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Hands On Learning

April 18, 2012
I'm one of those people that just has to touch the wall to see if sign is correct - "Wet Paint." I can't help it, if I see a switch to throw or a button to press there is temptation. Of course, I know better and would not do it in a substation, but I ...

I'm one of those people that just has to touch the wall to see if sign is correct - "Wet Paint." I can't help it, if I see a switch to throw or a button to press there is temptation. Of course, I know better and would not do it in a substation, but I want to and that is one of the reasons I can't wait to get on the exhibit floor every morning.

I know the manufacturers will have displays that allow me to punch the buttons and watch the equipment operate. More importantly, many have developed short programs to give me training not only on how the equipment operates, but why and how to apply it to the grid.

I look for crowds of people standing around someone talking at a display. That is a sure sign the manufacturer is teaching, discussing, or answering questions. Don't worry if you get there and the program is half over. They run them throughout the day. And they will be happy to set you up for the next one. Several times I have been lucky to have them repeat it just for me. How can you beat that?

About the Author

Gene Wolf Blog | Technical Writer

Gene Wolf has been designing and building substations and other high technology facilities for over 32 years. He received his BSEE from Wichita State University. He received his MSEE from New Mexico State University. He is a registered professional engineer in the states of California and New Mexico. He started his career as a substation engineer for Kansas Gas and Electric, retired as the Principal Engineer of Stations for Public Service Company of New Mexico recently, and founded Lone Wolf Engineering, LLC an engineering consulting company.  

Gene is widely recognized as a technical leader in the electric power industry. Gene is a fellow of the IEEE. He is the former Chairman of the IEEE PES T&D Committee. He has held the position of the Chairman of the HVDC & FACTS Subcommittee and membership in many T&D working groups. Gene is also active in renewable energy. He sponsored the formation of the “Integration of Renewable Energy into the Transmission & Distribution Grids” subcommittee and the “Intelligent Grid Transmission and Distribution” subcommittee within the Transmission and Distribution committee.

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