The History of Electrical Engineering, Role of Electrical Engineer, Contribution in the Society - Essay Example

Introduction The history of electrical engineering can be traced back to the times of Thales of Miletus the Greek philosopher in 600 BCE, who described the form of static electricity generate when fur is rubbed to some substances would attract light objects like hair or paper particles[EEM13]. Later Democritus also a Greek philosopher came up with an atom theory with his mentor Leucippus. There hypothesis state that everything in the universe comprise of atoms which are indivisible, indestructible and in constant motion. The theory is similar to the modern atomic theory [Wal121]. Archeological evidence found in 1938 in Iraq of a battery similar to galvanic cells which dated back to Agrarian revolution places electrical engineering as an archaic form of engineering[EEM13]. In the 19th century, In the 19th century, the subject of electrical engineering, with the tools of modern research techniques, started to intensify. Some of the prominent works in this century was the work of Ohm, who established the relationship between the resistance, current and voltage in a conducting wire. Further notable developments in electrical engineering was the works of Michael Faraday who discovered the concept of electromagnetic induction, and among the various developments by James Clerk, Werner von Siemens, James Wimshurs among other unpublished inventions pushed the discipline to the limelight [Kri04]. Major and key figures in electrical engineering progression were becoming popular at the end of 19th century. At the time the development of alternating current by Charles Proteus Steinmetz lead to vast expansion of electric power industry in countries such as the United States. He also came up with the mathematical theories which would be used by engineers[Kri04]. A lot of developments was experienced during and after the second war. During the Second World War a lot of developments was seen in communication engineering. This basically revolved around the radar, radio and television communication. After the Second World War major research on development of computers and computer networks was in high gear. Consumers’ electronic devices were always being developed such as TV, radio, computers among other domestic electronics[Wal121]. And in 1946 the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) of John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly followed, beginning the computing era which accelerated the development of other new and useful technologies. The invention of the solid state transistor technology which revolutionized the electronic industry and led to the development of compact electrical devices. Due to the great contribution and great interest in electrical engineering most universities saw it necessary to establish an independent depart of electrical engineering and setup the course and syllabus for electrical engineers. Earlier it was known being a branch of physics. Roles of electrical engineer The professionals in this field of study (electrical engineering) help to tackle hi-tech needs of the business and the industry. They specialize on the study of integrated circuit design and installation, analog and digital signal processing and image processing, microwave signal, light electronic, electric power electronic, controls systems and among other areas of electrical engineering. Their work entails design, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes[Ans12]. Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications. Those electrical engineers who are specialized in power engineering are involved in design, installation and maintenance of electrical power systems which include the power lines, power generating plants, power distribution[Soh13]. They also collect data relating to commercial and residential development, population, and power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems. They also carry out field survey to study the site maps, implementation plan, diagrams and other relevant data to identify and possible correct past implementation mistakes and the emerging power system problem. They are also involved in research labs testing and coming up with new and efficient technologies that can later be implemented in the industry. Electrical engineers also involve themselves on current engineering projects by overseeing the production of the project to ensure production of quality products that meet the standards[htt12]. Contribution in the society Human life virtually would be unthinkable without the utilization of electrical energy. The utilization of electrical energy is a prerequisite for rapid modern industrial and agricultural development in our society[Kri04]. Fig : Power transmission line For example in the modern world the electrical lighting is indispensable for use during the dark hours of the day and night. With the wide spread industrialization, an increase proportion of electrical energy is used in lighting the shops, industries, in our highways and any other place that human activities are carried on during the night. Fig: Street lights Human beings have developed large and complex machines that relieve them in performing heavy physical labor which utilize the power of electricity to drive them. Examples of these machines include the electrical laundry machines, packaging machines among other machines in the industries and domestic. In the transport industry the electrically driven trains have replaced the mechanically driven machines powered by fossil energy. The electrically driven trains have proved more efficient, fast, economical and environment friendly. The buildings where perishable goods are kept are mostly installed with air conditioned system to maintained a given recommended temperatures. This would not be possible without the electrical energy. The advent of refrigerators and cold stores has been of great help in preservation of food stuffs. Fig: Refrigeration system Due to the advancement in the field of electrical engineering computers were developed. The use of the developed computers has penetrated into every aspect of our life and the fabrication of tiny and powerful microchips which are embedded in every device we use to increase its usefulness. For example mobile phones smart pens[Soh13]. Challenges The field of electrical engineering is a dynamically evolving field that is changing now and then and being an electrical engineer is equally challenging but rewarding discipline. As described earlier in this paper the role of an electrical engineer involves solving technical problems in the business and industrial field. These problems lay in the area of research and development, products manufacturing, construction and maintenance by use of science, engineering and use of mathematical models. Electrical engineers spend their time in the labs, workshops, office and the manufacturing plants assisting in overseeing the various projects. They spend over 50 hours in a week working non-stop on technical issues that sometimes weigh down on their health. An electrical engineer requires constant self-development to keep up with the dynamic nature of the field lest they become irrelevant. The electrical engineers also work in very dangerous environment such as high voltage lines or handle machines that use or generate thousands megawatts of power. The electrical engineers are also faced with the change of producing sustainable energy sources to the growing users who entirely depend on the electrical power to carry out day to day activities. The dangers posed by the climate changes are proving to be one major challenge to the electrical engineer. They need to come up with solutions that are safe to the environment. Such solution may include the use of smart grids, electric vehicles to replace the internal combustion vehicles which release lots of greenhouse gases, use of nuclear energy among other alternative safe energies. Motivation looking at the tremendous contributions of an electrical engineer to our economy are a great motivation to an individual like me who want to make great and notable contribution to the future of the country in terms of sustainable energy. The great inventions seen in the development of consumer electronic and development of smart computers add to the motivation to study electrical engineering. That desire to know the principle functioning behind any great electrical inventions is provide a satisfying experience. My future career plans is to finish my college and engage in gainful employment in a busy research firm that specialize in production of atomic energy for sustainable energy. Reference EEM13: , (EEM08, 2013), Wal121: , (Kaiser, 2012), Kri04: , (Krishnamurthy, 2004), Kri04: , (Krishnamurthy, 2004), Wal121: , (Kaiser, 2012), Ans12: , (Answers.com, 2012), Soh13: , (Dianat, 2013), htt12: , (http://makrobicz.tripod.com, 2012), Read More