Track 1

Fuel Cells, the Hydrogen option
Sidney Bolfing, Texas State Technical College
8:30-9:30

Abstract: Based on the results of a two-day DACUM (develop a curriculum) focus group attended by a panel of thirteen noted fuel cell technology experts from across the nation, a curriculum has been developed and presented for approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The objective of the two-year Fuel Cell Maintenance and Repair Technician program is to provide the graduate with hands-on training and education in fuel system theory, operation, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. The program includes 72 credit hours of extensive classroom and “hands on” laboratory experience with stationary fuel cells designed for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Successful graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, and will be prepared to enter the workforce with working background in a wide range of fuel cell types and applications.

Fuel cells range from palm-sized milliwatt devices to large industrial systems producing megawatts of electrical power for manufacturing, to commercial distributed generation applications, and powering single homes that are both grid connected and grid independent. The majority of fuel cells that operate on hydrogen produce very little or no harmful pollutants. Fuel cell systems produce DC and can export AC electrical power if an inverter is used. Most fuel cells also produce highly useful by-products of heat and pure water.

There is little need for fuel cell technicians in Texas presently, due primarily to equipment costs. However, within three to five years, the use of stationary fuel cell systems (as well as demand for qualified fuel cell technicians) is expected to grow at an exponential rate. Predictions indicate demand for fuel cell systems will increase as the costs of equipment is reduced, the cost of fossil fuels increase, and mandates for higher efficiencies and lower emissions.

Biography: Sidney Bolfing, an Electrical/Computerized Control Systems and Robotics senior instructor at TSTC Waco, is the project coordinator for fuel cell curriculum development at Texas State Technical College Waco. As chairman of the Texas Fuel Cell Technology Consortium (TFCTC), he has been instrumental in leading fuel cell curriculum development for two-year colleges dedicated to producing qualified fuel cell technicians for the state of Texas.

Mr. Bolfing has been an instructor at TSTC for 10 years in the Electrical/Computerized Control Systems & Robotics department. As a Senior Instructor at TSTC, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Training and Development from the University of Texas, as well as associate’s degrees in Electrical Power Technology and Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology from Texas State Technical College Waco.

He holds a Texas Master Electrical License and a Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors License. His professional background includes positions with Brown and Root Engineering, General Tire Company, Trane Company, Lux Packaging, Waco Service Inc. and Texas State Technical College Waco. He also serves as vice president of the Heart of Texas Old Car Club Inc.

Wood Pole Alternatives
Rick Hausmann, PE, TXU Electric Delivery
Wesley Oliphant, Newmark International
Jim Bob Wiles, Shakespeare Composite Structures
9:45-10:45

Abstract: Structures are an integral part of the overhead delivery of electricity from generation to end user. Many factors influence the type of structure that will be designed for a particular application. The program will consist of presentations from representatives of the concrete, fiberglass, and steel pole industries. The presentations will focus on the applications, the advantages, and the limitations of the different types of structures used through out the utility industry.

Biography: Rick Hausmann is a senior engineer at TXU Electric Delivery Company. He has 22 years of experience with TXU Electric Delivery Company and is currently responsible for overhead distribution standards including related material and equipment specifications. Specifically he is responsible for the distribution standards associated with poles, foundations, cross-arms, guys, anchors, conductor sags, insulators, pole framing, line hardware, and joint use spacing and loading. Rick's duties include overseeing and evaluating new and failed material/equipment to ensure manufacturer compliance with specifications and designs. Additionally Rick provides technical expertise to internal workgroups regarding standard design practices, construction methods, and interpretation of the National Electrical Safety Code. He also is responsible for the completion of the design, plans, and specifications for complex applications which require a concrete or steel self-supporting structure.
Rick earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Amberton University in Dallas, Texas. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas as is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Wood Preservers Association, and the Southwest Electric Distribution Exchange. Rick is married with 3 children and enjoys golf in his spare time.

Wesley J. Oliphant, P.E. - Received his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1974 from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from the University of Houston in 1986. He is a registered Professional Engineer, and has over 28 years experience in the design and manufacturing of non-wood pole products for Electrical Transmission, Distribution, Substation, Lighting, and Telecommunication applications. Mr. Oliphant is currently a Vice President with Valmont-Newmark, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of spun concrete poles, tubular steel poles, and fiberglass composite poles for these applications.

Mr. Oliphant also serves on numerous industry committees related to the design and use of non-wood poles, including the ASCE Committee of Electrical Transmission Structures; ASCE Committee for Reliability Based Design of Utility Pole Structures; and, the ASCE Committee for The Design and Use of Spun Concrete Poles.

Understanding the Texas Continuing Education Program for all Registered Professional Engineers
Lance Kinney, P.E., Texas Board of Professional Engineers
11:00-12:00

Abstract: This presentation covers the requirements for the Continuing Education Program for Professional Engineers (P.E.'s) licensed in Texas. It includes a review of the statute and rules, program requirements, applicable activities, exemptions, reporting requirements, and other important issues.

Biography: Lance Kinney, P.E., has been with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers for two years as an engineering specialist working on projects for the Executive Director. He is in charge of developing the Continuing Education Program and Rules for the board. Prior to working at the board, Lance received a Bachelors degree in Physics from the University of Texas in Austin, and worked for 11 years as a project engineer at Advanced Micro Devices. He is also currently an adjunct professor at Austin Community College.

Transmission Grid Management in Texas
Ken Donohoo, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
1:30-3:00

Abstract: Transmission congestion in ERCOT and what is being done to resolve it! ERCOT will provide an overview of transmission congestion, its costs, and how ERCOT is resolving it in the operating and planning environments. ERCOT will also present information on infrastructure additions made to the power system.

Biography: Ken joined ERCOT in 1996 and is Manager System Planning, Transmission Services. His team administers transmission planning activities, including collection of power system planning data, within ERCOT. System Planning conducts technical and simple economic assessments and provides strategies, policies, procedures, and methodologies associated with the planning and reliable operation of the grid.

Ken began his tenure with ERCOT as a Senior Transmission Systems Engineer. His responsibilities included regional transmission planning analysis, conducting available transfer capability studies, generation interconnection studies, calculating transmission system losses, studies to allocate transmission costs, and participating in the work of the Technical Advisory Committee Subcommittees and its task forces. Currently, Ken leads, plans and directs the accomplishment of System Planning Transmission Services objectives. He is responsible for providing technical guidance ensuring sound engineering procedures and effective use of facilities to provide system-wide power system planning, interconnect generation, serve load and ensure the reliability and adequacy of the regional network. He facilitates the input, prioritization, and assessment of the overall power system planning effort. He manages technical and simple economic assessments and provides strategies, policies, procedures, and methodologies associated with the planning and reliable operation of the grid. Ken possesses a unique and valuable blend of technical expertise with strong familiarity of power systems that supports long term planning and development.

Ken received a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering (BSEE) degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1982. His extensive background includes engineering budget analysis, transmission planning, transient analysis, insulation coordination, surge arrester application, switching analysis, wheeling impact, loss analysis, project management and engineering management. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. Ken is also a senior member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is ERCOT's representative on the North American Electric Reliability Council Operating Committee Transmission Subcommittee and the North American Electric Reliability Council Planning Committee Transmission Issues Subcommittee.

IRAQ Power System Reconstructions
Lt.Col. Robert P. Morris, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
3:15-4:45

Abstract: Electric Power Restoration in Iraq immediately following the change in government was a critical issue in creating a new stable and sustainable government for the Iraqi people. This critical infrastructure restoration mission was given to the US Army Corps of Engineers. Lt.Col. Morris will lead the presentation that conveys the complexity of this topic. Restoration of electric service during a war is not an easy task. The US Army Corps of Engineers provided the coordination and leadership needed to facilitate the accomplishment of this vital goal. He will explain how the delivery systems required to support such an important facet of a nations infrastructure are no doubt the very essence of a viable society.

Biography: Lieutenant Colonel Robert P. Morris, Jr., P.E., assumed the duties of Deputy District Engineer on June 21, 2002 following an assignment at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, where he served as the Director of the Center for Environmental and Geographical Sciences and Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering.

Lieutenant Colonel Morris graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree with Civil Engineering concentration in 1980 and a Master of Arts degree in Geography in 1990 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His military service schools include the Armed Forces Staff College, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Combined Arms Staff Services School, Mapping, Charting & Geodesy Officers Course, Analytical Photogrammetric Positioning System Course, Junior Officer Maintenance Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Engineer Officer Basic Course, Atomic Demolition Munitions Course and Airborne School.

Lieutenant Colonel Morris has held a variety of assignments in the United States, Middle East and Europe including command of C Company, 78th Engineer Battalion (Allied Command Europe Mobile Force) in Germany. He has also served as Executive Officer for the 29th Engineer Battalion (Topographic); Facility Engineer for Operations and Maintenance for the Defense Intelligence Agency; Facility Engineer for the Multinational Forces and Observers in Sinai, Egypt; Engineer Plans Officer for the VII Corps G-3 REFORGER Planning Cell; Construction Officer for 7th Engineer Brigade; and Assistant Operations Officer, Company Executive Officer, and Platoon Leader, 20th Engineer Battalion (Combat).

His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), the Army Achievement Medal (two awards), the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He also has been awarded the Multinational Forces and Observers Medal and the Parachutist Badge.
Lieutenant Colonel Morris is a registered professional engineer in Florida and Virginia, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Environmental Professionals, and a member of the Society of American Military Engineers and the Association of American Geographers.