Travis Wilson, left, and Eddie Dipasquale with their test stand.
Travis Wilson is a 6th quarter student in NEIT’s Associate in Science degree program in Electrical Technology (ELY). Eddie DiPasquale is a 3rd quarter student in the Bachelor of Science degree program in Electrical Engineering Technology. Both ELY tutors, Travis and Eddie designed a Power Factor Correction test stand to be used for lab demonstrations to NEIT students. The test stand will also be used during Electrical Technology’s Tech Nite presentations to prospective students and their families.
Power factor measures the percentage of electricity that is being used to do useful work and determines whether energy is being wasted. Power factor monitoring is a demand-side energy management usage issue important to states, utility companies, and businesses to ensure safe and efficient use of power. Students in ELY’s 2nd quarter use trigonometry to study power factor as well as inductive and capacitive circuits. This test stand allows students to see a real time power factor issue and learn how to correct it through the use of capacitors that reduce the electrical current drawn from a power supply and increase a system’s capacity.
Incorporating a one-horsepower motor, controls, wiring, lumber, and a ladder, Travis and Eddie worked together to design and build the test stand. They researched and sized all components and re-used various materials available in the lab. Michael Petit, Department Chair of the Electrical Technology program stated, “This project demonstrates another way in which our ELY tutors help support our program, and we are all very grateful for the time they spent completing this project.”