IEEE Madison Section - 2013 Meeting Archive

Out-of-the-Box Engineering for Disney (PRESENTATION SLIDES [PDF])

Thursday, November 21, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:45 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM. 

Biography

Mr. Rosenthal is President of Creative Technology, LLC (CTech), a company specializing in new and advanced imaging technology consulting and development. CTech is currently working in collaboration with UPENN on a DARPA funded project to prototype a full-spectrum imaging sensor and display. R & D on imaging technology leading to this current project has been sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NSA, Naval Research Lab (NRL) and NASA. The full-spectrum imaging system is based on a novel Wave Theory of Human Vision Mr. Rosenthal co-developed with Richard Solomon of CTech. Three patents have been awarded on the sensor, spectrometer and display technology. Several additional patents are pending.

Mr. Rosenthal was Vice President of Advanced Technology Research (ATR) at Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development, Inc. ATR was a team of staff and consultants that focused on identifying and evaluating technologies and solutions from research labs all over the world in an effort to keep Walt Disney's business units at the cutting edge of new technologies.

In 1999, Mr. Rosenthal successfully completed the construction of Disney/ABC's Times Square Studios at 1500 Broadway. His innovative design of the glass and camera systems is in daily use on ABC's Good Morning America and other Disney/ABC Television programs.

Prior to joining WDI in 1992, Mr. Rosenthal worked as a technical consultant and project manager for WDI, Associates and Ferren, NIKE, and SONY. He performed the facilities design, engineering and project management for television audio-video serial digital D2 production systems at Imevision in Mexico City; and the design and fabrication of audio-video and computer systems for the Bill of Rights 200th Anniversary USA Tour.

Mr. Rosenthal became known for his audio and video systems engineering accomplishments during his 26-year tenure with ABC Television in New York. As general manager of A/V systems engineering at the ABC TV network, he revamped and updated many of the ABC broadcast centers and studios across the United States. He supervised the design, engineering and installation of new facilities, providing them with state-of-the-art, computerized lighting, rigging, audio-video, routing switchers and distribution systems. He was also the project manager for the design and construction of KGO-TV in San Francisco from 1981 to 1985.

Mr. Rosenthal received an Emmy award for his work as technical project manager for the audio-video systems engineering of ABC's coverage of the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

Mr. Rosenthal is Scientist in Residence at New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts Interactive Telecommunications Program.

Mr. Rosenthal has been awarded 6 patents and has 8 patents pending.

Ethics Seminar by MSoE

Thursday, November 7, 2013, 10:30AM to 01:30PM (3.00 hours) -- FULL

This seminar meets the ethics training for PE license renewal. MSoE will provide certificates documenting completion of the class.
Please enter the address where you want to receive your PDH certificate, in case we do not have them printed before the meeting.

Abstract

1.) Introduction to Ethics
2.) Ethics vs. Legal Concerns
3.) Engineering Ethical Standards (NSPE Code of Ethics)
4.) Examples of Ethical Situations
5.) Role Play Scenario
6.) Ethics as it relates to business development strategies
7.) Conclusions/Recommendations

Cedar Ridge Wind Farm and Substation Tour

Monday, October 28, 2013, 09:45AM to 03:30PM (5.75 hours)

Abstract

Located in the in the towns of Eden and Empire, in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm began commercial operation in December 2008. Cedar Ridge is Alliant Energy subsidiary Wisconsin Power and Light Company’s (WPL) first owned and operated wind facility. This power plant is comprised on 41 Vestas V-82 (Type 1) 1.65 MW generators--with a total rated capacity of 68 MW. The windfarm balance-of-plant includes an S&C D-STATCOM for grid regulation compliance. We will visit both the turbines and the substation.

Schedule

09:45 am Gather at Bus and depart. Here is a link to the route the bus will take.
11:30 arrive at Cedar Ridge, visit substation, maintenance building, and erected turbine
13:00 leave Cedar Ridge, head to lunch
13:30 Lunch location: Red Cabin at Green Acres restaurant -- W2701 4th Street, FdL, WI
14:30 depart for UW
15:30 arrive back at UW Madison

Note: You must wear closed-toe shoes (i.e. no sandals) and boots are recommended. If you own a hard-hat, please bring it. Alliant does have hard hats on site, but we are expecting a bigger group than normal.

Science Olympiad Discussion - Hosting the Wizards of Wissenschaft

Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:45 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM.

Abstract

Reach out to middle and high school wizards of Wissenschaft (German for study of science) through participation and support for one of the premiere science competitions in the country, taking place on UW-Madison campus next January 17-18. The Science Olympiad serves 7000 schools nationally, with anywhere from 12 to 50 students participating per school, as it cultivates interest in science careers that will help to increase global competitiveness for the next generation of scientists. This is a wonderful opportunity to show off our campus and the many science opportunities available here for these potential scientists of the future.

To host a successful Science Olympiad Invitational weekend requires large numbers of people and resources. The UW-Madison has a reputation to uphold as we hosted 6000 people in 2011 for the “best National Science Olympiad competition in its 27 years of existence” according to the National Director, Gerard Putz. To make that happen took an extraordinary effort on the part of the University Community. Now we want to host an annual invitational tournament weekend that will stand out above all of the other invitationals held throughout the country and generate excitement for a couple thousand people participating at our event.

If you are either a member of the University Community or someone who would simply like to contribute your time, talent or sponsorship for this exciting weekend, then come learn more about the Science Olympiad and a role you can play to make the invitational weekend a wonderful experience for many young middle and high school students. Lets do all we can to keep their interest peaked in the sciences as well as showing them why the UW-Madison is the place to consider for their post-secondary education.

High Resolution Multispectral Imagery in Ecological, Land Planning, Regulatory Projects

This meeting is a technical lunch talk hosted by the Nelson Institute and IEEE Madison on advances in aerial imaging and data processing.

Thursday, September 19, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:45 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM..

Abstract

Technological advances in aerial imaging and data processing, including processing and analysis of large volumes of data, are for the first time providing very high quality, high resolution imagery useful for many applications. AES and partners have purchased one of the latest defense-grade cameras which is used for providing aerial imagery for conservation, ecosystem restoration, land planning, engineering and other types of projects. Applied Ecologist Services, Inc  geospatial analyst, Jason Carlson, and Ecologist, Steven Apfelbaum will provide an overview of the new technology and applications being developed and used by AES. The will include applications in energy development, ecosystem restoration, land planning, early detection of tree diseases, pavement condition assessments, among other uses.

Biography

Mr. Apfelbaum has conducted ecological research, designed award-winning projects, successfully navigated regulatory programs, and contributed his unique creative scientific expertise and enthusiasm to over 1,500 projects throughout North America and beyond. He is one of the leading ecological consultants in the U.S., providing technical restoration advice and win-win solutions where ecological and land development conflicts arise. Mr. Apfelbaum has authored hundreds of technical studies, peer-reviewed technical papers, books, reports, ecological restoration plans, and regulatory monitoring and compliance reports. He promotes using ecological and conservation design principles in developments, industrial projects and parks that help clients save money while increasing ecological functionality, improving public perception and generating award-winning outcomes. Mr. Apfelbaum is also a much sought after speaker at educational events focusing on ecological restoration, ecosystem assessment, alternative stormwater management and conservation development.

Implications of The America Invents Act: What “First-to-File” Means for Engineers

Thursday, June 20, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM..

Abstract

The American Invents Act was signed by the president on Sept. 16, 2011. On March 16, 2013, the biggest change brought about by this Act is America’s conversion from a First-To-Invent system to a First-To-File system. Most of the world has maintained a First-To-File system from the outset, while the U.S. has traditionally resisted outside pressure to conform. It is imperative that inventors understand the various ramifications of this change and understand how they can take advantage of some caveats to the First-To-File system..

Biography

James Joyce is a patent attorney in the Madison office of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek and is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Law group. Mr. Joyce focuses his practice on patent law with technical expertise in the electrical, computer, software and mechanical fields. Prior to legal practice, Mr. Joyce worked for seven years as an engineering consultant. He has drafted patent applications for various electrical and mechanical devices, including wireless, mobile devices, as well as computer and software related applications; provided patentability, invalidity, and non-infringement opinions and analysis to clients from various industries; counseled clients regarding the application and protection of trademarks. He brings the following technical experience to his patent work:
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and ladder logic programming
• Building control systems
• Man to machine interfaces (MMI)
• Industrial controls, including Actuators, Sensors, Motors and Motor Drives
• Power distribution systems, including Switch Gear and Transformers
• Large scale computer and communication systems
• Backup power systems, including Stand-By Generators and Transfer Switches
• Fire alarm and notification systems
• Lighting control systems
• Security and PA systems
• Industrial Pumps, including centrifugal and Positive Displacement Pumps.

Robots that Fly for Technical Education 

Come learn how a group of students from Madison College designed, builty, and flew a variety of multirotor vehicles using inertial navigation systems (INS).

Thursday, May 16, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 

Pictures of the event  Review of the event [PDF]

Abstract

The availability of inexpensive Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) has made environmental sensing a common and inexpensive reality. Every modern cell phone or game controller is equipped with MEMS sensors to sense angular and spatial position and magnetic orientation. One result of the explosion of sensors is the concurrent development of inexpensive six and nine degree of freedom inertial navigation systems (6-DOF and 9-DOF INS). These inexpensive INS components have made it possible to build an inexpensive multi-rotor flying robot that can stably negotiate a three dimensional space. Applications for these devices abound from aerial photography, to remote sensing to automated transportation and construction. This Spring, a Manufacturing Systems Class at Madison Area Technical College (Madison College) designed, built, and flew a variety of multirotor vehicles to learn about this emerging technology and to assess the technology for potential application. The research was sponsored by the Madison Chapter of the IEEE with additional support from local companies interested in the technology. Tom Kaminski and students from the class will presents the research results, followed by a demonstration of the devices. 

Biography

Tom Kaminski is currently an Instructor in the Industrial Maintenance Department at Madison College teaching electrical, electronics, and automation subjects. His primary interest is automation systems with emphasis on instrumentation and control. Tom has over 40 years of engineering experience in instrumentation and digital systems and has spent the last 15 years as a teacher, helping technicians to understand the increasingly complex automation systems used in modern manufacturing.

Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers (WSPE) Discovery Conference (Not an IEEE-sponsored event)

Thursday, May 2, 2013, 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Registration will begin at 7:00 AM. Presentations will begin at 7:30 AM.

Certificate Information

This conference will qualify for 6½ professional development hours (PDHs) including 5½ meeting your classroom requirement and 1 meeting an ethics requirement. Note: As of 2012, Wisconsin requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years, of which 2 hours must be in the area of Professional Conduct and Ethics. The complete rules from the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (formerly Department of Regulation and Licensing) can be found at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/a_e/13.pdf.

Lunchtime awards will be given out including Professional Engineer of the Year, Young Engineer of the Year, Math Count State Team advancing to Nationals, Fellow, Lifetime, and Past President.

Abstract

Conference will consist of two general sessions and three four breakout sessions. Twenty speakers in all are confirmed to speak at this conference covering a variety of topics including selections of interest to civil, electrical, mechanical and other engineering professionals.

See this brochure [WSPE.ORG] for details.

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)

The tour will cover different engineering areas of this impressive facility, including lab space, large electrical motor service, anerobic digesters, and post-processing dried sludge.
Parts of the tour will be outdoors and/or in hard-hat areas--PLEASE BRING UMBRELLA AND HARDHAT if available.

Thursday, April 18, 2013, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

Abstract

The MMSD has graciously invited us to a tour of their Bio/Facilities capacity. Much engineering occurs in such a facility, including: laboratory, large electrical motor service, process controls, anaerobic digesters, and post-processing dried sludge handling. This physical plant provides about two-thirds of the power to run the facility, due to its three 500 kW generators driven by the methane from their digesters. The plant also generates steam for heating the waste stream and thermally driving AC electricity in the main building. Please come with us on the 45-minute tour of this very impressive facility, and also enjoy a lunch with the pre-tour presentation. 

Biography

Over 100 years ago, the first wastewater treatment plant was built in Madison, Wisconsin. In comparison, many communities did not have wastewater treatment for another 50 years. The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District was created in 1930 by state statute to protect the environment in the region of lakes and streams that comprise the upper Yahara River watershed. The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District now serves almost 300,000 people in the cities, towns, and villages in the Madison area. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the County Executive. The Board is responsible for setting policy, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and establishing District directions. Wastewater treatment for the entire District is performed at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. District staff are responsible for the administration of the District and for the design and maintenance of interceptor collections sewers and pumping stations which convey wastewater from over 40 municipal customers to the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Engineering Ethics

Friday, March 29, 2013, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Registration will begin at 10:00 AM. Presentation will begin at 10:30 AM.

Certificate Information

This seminar meets the ethics training requirements for PE license renewal. MSoE will provide certificates documenting completion of the class. Note: As of 2012, Wisconsin requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years, of which 2 hours must be in the area of Professional Conduct and Ethics. The complete rules from the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services (formerly Department of Regulation and Licensing) can be found at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/a_e/13.pdf

Abstract

1.) Introduction to Ethics
2.) Ethics vs. Legal Concerns
3.) Engineering Ethical Standards (NSPE Code of Ethics)
4.) Examples of Ethical Situations
5.) Role Play Scenario
6.) Ethics as it relates to business development strategies
7.) Conclusions/Recommendations

Biography

Mr. Wentz has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nebraska. He owned and operated his family’s mechanical contracting business, Wentz Plumbing and Heating, in Lincoln, NE for five years before becoming a college professor. He has been a professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering for 8 years and was named the Program Director of Construction Management at the beginning of 2008. He is the faculty advisor for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Student Chapter, whose competition teams have qualified for the National Finals five of the last seven years, winning the National Title in 2011. Mr. Wentz was named the Educator of the Year for 2008 by Wisconsin Builder Magazine, was the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) National Educator of the Year in 2010 and was named National Educator of the Year for the MCAA in 2011. He is also involved in consulting activities and has been an expert witness for construction legal disputes as well as being a keynote speaker for various organizations and is an instructor for the AGC of Wisconsin’s Leadership and Business Management program, teaching the ethics component of that course. Mr. Wentz is a co-author of a textbook on Construction and Engineering Law that will be released in 2013 in which he authored the ethics chapter of the book.

Electric Vehicle Charging Technology

Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM..

Abstract

As Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and full electric vehicles become more mainstream, the implementation of fast charging standards is becoming a critical issue.  In this presentation, Ted will describe the technologies employed in AC level 1 and 2 as well as DC level 1 and 2 charging equipment.  Further he will elucidate the potential of wireless charging technologies, the challenges they present and the state of standards development.   Ted has been involved with the development of both conductive and inductive electric vehicle charging standards for 20+ years, since the SAE J-1772/1773 standards were first drafted.

Biography

Theodore Bohn is a principle investigator for Grid Connected Vehicle (Smart Grid/Advanced Charging) research in the Vehicle Systems Group with the Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratory. The main focus of this effort includes in-vehicle traction battery subsystem benchmarking and validation as well as power electronics and embedded systems control optimization of the electric powertrain in PHEVs. Bi-directional power converter controls in the context of SAE and IEEE standards developments.

Why Reference Models are Crucial for e-Logistics

Thursday, January 17, 2013, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Informal networking will begin at 11:30 AM. Presentation will begin at 12:00 PM..

Abstract

The three European Union (E.U.) next generation e-logistics projects are: iCargo (cargo), e-Freight (containers), and SAFEPOST (postal items). The goal of these projects is to develop: a) frameworks, b) reference models, and c) demonstrators for the electronic support of safe and efficient transport of cargo, containers, and postal items throughout the E.U. At this point in time, these initiatives are beginning to undertake the development of technology demonstrators to validate issues with the current transport process, and to prototype working, small-scale solutions for solving those issues. This talk will walk you through the e-Freight initiative’s: a) framework, b) reference model, and c) a functional specification of one of its demonstrators. You will see how reference models are the crucial linchpin between intended standards (i.e. the frameworks) and technology prototypes (i.e. the demonstrators), because they ensure a complete and consistent mapping between needed standards and proposed prototypes.

Biography

David A. Marca is president and founder of OpenProcess, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, systems analysis and design, and e-Business. David is also a certified faulty member for the University of Phoenix Online School, and is on the adjunct faulty of Edgewood College’s School of Business and Computer Science Department. His six books and 27 papers cover e-Business, business process design, workflow, and software engineering. His latest book with the IEEE is "Open Process Frameworks: Patterns for the Adaptive e-Enterprise". David alsoholds a patent in workflow technology, and is a Senior Member of the IEEE and ACM.