This semester I was given the opportunity to work on second project with DMR Electronics. DMR Electronics is a local company based in Hibbing. They design, manufacture and remanufacture industrial electronic components and wiring harnesses. They also provide electronic manufacturing services (contract manufacturing) for circuit board assemblies.
For this project, I am working alongside fellow Iron Range Engineering student Graham Redshaw. Our project is very detailed. The problem DMR is having is that their power factor is extremely low. Power factor is the ratio of real power to total power and is an indicator of power loss in a distribution system. The lower the power factor, the more wasted energy there is that the power company has to deal with. Therefore, if a company has a low power factor in their equipment, the power company will often implement a surcharge.
Our project involves 4 main steps. Step 1 will be to research power factor. This will give us a background as we move forward in the project. Step 2 is to locate the proper equipment and measure the power factor of all their machines. Step 3 is to analyze the results, and draw conclusions of possible reasons why the power factor is so low. Step 4 will be to give DMR cost estimates of possible solutions to correct their power factor.
This project will be beneficial to me in a number of ways. To begin with, I am improving my professionalism by working with two of DMR’s engineers, Wade Thorson and Steve Dureen. Secondly, I am gaining hands-on experience from working with their equipment and machines. Lastly and most importantly, I am incorporating my technical learning into a real-life project, which is what engineering is all about.
Posted by Cord Semotink
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