Innovation in a sustainable future - Essay Example

?Innovation in a Sustainable Future Table of Contents Introduction 3 The Basis of My Future Career 3 Career in Engineering 3 What Electrical Engineers Do 4 Energy Demand in Daily Life 4 Career Aspiration in Solar Energy Engineering 5 Skills Required for Becoming a Solar Engineer 5 Preparation and Training 6 One Year Certificate Program 7 Associate Degree in Solar Energy Engineer 8 Occupations Plan in Solar Engineering 9 Earning 11 Conclusion 11 A Lifelong Career 11 References 13 Introduction The Basis of My Future Career Ever since my childhood, I have many anticipations and objectives for my future career. A few of the anticipations have eventually faded away as time has passed by. However, at present, my career aspiration is concentrated in the area of science. Furthermore, I would also prefer to mention that my career aspiration is to become a diligent engineer. Based on this aspect, the report discusses about my career aspirations and potential professional development in engineering field for the next ten years. Career in Engineering Engineering is one of the most important fields of study in the academic life which opens up various career paths into a range of science areas. Engineers have extensive assortment of career options in comparison with other professions such as business or management among others. Engineering has vast scope in advance fields such civil engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering among others. In this context, I would like state that my career aspiration in engineering is to become an electrical engineer. This branch of engineering is largely related with the design and application equipment in order to generate power and distribute energy1. What Electrical Engineers Do As discussed above electrical engineers are concerned with the generation and utilisation of electricity. It is one of the leading braches of engineering. The key emphases of electrical engineers are to develop sources of power, energy control systems and signal processing. As an electrical engineer, I will concentrate on planning, maintaining and creating products which can effectively generate electricity. Electrical engineering area is quite vast and there are so many areas of specialisation to select from such as electronics, power, communication and computer among others. I would take specialisation in the area of power or energy1. Energy Demand in Daily Life Over past few decades, the requirement of energy in daily life has increased considerably. Although there are several sources of energy, most of the effective energy sources are non-renewable in nature such as coal, natural gas and oil among others. This high requirement for energy along with non-renewable nature of key energy sources has generated the need for innovation of an alternative energy source. One of the most prevalent alternative energy sources is solar energy. In comparison with other non-renewable energy sources, solar energy is highly accessible and it also has low adverse impact on environment during power generation. Furthermore, I would also like to mention that this area of engineering has not been exploited properly and possesses a huge prospect in future as a sustainable energy source. By understanding the importance of solar energy, I have selected this area as my future career aspiration and after ten years, I want to see myself as great innovator in solar energy engineering field where this energy source will become much inexpensive and effective to produce energy and to satisfy the considerable level of energy demand2. Career Aspiration in Solar Energy Engineering Solar energy engineers require developing, designing and evaluating energy based products and projects in order to minimise energy expenses and enhance energy efficiency. Solar energy engineers also specialise in heating, ventilation, cooling, green building and lighting among others. Concerning these specialisation areas of solar energy engineering, I would prefer to take cooling. The reason is that in power generation by using solar panel, it is the most difficult task for engineers to incorporate cooling system. Thus, if I can properly develop tools and techniques for successful implementation of cooling system and solar energy panel, it would be a great innovation for me for developing a reliable energy source. As a result, it would be a major breakthrough in the area of energy engineering and provide a long run solution for increased energy sources. Skills Required for Becoming a Solar Engineer There are multiple skills which are required for becoming a solar engineer. The task of a solar engineer consists of: Undertaking site reviews in order to collect mechanical, electrical and associated site information that can be used in the design of domestic and commercial solar energy system Designing photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal system for domestic and commercial institutions Creating specifications for appraisal or examination of solar installation projects Developing plans and solar panel agendas for solar electric system by utilising computer aided design application Making plan for solar energy system development, observing and assessment activities Creating design stipulations and functional necessities for domestic, commercial and industrial solar energy system and elements Performing simulation for solar energy system performance in order to enhance the effectiveness Delivering technical guidance and support to the installation team throughout fitting, start-up, testing, system authorising and performance checking Designing vacuum tube for solar energy system Designing standard operational process, quality and safety principles for solar installation works3 Preparation and Training Since becoming a solar engineer is my career aspiration, there ought to be certain preparation and training. Solar energy engineering has a bright and promising career in present day’s employment market scenario. There are several pathways available for me in order to become a solar engineer such as short-term certificates and associated degrees among others. The training in solar energy can also be harmonised with other degrees and experiences for increasing career opportunities. I will undertake one-year certificate online program as a part of my career preparation. The one-year certificate program will consist of three courses which are described below. One Year Certificate Program Solar Fundamental Course: Solar fundamental is a start-up course which would help me to provide instructions on central aspects of solar energy. This course will comprise components such as solar radiation, PV technologies, solar system categories and components, basic understanding of electricity, designing and use of battery backup system, inverters and charge controllers. Furthermore, this course will also facilitate to understand basic safety issues related with energy. In order to attend this training program, I will require basic understanding of mathematics, internet and problem solving ability. It will be a three months training program. After undertaking this course, I will be able to understand the history development and existing condition of PV technologies, market and software. I would also be able to understand benefits and drawbacks of different solar energy systems and how solar cells transform sunlight into energy. Besides, this course will also aid me to gain knowledge on configuration and elements of PV system, battery, generator and other types of energy backup system along with structural integrity and suitability for installation of various solar energy systems among others4. Solar Electric Course: After completing solar fundamental course, I will also attend solar electric course. It is a multi-session course which would cover more detailed topics related to PV technology and installation such as advanced PV system design, management of solar projects, installation of electrical elements and mechanical elements, completion of solar system installation, conduction of maintenance and troubleshooting activities, safety of security and problem solving ability4. Upon completion of this course, I would be able to calculate array and size for electric grid system, understand various mounting systems and mounting procedures for PV modules and elements, define safe application of required tools and evaluation devices and define system inspection procedure among others. It would take around four months to complete this course4. Solar PV System Design Course: In order to pursue my career, solar PV system design is the proper course for me to enhance my skill. This course will help me to gain PVB installation experience and the way to design PV system. Undertaking this training program would help me to determine the mechanical and electrical specification of PV system in details. This course will take around six months4. Associate Degree in Solar Energy Engineer In order to attain employment in solar engineering field, I will require an associate degree. The above three programs will help me to enrich my understanding about solar energy and facilitate me to prepare for a higher degree in order to pursue my career objectives. Besides, associate degree will also help me to gain higher salary in solar engineering area. The core courses for the associate degree comprise technical mathematics, electrical circuits, green building system, and solar thermal and solar voltaic systems. In addition, there will be additional courses comprising composition of solar system, problem solving tasks and use of electronic devices. It will be a two-year degree program which would facilitate me to prepare both theoretical and practical knowledge. With these courses, I will gain sufficient knowledge on energy production, power management and application of energy system in the industry. The degree would also provide me the ability and knowledge required to effectively create, install and maintain functional renewable energy system. Thus, it would allow me to perform in extensive diversity of solar energy fields. It will also assist me in joining the green industry with entry-level job position and I can utilise my artisanship and technological understanding. Moreover, I can also start my career as a self-starter and enter in the solar energy area to exploit the market opportunities5. Occupations Plan in Solar Engineering The solar engineering segment employs a variety of jobs in the area of research and development, production of solar power tools, operation of solar energy plants along with fitting and maintenance of solar power system. I will start my career in production of solar power tools. In this field, the key job duties comprise semiconductor processors, computer operators, brazing employees, glaziers, machine and coating installers, electronic rebuilders, electronic equipment assemblers and industrial production managers. I will prefer to start my career as a semiconductor processor, where my key tasks would be to organise the manufacturing procedure of solar panels. This task will help to gain practical understanding about the manufacturing procedure of solar panels. I prefer to work in this position for about 2 years. After that, I plan to move to operational job related to solar energy plants6. The job duties in operation of solar energy plants category include power plant operatives, electricians, plumbers, electrical and electronic installers and electrical engineers. I would prefer to perform as an electrical engineer. In this job position, I will be liable for controlling various electronic power tools, solar power generation and monitoring the electronic transmission devices. I would like to stay in this job position for about three years. This job position would help me to design and administer the creation of solar power plants. Solar power plants can take several forms and this job position would assist be to gain knowledge about functioning of various forms6. Finally, I would prefer to progress my career in scientific research and development. The key employment opportunities in research and development field comprise physicists, chemists and material scientists. In this context, I would like to state that after 10 years, I would like to see myself as a material scientist. I wish to study the structures and properties of various materials in order to develop new products for solar energy system for enhancing the performance of creating power. I would like to research to enhance the effectiveness of solar cells and reduce the expenses of PV panels as well. Finally, my career aspiration is to establish such innovative technologies that can address the common problems of existing solar energy system6. The following table demonstrates the professional development plan for my career. Plan Duration Education Certificate online program 1 year Associate degree in solar energy 2 years Profession Manufacturing of solar power materials 2 years OperationS of solar energy plants 3 years Scientific research and development 2 years and ongoing Earning The following table demonstrates the earning prospects for my aspired career path Job position Amounts in Pounds per annum Semiconductor processors 20000 Electrical engineer 35000 Material scientists 52000 Conclusion A Lifelong Career Solar power is the most abundant source of energy in the world. Thus, if used appropriately, solar power can easily exceed the existing and future power demands. Career with respect to solar power is prospering all over the world. The increasing demand of energy and requirement of alternative energy sources will make this career path a sustainable career opportunity for me. With the above plan, I might be able to find suitable employment opportunities and lay the groundwork for an auspicious career. Due to increasing interests in renewable and sustainable energy sources, the area of solar engineering has gained considerable attention in recent times. However, there are much unknown elements of this energy area and must be understood properly in order to get most benefit out of it. Thus, I have selected this career path in order to involve in research and development related to this potential energy source. Although power generation by using solar power is not new, consistent evolution is predicted in this career field because solar power has several possible advantages over other energy sources. In addition, as solar energy creation will become more widespread, it will enrich my career in this field and I will have the opportunity to utilise my knowledge for the greater benefit of the society and myself. References Ahmedullah, S. S., ‘Integrated solar energy and absorption cooling model for HVACs’, Michigan Technological University, , 2007, (accessed 10 December 2013). Hamilton, J., ‘Careers in solar power’, Green Jobs, , 2011, (accessed 10 December 2013). Lawrence Technological University, ‘What do electrical engineers do’, College of Engineering, , 2013, (accessed 10 December 2013). Lorain County Community College, ‘Training in solar technology promises a bright future’, Solar Technology, , 2013, (accessed 10 December 2013). 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