#electrical engineers

[victusinveritas]

[spark-hearts2]

tell me everything about AC to DC filters Right Now

:0

Dear god.

OK I have to make some assumptions or else this is going to get really long. I am going to assume that you already know what AC and DC are. I am going to assume that you took (and passed) geometry, so a sine wave and it's variations are familiar to you. I am also going to assume that you also know the difference between voltage, current, and resistance.

So, what are AC to DC, why do we care about that? Well, the electricity coming out of the wall is AC, but in order to, lets say, charge your laptop battery, you need DC. In fact, if you look at a laptop charger, you'll see The Brick. The thick rectangle that gets hot when charging the laptop.

THAT'S THE AC TO DC CONVERTER

I just called it converter instead of filter. Why? Because filters technically only remove a 'ripple' from DC current, so a current that's almost DC but not quite. If you are making the entire jump from AC to DC, then that's called a converter.

Now here's where things get fucked.

These are all of the parts after the plug. The load is your laptop, the regulator is your filter.

Let's say that this is your AC signal (this graph showing the voltage over time). Now, the first thing this passes through is the transformer, which only adjusts the voltage to the correct level. Some devices need it higher, some lower. Let's say that this transformer is a step up transformer, because it made the signal bigger.

The next step is the rectifier. Now, traditionally this part is taught in stages in order to show it's affect on the signal. I'm going to speed run that. I will assume that you're familiar with what a diode is. If you aren't, just know that it only allows current to flow in one direction. So, anything going backwards will be removed. Picture a one way valve.

So, if we were to send this signal through one diode, then that would leave us with

just the positive half! That's why this setup is called a Half-wave rectifier.

But what if we were to use two diodes. As in, fill in the blank spot that the negative half left with another positive bump. That would give us

This lovely thing! Which is great, but it requires another AC signal that is 180 degrees off from the original one in order to exist. Which, transformers exist which can provide that, but it's not cost effective. So, that leaves us with the most common setup, the Bridge Rectifier.

I've been skipping the circuit diagram so far, but now it's important.

THIS thing is a bridge rectifier connected to the transformer (yes that's what transformers look like according to circuit diagram shorthand). Now, I am American, and for some reason American electricians use that up and down sharp thing in the middle of the diamond to indicate a resistor. Europe uses a rectangle. Again, I am going to assume that you know what a resistor does.

Those four black triangles with lines? Those are diodes. The line across the tip of the triangle indicates what direction they are allowing current to flow into. Now picture you were a positive signal flowing in through point A into the bridge. There's a split in the circuit, but one way (diode D4) is blocked, so you have to go across diode D1. Now you're at the edge of the diamond, once again two ways you can go. You head towards diode D2, because diode D3 won't let you through. What that looks like is this

What about the other direction? Well that looks like

Notice that the edges of the diamond are called out? Points C and D. That's the money makers. You see, if you plug into point D as your positive and C as your negative, you get a full wave signal! (so sorry for not going fully in depth on why that works just trust me it's a bit of a mess and should really be taught with the actual circuit in front of you, not across the internet like this)

A full wave signal is completely positive, but it's not exactly DC yet. That's where smoothing comes in. This is done with a capacitor!

The capacitor is charged up and then slowly releases it's charge. But before it can completely discharge, it gets recharged by the next wave. Quick review, a capacitor is like a battery where it can be charged up, but unlike a battery which holds charge with chemistry, capacitors hold charge with physics. They can still wear out, but not nearly as quickly as a battery.

What does that red line look like? Well, almost like a straight line, except it has RIPPLES! That's right, we're finally back to the filter! Or the regulator as the diagram calls it. Means the same thing.

Sometimes, this step is skipped. If the device getting signal isn't too sensitive or it's just cheep, then the electricity stays bouncy. Some devices really care about any fluxuation in the signal, in which case they get a big expensive filter.

Unfortunately, the inner bits of a filter are many, so I won't be going into all of that. But you want me to go into that, so I will show a circuit diagram.

This is a diagram of the ADP1612

This website has a downloadable version of the spec sheet!

But that's a level of detail that you usually only get into if you are planning on building a circuit. The day that you're flipping through spec sheets in order to check compatibility is when you've really become an engineer.

So that's how you go from AC into DC. Yes, I just spent an hour typing this all out. I like electricity a lot.

Here's a GREAT video that goes over all of this but the guy actually has a circuit and an ossiliscope in front of him to show the signal.

[blitzbahrain]

Switchgear Solutions for Solar and Wind Energy Systems

Why Switchgear Matters in Solar and Wind Systems

Switchgear plays a central role in controlling, isolating, and protecting electrical equipment. In renewable energy applications, it helps:

· Manage power flow from variable energy sources.

· Protect systems from faults or overloads.

· Ensure seamless grid integration and disconnection when needed.

Unlike traditional power plants, solar and wind systems generate intermittent power, requiring switchgear that can handle dynamic loads and frequent switching.

Challenges in Renewable Energy Applications

Here are some of the unique challenges renewable energy systems face — and how they impact switchgear selection:

1. Variable Output

Solar and wind energy production fluctuates based on weather and time of day. This demands switchgear that can:

· Handle frequent load changes.

· Operate reliably under fluctuating voltages and currents.

2. Decentralized Generation

Unlike centralized grids, solar and wind systems are often spread out across multiple locations.

· Modular, compact switchgear is preferred for such installations.

· Smart monitoring becomes critical to manage performance remotely.

3. Harsh Environments

Wind turbines operate at high altitudes, and solar farms are often exposed to heat, dust, or salt.

· Switchgear needs to be rugged, weather-resistant, and have high IP ratings.

· Outdoor switchgear enclosures and temperature management are essential.

Key Features of Switchgear for Solar & Wind

When designing or upgrading renewable energy systems, look for switchgear that offers:

1. Remote Monitoring and Control

Smart switchgear integrated with IoT technology allows operators to track real-time data, detect faults early, and optimize system performance.

2. High Interruption Capacity

Wind and solar systems may experience voltage spikes. Modern switchgear provides high breaking capacities to safely interrupt fault currents.

3. Modular Design

Allows for easy upgrades and maintenance — crucial for scaling renewable installations.

4. Eco-Friendly Design

Look for SF₆-free switchgear that uses clean air or other sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

5. Hybrid Capabilities

Switchgear that can connect both AC and DC sources is increasingly valuable in mixed-source grids.

LV, MV, and HV Switchgear for Renewables

· Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear: Used in residential or small-scale solar systems. Compact, safe, and cost-effective.

· Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear: Ideal for commercial and industrial solar/wind applications.

· High Voltage (HV) Switchgear: Essential for utility-scale wind farms or solar plants feeding into the national grid.

Each type requires specific protection, metering, and automation components tailored to its load and system requirements.

Final Thoughts

Switchgear is the backbone of any successful solar or wind energy system. As these technologies become more mainstream, the demand for resilient, intelligent, and environmentally friendly switchgear solutions will continue to rise.

Whether you’re an energy consultant, project developer, or facility manager, choosing the right switchgear today will set the stage for long-term efficiency, safety, and scalability.

[bjdo11]

it’s still so depressing to me that i had to turn this down because I was literally in my fall semester of electrical engineering. (I was deferred then accepted)

[budlonginc]

How can Engineering Systems assist with reducing the spread of COVID-19?

Engineers consider themselves to be issue solvers, and the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to be an issue like no other. While immunizations against the coronavirus are being produced and conveyed, engineers are taking a gander at indoor spaces, which have been involved in cultivating the spread of the infection. Even after the populace has created immunity against the virus that causes COVID, further developing indoor air quality will almost certainly stay a squeezing concern.

The genetic structure of the virus [SARS-CoV-2] was sequenced promptly after its disclosure, and it was finished with the assistance of the two scientists and engineers. Optical, electrical, mechanical, PC, and synthetic engineers were engaged with making that possible.

 Major Contribution in multiple fields

Engineers are playing a great role to scale-up therapeutics and vaccines. Scientists are finding the antibodies — however, there's additional engineering in it — yet when you go from making 100 dosages to a billion dosages, which is a colossal engineering challenge. The equivalent is valid for assembling therapeutics. Engineers are dealing with that at present.

Engineers are scaling up with the integrity of the supply chain — getting hardware-like covers to where they're required and getting the suitable synthetics together to make antibodies and therapeutics. Those come from everywhere in the world.

They have also applied artificial reasoning and AI to work with the quick advancement of therapeutics and immunizations. Man-made reasoning cycles a great deal of data to recognize promising courses to restorative intercessions.

Engineers are modeling the vehicle of aerosol drops as it identifies with the coronavirus transmission between two people and among gatherings, so effective countermeasures, such as improved ventilation, can be taken.

 Technologies that engineers are bringing to the response effort

The speed and size of indicative tests for COVID-19 have improved enormously, and engineers have brought computerized reasoning, robotization, and interaction control to the industry's advancement of those diagnostics. The increment in testing ability is expected in great measure to these engineering tools. One significant component of engineering brings risk modeling.

In April, the NAE dispatched the COVID-19 Call for Engineering Action to hatch thoughts for innovations that could help react to the pandemic. Almost 600 ideas came in, and we limited it to 10 — one model is a self-cleaning cover — and groups tried out the thoughts for investment and advancement. It was fantastic. I've heard from a portion of the members that financial backers are keen on some of the ideas.

Recycling

In recycling variable air volume systems so widespread in the U.S., UV treatment systems might be the smartest option to cut the virus load. Studies show the adequacy of UVGI as being identical to an extra at least twenty air changes each hour in diminishing the concentration of irresistible virus. Nardell said the upper air approach might be particularly powerful due to the measure of blending that can be accomplished.

Engineers have the instruments to break these associations and give further developed indoor air quality without harming the climate. Like different challenges that have been met and settled, it will take difficult work, innovation, and a determination to see past what appear to be tradeoffs to the win-win solutions that address the best engineering practices.

A commonplace VAV system may have six stockpile air changes [per hour], and the open-air that you are acquiring may add up to a couple of air changes. That could be a superior method to lower the concentration of airborne particles than going to 100% outside air, which is expensive and essentially wastes your investment in filters.

Smart Filtration

According to air quality analyst Kathleen Owen, filtration has highlighted some significant innovations as of late, a previous ASHRAE bad habit chair and presently principal at Owen Air Filtration Consulting. A large number of these new technologies incorporate electrostatic catch-like manufactured non-woven filters. Filters that give a proper equilibrium of mechanical and electret productivity will quite often outflank a channel that depends exclusively on mechanical effectiveness. The electrostatic impacts in an electret-charged media are especially valuable in increasing the catch effectiveness for submicron particles.

Mechano-electret filters likewise convey lower airflow resistance, which translates straightforwardly to reductions in energy utilization and cost. In any case, the combination of various electret treatment patterns or charge dispersions implies that all electret filters are not made equivalent.

Customized ventilation system

Scientists have fostered a customized ventilation system just for airplanes in cabins with fixed seats to make smart ventilation measures. We put a diffuser in your legroom in the aircraft, which implies in the seat before you on the floor level. This air is cooler, and it frames a bit of breeze going into your body. Your body has a temperature of around 98 °F. The air temperature in the cabin is about 75 °F. That means the body is warmer, which implies it will generate a sort of a thermal plume. Consequently, this warm air will go up and bring the clean air from the lower part to the breathing level step by step. So you inhale clean air, which is only for you. Then, when you inhale, the air is warmer than the air temperature in the cabin. So the warm contaminated air will gradually move up.

To conclude

The viability of the country's and world's reactions to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recovery of both our economy and social prosperity, will rely upon the ability of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals.

Visit for more info: https://budlong.com/how-can-engineering-systems-assist-with-reducing-the-spread-of-covid-19/

[webeducationsciences]

Newnes Electrical Engineers Handbook pdf - Web Education

Newnes Electrical Engineers Handbook pdf Newnes Electrical Engineers Handbook pdf : Pages 438 By D.F. Warne Principles of electrical engineering ; Materials For electrical engineering ; Magnetic materials ; Insulating materiaIs ; Conducting materials ; Measurement and instrumentation ; Digital frequency...

Newnes Electrical Engineers Handbook

Great book by D.F. Warne  

[zodiacatsea]

My type: hot losers who are very sarcastic and like to talk to me a lot and flirt with me all the time even though I make fun of them for it

[drnikolatesla]

“I know that some have claimed that Professor [Elihu] Thomson also invented the so called Tesla Coil, but those feeble chirps ne'er went beyond Swampscott. Professor Thomson is an odd sort of man; very ingenious, but he never was a wireless expert; he never could be.”

–Nikola Tesla

(From a pre-hearing interview with Nikola Tesla and his legal counsel in 1916 to protect his radio patents from the Guglielmo Marconi and the Marconi Company.)

“Nikola Tesla On His Works With Alternating Currents and Their Application to Wireless Telegraphy, and Transmission of Power.” Twenty First Century Books, Breckenridge, Colorado, 2002.