"Powering up" - Issue 8
"Welcome to Issue 8 of "Powering up", your weekly source of industry insights and updates!
In every issue, we will bring you weekly insights from an Engineer and Five Great Posts across LinkedIn !!
Each week we will put 15 specific questions to an Engineer. The questions will cover who they are and how they feel about the Electrical industry.
Let's dive in and explore the exciting developments, insights and what's happening in our ever-evolving industry!"
"Weekly Insights From an Engineer" - Sophie Parry
We are delighted to welcome Sophie Parry to this weeks edition of powering up!!
About Sophie
My career started In electrical building services design & project management. After the first 10 years, I decided to specialise in fire detection and suppression systems. 20 years later and a 3 year break from building services, I resumed my career and joined the lighting industry, just as the LED lighting revolution started, and which is where I am today.
1. What sparked your interest in the electrical industry, and what led you to pursue a career in this field? ?
Most of my childhood was spent in various southern African countries and in the days before television arrived in these countries. The initial ‘spark’ came when I was about 12 years old, when my father suggested that my brother and I should look into building a shortwave radio monitoring station. This was never going to be an off the shelf solution as it required library research, calculating aerial lengths, building the aerial and ?after acquisition, repairing/maintaining an ex WW2 communications receiver.
2.?Can you share some of the most fascinating projects you've worked on as an electrical specialist? What made them stand out?
This has to be designing and project managing in-cabinet fire detection/suppression for the control cabinets used with flight simulators. These flight simulators were built in the UK, de-constructed and then re-constructed & commissioned for air forces or commercial airlines in countries around the world.
3.?Over the course of your career, what technological advancements in the electrical sector have impressed you the most, and how have they changed the way you approach your work?
This has to be the development of LED lighting technology. on many projects, lighting is all about engineering meets design creativity and the lighting should complement the architecture. The current challenge is how to maintain lighting quality in a world heading towards net zero against a backdrop of working with creatives, sustainability managers and compliance engineers.
4.?How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the electrical industry? Are there any resources or forums you find particularly valuable?
I am a member of the IET which gives me a great insight into current technology and materials science developments. I am also a Fellow of the Society of Light & Lighting (a part of CIBSE) and the chair of the SLL’s Technical & Publications committee. Through the SLL, I have authored or significantly completed 8 publications on lighting application design best practice and first principles of lighting science. The research and effort to do this has taken my knowledge right to the frontier of what is currently possible with lighting.
5.?What are some of the most common misconceptions or myths about electrical systems that you often encounter, and how do you address them?
That electrical engineering is just for the guys. I don’t actively promote equality in a strident way, but I do hope my actions and the way I help and mentor others in the industry speaks volumes and ?helps to dispel this myth.
6.?Throughout your journey in the electrical field, have you encountered any particularly challenging situations or complex problems that required innovative solutions? How did you overcome them?
?One of the most challenging situation was to develop a EMP boundary filter for data-carrying fire alarm cables and to NATO standards. There was nothing on the market, so I worked collaboratively with a manufacturer who made filters to NATO standards, and between ourselves, we worked out how to hold the NATO specification, without data corrupting the fire related life safety data and hold the relevant fire detection system/product standards.
7.?As an electrical specialist, what advice would you give to someone just starting their career in this industry?
Try to get the right foundation through academic qualifications and blend it with relevant practical experience early in your career. Then decide if or what you want to specialise in.
Emerging technologies and practices can be the most rewarding, as you can be part of shaping the future.
8.?Can you share a memorable experience where your expertise in electrical matters had a significant impact on someone's life or a project outcome?
Quite often, what seems to be a complex problem has a simple solution.? I worked with some early card access control systems where the products were developed by a company in the USA. We had initial reliability problems on a project in the UK and the supplier’s technical department was convinced it was a firmware problem causing intermittent problems, visited the UK, and provided numerous firmware updates, but the problem persisted.
One day whilst driving to attend yet another meeting with a dissatisfied client, I noticed that the rather prominent building I was nearing and where we had the problem, had several aerials mounted on the roof. ?On asking, it turned out these aerials were for the emergency services, and therefore random in transmission duration. The access control system network cable ran the length of the building in the top floor ceiling void, just a metre or so beneath the bases of these aerials on the roof.
A request to the electrician to re-install the data cable via the ceiling void on the floor below solved the problem and within hours, the card access control system operated securely and as expected by the client.
9.?In your opinion, what are the most exciting emerging technologies or trends in the electrical domain, and how do you see them shaping the future?
This has to be the application of battery technology and how we manage these products safety and in a sustainable & circular way as they are after all, made from finite materials.
10.?How does the role of an electrical specialist intertwine with environmental sustainability? How do you contribute to eco-friendly practices in your work?
Sustainability & circularity pass over my desk nearly every day. From a product perspective, clients want to know about material make up, embodied carbon, circularity and end of life recyclability. Operationally, they want to know how to maintain lighting quality, but use less energy to power the installation and here the conversation turns to appropriate design methodologies, modelling, calculation of operational energy and carbon, all required to comply to the local Building Regulations and beyond.
11.?Have you had any international experiences or collaborations in the electrical field? How did cultural differences impact your work, and what did you learn from these experiences?
Yes, my first international experience was when I worked for a UK company that acquired a controlling interest in a card access control company based in the USA and I became the European technical manager. In the lighting industry, I have only worked for manufacturers that are HQ’d in Europe and with UK operations. Invariably, my job involves ‘filtering’ proposals from these companies and making sure they will work in the UK & Ireland. On the subject of sustainability, the UK is generally ahead of other countries, so my employer at group level often asks about the UK and the lessons that can be learned when other countries arrive at the same challenges.
I have also been invited to international conferences and presented papers in various countries, the most notable being in Hong Kong and then Shanghai.
12. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities that you believe lie ahead for the electrical industry as a whole?
I think the big challenges are the historical lack of investment in training from craft to degree level. There is an opportunity here for the UK to counter this situation, as electrical engineering at all levels is becoming increasingly more complex & challenging in terms of the deliverable, and against the backdrop of the UK requirement to decarbonise and achieve net zero.
13. Can you share an amusing or quirky anecdote from your time working in the electrical industry?
I’m not very good with electrically driven clocks ! one of my early jobs was with a company that also made electric clocks. I was asked to condition survey a very old church ?electric clock/chime installation. My first mistake was to commence my climb up the tower to the system at 5 minutes to 10, as this was in the days before ear defenders were standard issue. Having carried out my survey, I left site and received a phone call 2 hours later saying the clock had struck 12 at noon, but the bells were now continuously ringing all over the town and could I get back to resolve ASAP !
14.?As technology continues to evolve rapidly, how do you ensure that you remain adaptable and prepared for potential disruptions in the electrical sector?
I occasionally review my skills/ transferable skills against advertised vacancies and look to add additional skills if I think they will help keep me employable in the future. Anyone’s career should also be a life-long learning experience.
15. In your perspective, how crucial is interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the electrical industry, and can you provide examples of successful collaborations you've been a part of?
It goes without saying. Projects for many reasons are technically complex and you can’t know everything, so a successful outcome is often a collaboration of specialists in their respective field.
In the past, I worked on a significant theatre refurbishment project. My role was to provide an emergency lighting system that operated in different modes front of house, depending on performance times, the need for safety and the theatrical production environment. This involved collaborating with the project lead electrical designer, the fire risk assessor, the stage lighting specialist and once into the construction phase, the installing electrical contractor.
Thank you Sophie
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, if would like to be featured in an edition of "Powering up" please reach out to?Ricky Flynn.
Tech Corner
Types of Batteries: Advantages and Disadvantages
Batteries play a pivotal role in modern society, powering everything from remote controls to electric vehicles. They come in numerous shapes and sizes, each with its own unique chemical composition. In this edition of powering up, we'll explore various types of batteries, examining their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Alkaline Batteries
- Chemistry: Zinc and manganese dioxide.
- Advantages:
- Widely available and affordable.
- Stable output voltage.
- Long shelf life.
- Disadvantages:
- Not rechargeable.
- Can leak over time, potentially damaging devices.
- Environmentally unfriendly if not disposed of properly.
2. Lead-Acid Batteries
- Chemistry: Lead dioxide (PbO2) and sponge lead with sulfuric acid electrolyte.
- Advantages:
- Known for its reliability and low cost.
- Can deliver high current.
- Recyclable.
- Disadvantages:
- Heavy and bulky.
- Limited cycle life compared to other rechargeable batteries.
- Can spill acid if broken.
3. Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
- Chemistry: Nickel oxide hydroxide and cadmium.
- Advantages:
- Can deliver high current.
- Robust and durable; can withstand numerous charge/discharge cycles.
- Disadvantages:
- Memory effect: capacity can reduce if not fully discharged before recharging.
- Cadmium is toxic and environmentally unfriendly.
- Heavier than newer battery types.
4. Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Chemistry: Nickel oxide hydroxide and a hydrogen-absorbing alloy.
- Advantages:
- Higher energy density than NiCd.
- Fewer toxic components than NiCd.
- Disadvantages:
- Can have a high self-discharge rate.
- Sensitive to high temperatures which can reduce lifespan.
- Memory effect, though less pronounced than NiCd.
5. Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
- Chemistry: Various, including lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).
- Advantages:
- High energy density.
- Lightweight.
- No memory effect.
- Widespread in consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
- Disadvantages:
- Requires protection circuit to maintain voltage and current within safe limits.
- Can be volatile if damaged or improperly charged.
- Generally more expensive than NiMH or NiCd.
6. Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
- Chemistry: Similar to Li-ion but with a polymer electrolyte.
- Advantages:
- Flexible form factor; can be made thin and shaped.
- Lightweight.
- High energy density.
- Disadvantages:
- More fragile than other battery types.
- Requires the same protection as Li-ion.
- Typically has a shorter lifespan than Li-ion.
7. Zinc-Air Batteries
- Chemistry: Zinc and oxygen from the air.
- Advantages:
- High energy density.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Often used in hearing aids.
- Disadvantages:
- Not rechargeable in traditional consumer applications.
- Limited shelf life once the seal is broken.
8. Solid-State Batteries
- Chemistry: Various, but distinctively employs solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte.
- Advantages:
- Safer than liquid-based batteries (e.g., less risk of leaks or fire).
- Potentially higher energy density.
- Long lifespan.
- Disadvantages:
- Currently expensive to produce.
- Still in developmental stages for many applications.
Batteries have evolved considerably over the years, with newer chemistries offering improved performance, safety, and environmental benefits. However, each type has its own set of trade-offs, with no single battery type being perfect for all applications. As technology continues to progress, it's anticipated that newer, even more efficient and environmentally-friendly batteries will emerge, powering the future in even more sustainable ways.
Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries, particularly lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, have gained significant attention due to their widespread use in a variety of applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles. There are several types of lithium batteries based on the different cathode (positive electrode) materials and construction methods. Here's an overview:
1. Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2 or LCO):
- Application: Mobile phones, laptops, and digital cameras.
- Advantages: High energy density.
- Disadvantages: Lower thermal stability, making it more prone to overheating or catching fire under stress.
2. Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4 or LMO):
- Application: Power tools, medical instruments, and electric powertrains.
- Advantages: Provides high thermal stability and enhanced safety.
- Disadvantages: Lower capacity.
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3. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP):
- Application: Electric vehicles, power tools, and some high-power applications.
- Advantages: Long cycle life, high thermal stability, and increased safety.
- Disadvantages: Lower voltage and energy density compared to other lithium-ion chemistries.
4. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC):
- Application: Electric vehicles, e-bikes, and energy storage systems.
- Advantages: Balanced performance in terms of energy density, safety, and cycle life.
- Disadvantages: Concerns regarding the scarcity of cobalt and associated mining issues.
5. Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2 or NCA):
- Application: Electric vehicles (notably used by Tesla) and energy storage.
- Advantages: High energy density.
- Disadvantages: Lower thermal stability compared to LFP.
6. Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12 or LTO):
- Application: Electric buses, fast-charging applications, and some energy storage systems.
- Advantages: Exceptionally fast charge and discharge, long cycle life, and wide operating temperature range.
- Disadvantages: Lower energy density and higher cost.
7. Solid-state lithium-ion batteries:
- Application: Still largely in the research and development phase, but has potential in electric vehicles and other applications.
- Advantages: Potentially higher energy density, longer life, and improved safety due to the solid-state electrolyte.
- Disadvantages: Manufacturing challenges and current high costs.
8. Lithium Air (Li-Air):
- Application: Mostly experimental, with potential for high-energy applications.
- Advantages: Extremely high theoretical energy density.
- Disadvantages: Many technical challenges remain, including low efficiency, short cycle life, and safety concerns.
9. Lithium Polymer (LiPo):
- Application: Radio-controlled equipment and drones.
- Advantages: Versatile shapes and lightweight.
- Disadvantages: Typically has a shorter lifespan than Li-ion.
These are the primary types of lithium batteries. It's worth noting that ongoing research aims to find new materials and designs to overcome the limitations of current technologies, improving energy densities, charge rates, lifespans, and safety profiles.
The Electric Vehicle Debate: A Comprehensive Look at the Downsides ??
While the benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs) are widely discussed, it's essential to address the challenges that come with this ground-breaking technology. From battery degradation to the environmental impact of production, our latest blog dives deep into the lesser-discussed facets of EV'S.
Click here to read the blog and gain a balanced perspective on Electric Vehicles ????The Downsides of Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Look (cengengineer.co.uk)
While electric vehicles offer a promising alternative to traditional cars, it’s essential to address their limitations and challenges. By understanding these issues, stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers, can make informed decisions and push for advancements that will make EVs a truly sustainable option for the future.
Quiz
Answers to Issue 7 Quiz
1. Transformers: In an ideal transformer, if the primary coil has 300 turns and the secondary coil has 1500 turns, and the primary voltage is 120V, what is the secondary voltage?
??- A. 60V
??- B. 240V
??- C. 600V
??- D. 480V
Answer - C. 600V
2. What is the reactance of a 10μF capacitor at 50Hz?
??- A. 0.318Ω
??- B. 3.18Ω
??- C. 318Ω
??- D. 31.8kΩ
Answer - C. 318?
3. In a three-phase power system, if one of the phase loads is disconnected, the system becomes:
??- A. Double phase
??- B. Single phase
??- C. Unbalanced
??- D. Inverted
Answer - C. Unbalanced
4. The unit of magnetic flux density is:
??- A. Weber
??- B. Tesla
??- C. Henry
??- D. Farad
Answer - B. Tesla
5. What is the main purpose of a Zener diode in a circuit?
??- A. Amplification
??- B. Oscillation
??- C. Rectification
??- D. Voltage Regulation
Answer - D. Voltage Regulation
6. In a delta connection of resistors, if each resistor is of R ohms, what will be the resistance between any two terminals?
??- A. R/3
??- B. 3R
??- C. R
??- D. 2R
Answer - D. 2R
7. For a pure inductor, the voltage leads the current by:
??- A. 0°
??- B. 90°
??- C. 180°
??- D. 270°
Answer -B. 90°
8. Which semiconductor device is used primarily for amplification?
??- A. Diode
??- B. Thyristor
??- C. Transistor
??- D. Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Answer - C. Transistor
9. If two resistors of 2 ohms and 4 ohms are connected in parallel, what is their equivalent resistance?
??- A. 1.33 ohms
??- B. 6 ohms
??- C. 3 ohms
??- D. 0.67 ohms
Answer - A. 1.33 ohms
10. What type of filter produces a phase shift of 90° between input and output voltage over a wide frequency range?
??- A. Bandpass filter
??- B. All-pass filter
??- C. Low-pass filter
??- D. High-pass filter
Answer - B. All-pass filter
How many did you get?
This weeks Riddle -
Neither solid nor liquid, I weave a tale,
Through tiny paths, without fail.
I’m not the message, but I bear it through,
Gates and latches, old yet new.
Harness my movement, predict my way,
And technology’s secrets to you I’ll relay.
What am i?
Answer next week :-)
Five Great Posts across LinkedIn within the Industry
CPD
BEAMA publishes Technical Bulletin - Connection of Unidirectional and Bidirectional Protective Devices.
Voice
Net Zero Roadshow
STRATA
"We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of "Powering Up". We strive to provide you with valuable information that helps you stay informed and excel in your professional journey.
If you have any suggestions, topic requests, or feedback, we'd love to hear from you. Drop?Ricky Flynn?a message, comment, or connect with him on LinkedIn—he's always eager to engage in meaningful conversations.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiring content in our next issue!"
Be Safe!