Koosha Toofan A low power factor affects electric utilities differently. I’ll show the impact through a simple utility power factor penalty calculation. By the end, you’ll see why big utility customers are committed to maintaining a good power factor. But before we dive into any number crunching, let’s break down the different types of electrical power. Power … Read more
Here are 17 tips on how to motivate your engineers to create a kickass culture and deliver top-notch products. Let’s face it, engineers are the backbone of any tech-focused company. Without a solid company culture, they’re bound to lose their mojo over time. #1 Keep the vibe alive at work The right atmosphere can do … Read more
If you want to build and maintain a successful business, it’s essential to learn how to hire great engineers. I’m talking about those rockstar 10x engineers, the ones who can revolutionize your business from the moment they walk through the door. Yeah, they’re rare, but they’re out there. You see, top-notch engineers aren’t as common … Read more
Are engineers underpaid? No. Engineers work in a free market and their pay depends on their skills. It’s on them to make the big bucks. Let me tell you, I hear this kind of chatter in just about every profession, even in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Non-superstar NBA players often whine about their so-called … Read more
Are engineers underappreciated? Most are, but somehow, the magic of engineering has slipped from the public eye and employers’ grasp. But why? Let me share six reasons why engineers are getting the short end of the appreciation stick: The 21st-century standard of living’s impact on engineering salaries Inadequate protection for the engineering profession The unregulated … Read more
There’s no denying that engineering work experience trumps a formal education any day, and it’s critical for the advancement of your career. That’s why employers crave seasoned professionals rather than fresh-faced Ivy League grads. After all, getting newbie engineers up to speed can be quite the ordeal. But let’s not jump the gun. First, let’s … Read more
The per unit method short circuit calculations are the go-to method when solving power system problems by hand or checking software outputs. I’m going to dive into the most important calculations for various power system scenarios, and you’ll learn how to apply the per unit method to these sources of short circuit currents: Electric utility … Read more
Leadership in engineering is one wild ride! Juggling the egos of brilliant minds with all sorts of personalities can be a real challenge. To top it off, loads of engineers are introverts, making them a tough crowd to read. But fear not! We’ll go over 5 simple and relatable tips for engineers stepping up to … Read more
Simple engineering solutions might not be in-your-face obvious, but they can save you heaps of cash and loads of future headaches. As an expert, you’ll stumble upon a gazillion possible fixes for every problem that pops up. The real challenge? Choosing the winning solution while juggling factors like: Cost Feasibility Build time Functionality Reliability Complexity … Read more
Are engineers introverts? Many are, but the media often paints an unfair picture of engineers. Surprise – some engineers are extroverts too! Growing up, I was bombarded with a certain image of engineers in movies. They seemed to always be cooped up in a secluded office, pushed around by business folks without a care in … Read more
The sheer force of a baseball bat swing striking a ball by Mike Trout, one of the MLB’s elite players, is tremendous. Join me on this exhilarating adventure as we crunch some numbers and calculate the Herculean force he generates when smashing a line drive in the MLB. Calculation variables for determining average force on … Read more
Learning from engineering failures is like an adrenaline shot to the heart of technology, pushing it to advance even further. When engineers take risks and challenge the status quo, failures are gonna happen, and that’s just part of the game. Without them, it means we’re not pushing technology to its limits. Engineers wouldn’t be crafting bigger, … Read more
An engineering site visit checklist is critical for most projects. It’s the reality check that keeps designs grounded in the real world. Site visits are the ultimate way to get up close and personal with a project and the client. You’ll usually find yourself making site visits during these project stages: Project kickoff to grasp … Read more
Stress can seriously mess with your dreams and drag you down into depression. So, I’m gonna share how to stress less and accomplish more. Sure, there are hundreds of self-help books out there, and some techniques might work wonders. But my go-to method is super easy and has never let me down, no matter the … Read more
Learning how to train new engineers can truly set a company apart from the rest, catapulting it from average to exceptional. Just like in any profession, fresh-faced engineers need some extra care and attention. So, let me walk you through 5 essential steps to train all sorts of new engineers. Fair warning, this journey won’t … Read more
It’s no secret that engineers switch jobs quite often. In this article, I’ll discuss eight reasons why engineers leave their jobs. Bear in mind, engineers are a diverse bunch with different quirks and life ambitions. But in my time in the trenches, I’ve seen that engineers tend to split from their gigs for one (or … Read more