Algebra: Solutions to Common Verbal Problems

After long hours of sleep deprivation and hard work, finally my first ever written book is published. A dream come true for me! Hard copy now available at CreateSpace.com and digital format for Kindle is at Amazon.com.

This book is a useful guide for both high school and college students, as well those engineering graduate students who are currently reviewing for their board examinations. For more details about this book, please click on the link above.

Munting Kahilingan

Katulad ko ay isang yagit sa gitna ng daan

Ulilang lubos akong palaboy sa lansangan

Ang tahanan ko ay sementadong kagubatan

Bubong nito ay ulap, sahig ay lupang inaapakan

Kung ako’y pagod na sa maghapong kahirapan

Ako’y naglalaro sa iyong dalampasigan

Mga alon mo’y ginagawa kong duyan

Kahit panandali, akin s’yang himlayan

Kay sarap pakinggan himig ng kalikasan

Musikang kay tamis hindi mapapantayan

Awit ng pipit kasabay ng hanging amihan

Dulot sa puso ko’y labis na kagalakan

Sa Poong Maykapal na aking dalanginan

Sana ay dinggin mo munting kahilingan

Mga haplos ni Inay muli kong makamtan

Mga awit ni Itay muli kong mapakinggan

Salamat Panginoon dalangin ko’y pinakinggan

Ako ngayon ay isang yagit tangay ng kalikasan

Subali’t bakit idinamay pa buong sambayanan

Wala tuloy naghatid sa aking huling hantungan

Kung sino man sa inyo ang nakakarinig

Hinaing at taghoy ng munti kong tinig

Kaunting tulong ninyo huwag sanang ipagkait

Sa mga ulilang naiwan sa dusa at pait…

Democracy Suspended

Some members of the do-nothing Congress

tried their best to finally do something

to repeal the healthcare law

Oxymorons they are who think

they are above the law

Passing a house resolution

that would prevent the majority

from stopping government shutdown

against a single privileged House leader

“Democracy is suspended,” cried my representative

I said mockery of the law is travesty of justice!

Woe to those politicians
who can see, but are blind to the people’s needs
who can hear, but are deaf to their loud protests
who are able and willing, yet are crippled
to do anything for their welfare.
Gone are the days of the statesmen
who put their ambitions and self-interests behind
for the sake of their solemn oath
to serve their countrymen.

What I learned from physics long ago:

“For every action, 

there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

I also believe, applies in politics

because whatever those nanodicks are doing,

backfired through their egoistic minds

I wonder if there are consequences if any

against their giddy acts

threatening economic security 

and debt ceiling breach

Seditious conspiracy comes to mind! 

Tick-tock, tick-tock goes the clock

the wolves are hidden in sheep clothing

trying to manipulate the law of the land

to satisfy the needs of their dickhead supporters

and not the interest of their constituents

They gain nothing with their selfish acts

but the wrath of their non-essential employees

So called non-essentials 

that’s why they are furloughed

What an irony!

They work hard for their money

efficiently and diligently everyday

What they can accomplish for a day

can’t be matched by the bickering

of their chosen representatives

for the duration of their terms.

Tick-tock, tick-tock…the clock stopped

The non-essential employee was not around

to rewind its hands

Suddenly everyone is watching,

anxiously waiting—

 when is the clock going to start ticking?

Pork Barrel Scandal (acrostic poem)

(Photo by: newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Plunderers of the nation’s wealth—

     Organized and government sanctioned

       Robbed the taxpayers’ money and trust

  Karma’s bad omen lurks in the dark!

      Bogus non-government organizations

Accused of ten billion pesos scam

  Release the ill-gotten wealth or die

         Real brains behind, no conscience at all

                     Every poor citizen bared to his/her naked soul

              Lord Almighty, please hear their prayers!

 Syndicated crimes of days gone by

      Compare not to this decade-old scam

            Allegedly committed by public officials, 

               Napoles and other conniving partners…

                   Damn you all corrupt and dirty politicians

       Accusations means nothing at all

               Let’s cut the devils’ horns and tails!

 ~ by: Engr.VV~

Yellow is the Color of Blood

Yellow became the color of a nation

when one of its favorite son was slain

Shot in the head, body on the tarmac,

never given a chance to have his voice heard

Conspiracy theories abound from within, 

as to whom the real trigger man was

Controversial investigations produced

no definitive results, only scapegoats.

Yellow ribbons tied on trees and houses

kinda reminded me of a popular song—

only to show love of the whole nation

Miniature yellow ribbons on buttons

became favorite car emblems, as well

Yellow tee-shirts flooded the market

carrying the slogan of the times:

“Ninoy, you’re not alone!”

So you see, the color yellow means a lot

to every freedom loving Filipinos;

It was blood and guts of our beloved martyr

who knew beforehand he was going to be killed

yet, defied the odds--despite of his heart condition,

insisted on returning to his beloved motherland.

His assassination was pivotal—

to a despotic ruler’s downfall

eventually restoring democracy

to a nation which was formerly

under a decade of martial law!

"He Didn't Build That"...I Did (Part 7): Solar Cost Analysis and Payback Calculations

Total Solar Project Cost

Following are the comparative costs of the solar panels and components for our small-scale solar project. The prices may vary depending on the suppliers and locations of our sources. Also, prices tend to go down (at least in my observation) as time passes by and depending upon the competition. These are the current prices at the time of this writing, and are used merely for computational purposes and any future changes should not reflect upon the author or the suppliers.

OPTION I

Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit
Item # 776092
Manual
Your Price$1,399.99
Shipping & Handling included *

The Grape Solar 400-Watt Off-Grid Solar Panel Kit is ideal for a variety of applications, including emergency backup systems, RVs, boats, 12 Volt battery charging, small pumps, charging small electronic devices and operating LED lights. Made with high efficiency crystalline solar cells for years of service, this solar kit is easy to install and virtually maintenance free! An anodized aluminum frame and a sealed junction box make the panel weatherproof for outdoor use. A two-diode bypass minimizes power drop caused by shade. This system will provide approximately 1,200 Watt Hours or 100 Amp Hours of charge per day. The kit includes: 4pc 100-Watt polycrystalline solar panels, a 35 Amp charge controller, 2,000-watt inverter with two outlets and 1 USB port, cables and manual.

Ideal for running small pumps and lights or charging your portable electronic devices
Polycrystalline panel with anodized aluminum frames and tempered glass for outdoor use and superior performance
Two diode junction box for enhanced performance
2,000-watt pure sine inverter with two outlets and a USB port allows you to plug in small devices
Kit comes with all cables and connectors for quick and easy set-up
Battery not included, a minimum of one 12Volt deep cycle battery is necessary to use this kit
MFG Model #: GS-400-KIT
MFG Part #: GS-400-KIT

OPTION II

Item Description                                           Quantity  Unit Price    Total Price
Solar Panel, 100 watts, polycrystalline                4         $180.00 $720.00
Solar Charge Controller, 60 A, 12/24 VDC        1         $150.00      $150.00
Pure Sine Wave Inverter, 1,000 watts                 1         $185.00       $185.00
Deep Cycle Lead Acid Battery, 250AH, 12V     6         $397.50    $2,385.00
                                                         
Over-all Total Price = $3,440.00

Above cost does not include cost of cables and connectors, which would be in the vicinity of around $200.00 more. Also if we factor the cost of the inverter at double the size, from 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts which cost $450.00 each, I suggest that we buy the kit instead, (OPTION I) at $1,400.00 because it’s easier to set-up. Needless to say about compatibility issues and shipping problems when components are coming from different vendors/suppliers.

Therefore our price options would be the following:

1. Over-all total cost without batteries = $1,400.00 (P56, 000.00 @P40/dollar)
2. With at least 2 batteries, total cost   = $2,195.00 (P87, 800.00 @P40/dollar)
3. With 6 batteries, per computations  = $3,785.00 (P151, 400.00 @P40/dollar)

Without the storage batteries, our solar panels will provide electricity only during the daytime. I suggest that we consider option 2, using at least 2 batteries for lights at night and light loads such as TV, computers and cell phone charging.

For simple computational purposes, I’m going to round off the total cost to:

Total solar project cost = $2,200.00 (P88, 000.00 @P40/dollar)

Again, I’m emphasizing that above costing reflects not the actual cost, but merely being presented for purposes of giving the readers a bird’s eye view of what it would be like to own a solar system based on their load requirements at my approximate price evaluation at the time of this writing. Based on the price table above, you can try to configure your own system and just follow the computations as a basic guide for your total cost and payback calculations. You can still lower this cost by purchasing cheaper storage batteries. Just make sure they are of the deep cycle kind that can hold a charge longer.

Next time, we will discuss payback calculations. Hang in there, guys!

Poetic Friends 2

While I am still collating data for the cost and payback calculations of our small solar project, allow me to share with you a tribute written by my co-resident poet in Deep Underground Poetry. I'm thankful to be included in the mix of these wonderful and talented poets. (EngrVV - D' Poetic Engineer)

DUP official logo

I’ve marinated in the benevolence of Glynis

Eruption of kindness flows with conviction

I witness the vortex of tornado’s spill

Erotic storms arousing mental senses

Ingested Great knowledge from Somelikeithot

Awareness delivered beautifully with respect

Found supreme fulfillment in hawkdude’s words

Amusement through intelligence reigns power

Inhale the fragrance of flowergirl’s heart

Purple- tinted whispers hiss softly in the air

I lounge in the beauty of Unveiling Crimsin’s pen

Mesmerizing stories crafted into lovely art

I marvel at the brilliancy found in drivelicious13’s flow

Reality spawned ink expressed boldly

Smitten by the paintbrush of SOo-Soulfull-Kev

Palette of vibrant words merged into portraits

My spirit was caressed by Soul_Men_Ken

Encouraging energy motivates greatly

Summoned by the authenticity of EngrVV

Sincerity seeps from truthful lines

Transfixed by Chels’ humbling personality

Character and traits shown through syllables

Adored the gentle candor of Versonnen AlwaysCaliban

Lovely nude honest written between spaces

I savored the taste found in LobodeSanPedro’s ink

Feeding my appetite with magnificent verses

I praise the creativity embedded in Michael-Oblivionsparadox

The depth of an artistic mind has no limits

Saturated with Brinda’s radiant works

Aesthetically pleasing the sight of many

In awe over the hypnotic profoundness of disDain

Bestow mental images that penetrates the soul

Immersed in CHOCOLATEDROP poetic seduction

Baptized by sensual sultry lyrics

Amazement pursues the poetry of Demogorgon

Intriguing thoughts spilled with fascinating effects

I’ve melted in the embrace of LSK-longsoftkiss

Encompassed breathless writings reeking of deep love

I wrapped myself in fabrics of delumi’s

Silk and satin words flowing seamlessly free

Touched by ElBaby’s heartfelt incredible scribes

Emotional expression penned with reflections

Words of tranquil peace found in jemac

Majestic glowing aura floats for all to see

Soothing words massage my spirit with comfort

Bringing sweet contentment from Morretti

I salute the subtle diversity found in unique ink

Applauding the richness in BlaccZacc’s poetry

…..and when you blend these amazing poets together,         

they give my poetry....         

a voice worth sharing!         

          

          

~RAIN~

(Printed with permission from the author. Thank you very much!)

I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU! to all my readers around the world: United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Romania and last but not the least my place of birth, the Philippines. Thank you very much for your continuous support. Any comment from you would be greatly appreciated!

"He Didn't Build That"...I Did (Part 6): Solar Inverters

Solar Inverter, 1,000 Watts, 12-volt input, 110-volt output

Solar Inverter Sizing

A solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or off-grid electrical network. 

Types of Solar Inverters:

There are three distinct types of solar energy inverters, each of which serve a different function and are used for a different type of solar energy system, although each inverter still converts DC into AC. For educational purposes, I’m going to give you a bird’s eye view of each type:

1. Stand Alone Inverters - used for off-grid solar arrays. In off-grid arrays, the solar panels generate direct current energy, which is then stored in rechargeable batteries. When energy is required, the direct current is sent from the battery to the stand alone inverter and then converted into alternating current which can then be used to power a home or for any other electricity needs.

2. Grid-tie Inverters - for use in any situation where your solar array is connected directly to your local power grid. These systems, known as grid tie solar systems, are more common in urban areas and are much cheaper than stand-alone or off-grid systems because of the lack of need for a battery.

3. Dual Inverters - also known as backup battery inverters and are used in a multi-function solar system. In this system, the direct current generated by the solar panels is first sent directly to a battery. The energy from the batteries is then sent to the inverter and converted to alternating current whenever electricity is required. However, when the batteries are fully charged, any excess direct current electricity that is generated is sent directly to the inverter and is then sent into the local power grid. This system combines the other two systems into one self-reliant and possibly money generating solar unit.

Based on our example, our inverter would be off-grid type, as we are not going to connect to a power utility electric meter. In short, it is stand-alone/portable type, which we can carry anywhere we need AC household current. 

There are two types of this kind of inverter: 

1) pure sine wave inverter – regulated, similar to AC household current

2) modified sine wave inverter – good for simple induction loads such as motors and light bulbs

Pure sine wave inverter is recommended because it is ideal for running loads with sensitive electronics, such as laptops, cell phones and other complex or state-of-the-art technologies. If on the other hand, your demand is simple power, and you don’t need to utilize today’s sensitive electronic devices either now, or in the future, a modified sine wave inverter is the more economical choice.

Inverter Sizing

From my previous blog: http://engineer2poet.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-didnt-build-that-i-didpart-3.html the total wattage consumed is only 475 watts. To compensate for future loads, I recommend a 1,000 watts or 1 KW inverter. Make sure you don’t plug in an appliance with a rating higher than the inverter rating. As a simple rule of thumb use only a 70% - 80% total load, that is 700 to 800 watts combined load to a 1,000-watt inverter. You either need to unplug the other loads if you want to use a single high wattage appliance, or buy the next higher capacity inverter to satisfy the loads.

Therefore the specifications for our inverter would be: Capacity = 1,000 watts, Input = 12 volts DC,

Output = 110 volts AC (US);  220 volts AC (Phils.)

Watch out for our last topic: Solar Cost and Payback Calculations…

He Didn't Build That" I Did...(Part 5)

Solar Charge Controller

Solar Charge Controllers

The solar charge controller provides a regulated DC output and stores excess energy in a battery. It also monitors the battery voltage to prevent under/over charging. It may be used to power 12-volt or 24-volt DC equipment with solar panels, as well as in charging cell phones and laptop computers.

Once we have sized our battery bank and solar panel array, determining which charge controller to use is comparatively straightforward. All we have to do is find the current through the controller by using:

  Power = voltage x current; P = V x I

Take the power produced by the solar panels and divide by the voltage of the batteries:

I = P/V = 400 watts/12 volts = 33.33 amps.

Now introduce a safety factor of 25%. Multiply the value we have found by 1.25 to account for variable power outputs: 33.33 x 1.25 = 41.6625 amps

In our example we would need at least a 45 amp. controller. The Flex Max 60 MPPT Charge Controller would fit our specifications, or we can have individual charge controllers for each 100-watt solar panel:

I = P/V = 100 watts /12 volts = 8.33 amps. x 1.25 = 10.41 amps

Therefore we can use one (1) - 60 amp. charge controller, or four (4) - 15 amp. charge controllers.  It’s your call; the choices you make will depend largely on the price of each controller. Usually charge controllers come free with individual solar panels, so check that out first before making any purchases. If you have to buy your own controller, I suggest that you choose one with a USB port(s) and with multiple DC voltage outputs: 3V, 6V, 9V and 12V for charging your cell phones and other electronic gadgets.

Next time, we are going to discuss solar inverters.

"He Didn't Build That" I Did...(Part 4)

Three (3) 12-volt batteries connected in parallel

Solar Battery Sizing

Days of autonomy

First of all decide how many days worth of energy we want to store in our battery bank. Generally this is anywhere from two to five. Let’s assume we want the battery bank to last three (3) days without recharging.

Battery sizing/bank capacity

Then we can calculate the minimum battery capacity in terms of amp-hours (AH). Use the value of 2,880 watt-hours per day from part 3 of this blog article: http://engineer2poet.blogspot.com/2012/09/he-didnt-build-that-i-didpart-3.html, and multiply them by the number of days you decided upon which is 3 days. This should represent a 50% depth of discharge on your batteries. Therefore multiply by 2 and convert the KWH result into amp hours (AH). This is done by dividing by the battery voltage.

Therefore, solving for the energy we need from the batteries:

Since there are 1,000 watts per kilowatt (KW), we divide 2,880 watt-hours per day by 1,000 to convert it to kilowatt-hour (KWH) = 2.8 KWH/day

E (batt.) = 2.8 KWH/day x 3 days x 2 = 16.8 KWH

Converting this to AH we have to divide by the voltage of the system. This can be 12V, 24Vor 48V for commercial application. In our project we will choose to use 12V which is common for household use. 

The minimum AH capacity is then 16,800/12 = 1400 AH

Now if we divide by our battery's rating, we find the number of batteries we must use. Using 250 AH (recommended size) battery rating:

Number of batteries needed = 1400/250 = 5.6 = 6

Therefore we need to use six (6) 12-volt batteries. If we prefer just one day of power storage instead of three days, then two (2) batteries would be just fine. 

Since solar grade type of batteries are still pretty much expensive nowadays, I recommend using the marine grade deep cycle lead-acid batteries usually used in boats and recreational vehicles.

The cost of batteries and other components of our solar project will be discussed in the last part of this series  of blogs, when I discuss about the rate of return of our investment.

Solar Panel Installation/Demo in my Neighborhood

Brian Costanzo, proud owner of new 5.15 KW solar power generating system

On 6/29/2013 I went to see the installation of  new solar panels in my neighborhood. Brian Costanzo, my new friend and the proud owner of the new solar power generating system with a total capacity of 5.15 KW was very enthusiastic in sharing with me the total cost/savings analysis of owning the system including the rate of return of his investment. Going solar could have cost Brian more than $17,000, but state, and county grants along with a federal tax incentive combined together to bring his cost to just about $9,000. Estimated first year power savings of $800 and Solar RECs at $600 (if he opted to sell his excess power) would further bring down his net cost after a year to a little over $7,000 with approximately six (6) years return on his investment.

I also had a chance to talk to Lisa Orr, the program coordinator in the community development division of the county's Office of Sustainability and Environmental Resources who was present in the solar panel installation using it as a demo to attract the residents into going solar. She explained to me the "Solarize Frederick County" pilot project and how the residents can take advantage of lower costs of solar panels through volume purchasing and incentive grants from both local and federal. She further explained that doing a comprehensive home energy audit is the first step to do after signing up for a free solar assessment at solarizefredrick.org.

I believe in the saying, that money saved is money earned. The longer we procrastinate to have something like what Brian did, the longer we're stuck in the old system. Besides savings on electric bills, using renewable source of energy such as solar, will help solve our environmental problems. What are you waiting for, my dear friends? Let's go SOLAR!

Your humble friend (second from left) next to Rebecca Yarbrough, an Astrum  Market Development  Specialist
(photo courtesy of The Frederick News-Post thru Brian Costanzo)

Gone With The Gun

Photo credit: Mario Tama, Getty Images/SF

Senseless killings beyond my comprehension

A human tragedy without apprehension

The whole nation mourns so does the heaven

Gloomy days shrouded the yuletide season

Young lives were gone because of a gun

How many more shall perish before it's gone

Many hearts were filled with grief and broken 

Memories were etched on our souls as a token

Gun control and regulations became a loud cry

Some lawmakers agreed - it's worth a try

But for an association who likes to keep it high 

More guns will keep us safe and dry

"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun,"

Someone said, "is a good guy with a gun."

Seems like Buffalo Bill in the days of Deadwood

Also blamed media, video games and Hollywood

While the debates are going on

More lives will never see another dawn

Will I live to see the day

that everyone lives in harmony?

Weigh-in your fifty-cent opinion

Before anyone goes into oblivion

On the pros and cons of gun control

As well as an armed posse patrol

Do guns really kill people or people kill people?

____________________________________________________________

This is my tribute to the victims of gun shooting in a Newtown, Connecticut school. I wrote this after I saw the news on TV but somehow I always get choked and ran out of words.