages (9 of 44) were not given a cause in the reports. A... Read more

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Learn how to use PLC and VFD for pump control: Power and control circuits analysis

For the last several decades, every engineering task related to processing control is realized by the use of PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). If we are talking about induction motor control, which is the most common case, usually a VFD (Variable... Read more

The post Learn how to use PLC and VFD for pump control: Power and control circuits analysis appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Soft starter for potable water well pump (wiring diagram, troubleshooting example)

This article will analyze a real example of an electrical switchboard for a potable water well pump, containing a soft starter as one of the major components. Besides the explanation of the wiring diagram and working logic, some technical problems... Read more

The post Soft starter for potable water well pump (wiring diagram, troubleshooting example) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Death Grips: 'Footage' Of The Hip-Hop Apocalypse

MC Ride catalogs the paranoia and police brutality that drove him to the insanity the song exemplifies.




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Major steps in designing generation and power evacuation in large hydropower plants

Hydropower plants, one of the major sources of energy in countries with an abundance of water resources, have unique generation and power evacuation characteristics. From mere kilowatts to thousands of megawatts, they come in every shape and size. In this... Read more

The post Major steps in designing generation and power evacuation in large hydropower plants appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Electrical engineering for hydropower, from run-of-river to pumped storage plants

Nowadays, when we all see and feel the colossal crisis looming on the horizon, the question of energy security is among the first things on the table in each country’s management. It’s now essential more than ever for each country... Read more

The post Electrical engineering for hydropower, from run-of-river to pumped storage plants appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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How To Control Reactive Power In Larger Electrical Plants With Multiple Incomers

Most compensation banks are controlled stepwise. For this purpose it is essential to ‘know’ when it is allowed to (de)activate a capacitor step by the power factor relay (controller). The so-called C/k value is calculated by the step size C... Read more

The post How To Control Reactive Power In Larger Electrical Plants With Multiple Incomers appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Isolation power solutions for ultimate power availability, efficiency and safety in hospitals

Things are changing fast, really fast. Technology we used a few years ago is now obsolete, and if you take a look for a second – it’s always about power availability, efficiency, and safety. This technical article deals with Schneider... Read more

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What can go wrong with the nuclear power plant in the case of a grid loss: What to do?

Acquiring the skill to operate a nuclear reactor bears resemblance to acquiring the skill to pilot an aircraft. The majority of airplane pilots rapidly acquire proficiency in performing take-offs and landings. The process that requires significant time and exertion, particularly... Read more

The post What can go wrong with the nuclear power plant in the case of a grid loss: What to do? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Forum Policies- Cross-Forum Posting

Quite a lot of people post the same question in a number of ESL forums. The logic behind doing this is clear- you should be able to access a wider selection fof views and opinions and get better answers. However, things don't always work out the way people think and this process can lead to objections from the people answering.




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Mastering Electrical Connectivity: From Circuit Topology to Switching Classifications

This technical article aims to delve into various aspects of electrical connectivity, symbol representation, and isolation methodologies, shedding light on fundamental concepts and practical applications within the field. From the intricacies of electrical connection and circuit topology to the symbolism... Read more

The post Mastering Electrical Connectivity: From Circuit Topology to Switching Classifications appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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How (should) power utilities handle grid failures by utilizing mobile substations

Every nation has numerous vital facilities that are largely dependent on electricity to function. Infrastructures that are critical to a quick response to outages include the public health system, the communications sector, and government services like emergency first responders. Nonetheless,... Read more

The post How (should) power utilities handle grid failures by utilizing mobile substations appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Design engineering and the black start of a power plant

A black start refers to the ability of a power plant to restart itself using its own resources in the event of a complete shutdown and isolation from external power sources. Initiating a black start at an industrial plant might... Read more

The post Design engineering and the black start of a power plant appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Main and auxiliary circuit diagrams of switching pole-changing three-phase motors

This technical article is dedicated to the main and auxiliary circuit diagrams of switching three-phase motors. We’ll now discuss a little more complicated schematics than the previous article. We’ll cover seven schematics of switching pole-changing three-phase induction motors with one... Read more

The post Main and auxiliary circuit diagrams of switching pole-changing three-phase motors appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Do you know what reactive power compensation is? If not, keep reading, it’s important.

When reactive power devices, whether capacitive or inductive, are purposefully added to a power network in order to produce a specific outcome, this is referred to as compensation. It’s as simple as that. This could involve greater transmission capacity, enhanced... Read more

The post Do you know what reactive power compensation is? If not, keep reading, it’s important. appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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How should facilities optimize their power consumption due to the hiking energy prices?

Nowadays, the enormous energy consumption worldwide has taken a downturn due to the hiking energy prices. Whether it’s gas, oil, or coal, the rising costs forced many facilities worldwide to cut their energy expenses. This is a good moment to... Read more

The post How should facilities optimize their power consumption due to the hiking energy prices? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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How to make the right selection of a digital transducer for power system measurements

The accurate measurement of the voltage, current or other parameter of a power system is a prerequisite to any form of control, ranging from automatic closed-loop control to the recording of data for statistical purposes. Measurement of these parameters can... Read more

The post How to make the right selection of a digital transducer for power system measurements appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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A few practical ways to determine required reactive energy compensation for a power system

This article will shed some light on how adding capacitors gives the distribution system the necessary reactive power to return the power factor to the required level. Capacitors act as a source of reactive energy, which accordingly reduces the reactive... Read more

The post A few practical ways to determine required reactive energy compensation for a power system appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Emergency breaking, stop and isolation intended to eliminate danger as quickly as possible

As their name indicates, emergency operations are intended to eliminate, as quickly as possible, a danger that occurs unexpectedly. The emergency break is designed to cut off the electrical power, whereas the emergency stop takes account of the danger of... Read more

The post Emergency breaking, stop and isolation intended to eliminate danger as quickly as possible appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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Reactive power and power factor correction essentials to ALWAYS keep on mind

Why reactive power and power factor correction are so important? Well, for experienced engineers, this is not the question but the fact. For young students who meet this matter and terms for the first time, it’s important to explain the... Read more

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Why should plant engineers be worried about the power factor? What’s the catch?

Why are power engineers interested in plant power factor, what causes low power factor, and how can it be improved? The objectives of this article are to answer these questions briefly and to include handy application information for power-factor problems.... Read more

The post Why should plant engineers be worried about the power factor? What’s the catch? appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.




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The essentials of power-generation systems you MUST know in the middle of the night!

When we talk about the power system, there are dozen of essential terms and definitions. One of the most important is for sure that any AC power system begins with a generating source. Electric generators are devices that convert energy... Read more

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