EET Learning Statement for Outcomes - Develop and Prepare

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the written communication of technical information using Standard English.

Performance Indicators:

· Demonstrate the ability to organize and be concise in written communication.

· Use effective grammar that does not impede meaning.

· Use language appropriate to the audience.

· Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate grasp of technical concepts.

Learning Statements:

· One of my primary responsibilities as a Leading Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy was to develop technical work packages for my division. These packages were utilized to conduct complex work that required previous technical training as well as utilizing information from a variety of technical sources. These packages typically consisted of a detailed procedure accompanied by information from outside technical references. One example of a complex work package I developed was one outlining the re-build of a motor control cabinet for a 600kW DC motor. The cabinet consisted of mechanical components utilized to operate a variable armature field as well as all the metering and indications for the electrical components. In developing the work package I reviewed the technical manuals for the motor itself as well as the mechanical drive components for the control cabinet. I incorporated necessary information into the work package while leaving out details that were not directly relevant to the work being performed. In many cases I re-worded information from the manuals into an easier to understand format. At the end of my military career I was given college credit for technical writing based on the numerous technical documents I developed throughout my time in the military I have attached my Joint Service Transcript as evidence to the technical writing skills and abilities I developed in the U.S. Navy.

· In my current job role I am frequently required to communicate complex technical data in the form of e-mails and reports. A primary function of our work group is to troubleshoot technical issues and in many cases investigate faults and failures to determine root cause. The outcome of troubleshooting activities and the results of a root cause analysis investigations must be accurately communicated to all involved parties. On one occasion I assisted with a motor fault investigation by reviewing fault recorder data and providing technical evaluation of the data. In this case the fault was believed to be caused by a lightning strike due to the location of the fault, on the motor terminal connections just inside the motor case, and the significance of the fault. However, after review of the fault recorder data it was clear that the fault could not have been caused by a lightning strike because there was no evidence of a voltage surge in the data. As a result the analysis team took another look at the motor and discovered that the motor shop, during a recent re-wind hand not properly insulated the terminations with varnish. The fault was initiated by carbon tracking from ‘A’ to ‘C’ phase and continued to develop into a three phase fault before the protective relaying tripped the breaker. All of the analysis and communication for this fault was done through written communication. I have attached the associated e-mail string to support my written communication skills.

· During my time taking classes at Excelsior College I using technical writing skills on countless occasions. One specific example of technical writing to fulfill course requirements was a paper I wrote to describe the construction, operation and theory behind a switched mode DC power supply. I described the basic construction of the inverter, what components are used to construct it and their purpose and functionality of each. The basic principle behind an inverter is to invert the negative half cycle of an AC signal such that current flow occurs in a constant direction. Even if the magnitude of the current still oscillates as long as the direction of current flow remains constant the signal is a direct current signal. The trick of a quality inverter is to produce a stable DC signal that can be utilized by a wide range of DC equipment. In the case of the inverter described in the paper, it utilized a filter circuit that smoothed the ripple DC output to an almost steady DC voltage. I have attached the assignment to support my application of technical writing skills in an educational environment.

Evidence Used to Support Learning Statements:

· Tab C-2, Joint Service Transcript, p. 4

· Tab C-13, DFR information from ML 3A ID fan motor failure, p. 1-3

· Tab C-14, ELEC350 Power Electronics Assignment M8A1 DC-AC Inverter, p. 1-6