E n g i n e e r i n g
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From the MTC web site:
inside the tractor-trailer. |
Mobile Network Drives Learning
There is an old saying that when the student is ready, the
teacher will appear. For students who train in the Mobile Learning Unit developed
by southwest Virginia’s Manufacturing Technology
Center, this is literally true. With this state-of-the-art unit, the MTC brings
on-site technical training and demonstrations right to the doorsteps of companies and
schools throughout the region. "The MLU has been deployed for use by more than 6000
students, 800 teachers, and 1000 manufacturing employees," said Center Director, Dr. John "Jay" Tice.
Housed within a 48 ft. semitrailer, the customized MLU network
was designed and installed by A&A. "From the start, we decided to use exclusively
state-of-the-art technology," said Tice. "When we needed help with network
design and implementation, Anderson and Associates was the first company we thought
of." The network consists of a WindowsNT™ server, 12 workstations, internet
capabilities, a detailed audio/video switching system, and more. With the broad range of
computer programs available, training sessions can cover topics as technical as
computer-controlled milling, or as standard as Microsoft® Office and email.
One of the unique challenges of designing such a network was
taking into account the effects of movement during travel time. "Provisions had to be
made to secure everything while in transit," explained A&A Information Systems
Manager, Chris King. As a result, the computers are
mounted against the walls, the server is mounted in a shock-resistant enclosure, and the
monitors and keyboards are strapped down while on the road. The unit also includes a
diesel generator for standby electrical power, and a battery backup system to ensure the
network is shut down properly. You can find more information about the Mobile Learning
Unit by visiting the Manufacturing Technology Center’s web site at www.mtcofswva.org.
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Picture of a trailer-mounted
generator, courtesy of Carter
Machinery, Troutville, Virginia. |
Mobility Brings Power to Plant
The Mobile Learning Unit described above had its own standby
electrical generator, but that’s not the only way electrical generator systems can be
mobile, as the Town of Wytheville can attest.
A&A designed a portable standby electrical generator system for the town that could
actually be transported from plant to plant to maximize efficiency and lower costs.
"They wanted a continuing ability to meet any unforeseen power outage,"
explained Electrical Engineer, Tom Pullen.
The key here is cost containment. Utilizing a mobile, or
‘trailered’ generator system can be less expensive then designing individual
systems for every treatment plant or pump station. Pullen explains further: "You
don’t necessarily need a fixed standby generator for each location, but you need to
analyze their individual needs. How much water do you need to pump per day? How long can
you go without pumping? Based on that, you can decide how many fixed generators you need
and how many can use a portable generator." The Town
of Wytheville, for example, needed standby generator capability for 12 different
sites. However, A&A’s analysis showed that only three sites actually required
fixed electrical generators.
For more information about portable standby power, contact Tom
Pullen
by email at pullen@andassoc.com. |
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This page was last updated 08/20/01 |
