clean scouts

What happens to grid stability when you add a large-scale farm to a weak part of the transmission system?

It will cause voltage instability. Unlike traditional generators, renewables use inverters which don't provide inertia. This can lead to rapid voltage fluctuations. 

Explain the difference between a Feasibility Study and a System Impact Study.

They are the 2 most important hurdles for projects. A feasibility study is when an ISO looks at the spot we want for a project/farm and ensures there's space. We want a nearby substation and a transmission line not congested. 

System Impact Study is a computer simulated stress test for grid after feasibility study. Ensures project does not cause congestion and thermal limits; the real engineering to protect the grid.

Tell me about a time you had to clean or analyze a large data set.

In my labs, deal with large sets of experimental data.

For example, take multiple measurements of current and voltages.

If one parameter was wrong, the whole board failed.

I’d apply that same attention to detail to the Interconnection Queues, where I’ll need to filter through thousands of projects to identify where the grid is becoming most congested.

Q: We mention "process automation." Have you ever used a script or a new workflow to fix a repetitive task?

My best example of process improvement comes from my PC setup as a chromebook user. I had to set up a Linux environment and install all my engineering coursework apps via wine. Instead of manually re-configuring my environment every time I needed to download something, I used command-line shortcuts instead of the usual chromebook third party route to install my apps. It taught me that if a process is difficult, there is usually a way to optimize it.

How do you handle a situation where you need a technical answer from a third party (like a utility) and they aren’t responding?

I make sure my request is clear, concise, and includes all necessary documentation so its easier for the other party. If I don't hear back, I follow up with a brief phone call or an email.

Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to someone who wasn't an engineer.

"I often have to explain my circuit designs or school projects to non-engineers. I find the best way is to use analogies. For example, when explaining voltage vs. current, I use water flow in a pipe analogy. In this role, if I’m explaining a transmission constraint to a non technical person, I’d use an analogy like a highway congested with cars.

At GTRI, you worked with hardware assembly and CAD. How does that translate to transmission infrastructure?

EYE FOR DETAIL

DESIGN MUST BE PHYSCIALLY ATTAINABLE

What was the most challenging concept in your DC Machines or E&M classes?

In Electromagnetics, visualizing 3D vector field.. I tackled it by using simulation tools to 'see' the fields. In DC Machines, understanding the transfer functions for motor controls was complex, but it was the same. I had to use computer simulation like simulink and matlab

why renewables

To me, solving the 'Interconnection' puzzle—how to integrate all that power without sacrificing grid stability—is the most important engineering challenge of my generation.

why clean scouts

They are known for how they tackle the engineering transmission problem. instead of locating area with a lot of wind for their wind turbines, they instead choose areas with lower congestion in ordered to deliver power to those that need it. I want to actually work with project managers on managing all the different FERC guidelines and ISO proposals.

relevant courses?

ive learned about 3 phase power distribution where I learned to calculate line to line volrages and currents. I understand how reactive power is used in renewables and I know its a major constraint in Interconnection. finaly, i’m currently taking motore drives which taught me some foundation in understanding how balanced these systems must be

explain project

"I'm currently building a music player designed to fit into a tin can. For this project, I chose the ATtiny1616 as the brain. One of the biggest challenges was the power system; I'm using an voltage regulator to step down battery power for the MCU and amplifier for the audio. I had to be very intentional with the grounding and decoupling capacitors to ensure the the amplifier didn't introduce noise into the microcontroller's logic.