A TRIBUTE TO BENIGNO AQUINO JR.

Photo source: moviemandu.blogspot.com

Today, August 21, 2014 marks the 31st anniversary of the assassination of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr., a former long time political opponent of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos. He was shot in the head on the tarmac of then Manila International Airport, now Ninoy Aquino International Airport aptly named after him. He was returning home after a 3-year self exile in the US.

To commemorate that unforgettable event, which shaped the landscape of a new political scene in my beloved country, I am re-publishing my poem:

YELLOW: 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!

Engr.VV - D' Poetic Engineer

Please check out my other poems at: http://www.amazon.com/author/engr.vv

POETIC LICENSE

Poetic words of love and wisdom

Spread throughout my kingdom

Although a critic says I'm an amateur

I refuse to the rule of pedantic culture

Casting a spell of grammarian's doom

We are now on the cutting edge of technology

Where the imagination is not limited to biology

Confining oneself within a form and structure

Only limits creativity, stark naked in the future

Keep an open mind, immerse yourself in theology

As an engineer I like to think outside the box

And as a poet, I'm witty as a quick desert fox

I like my poems to flow like water

Conventional thinking does not matter

As long as my sweet  verses always rock

I weave words of love and wisdom between shots of hennessy
For the present and future generations, this is my legacy
Poetry in many forms some of which are futuristic
Sometimes they are funny, sometimes erotic
The fire within rises, showers them with ecstasy

The wings of freedom carry my poetic license

With fervor burning kindled with lover's incense

Words filled with love from within my heart

Inked with blood and although it may hurt

But that's all I got and a lot of common sense

~ By Engr.VV - D' Poetic Engineer ~

Catch a glimpse of my books and a video of my book launch at Amazon.

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.

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?

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 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.

Doom's Day Aftermath

Photo credits: darkwing/wierdasianews.com

There once was a poet named Poetryman

He was such a hunk of a man

Who started a poem competition

Something about earth's destruction

Lost everything, including his woman

The scientists missed their predictions

Because the earth was in collision

Chaos was everywhere

My lady was nowhere

Dark clouds blurred my vision

The earth rumbled and tumbled 

I was disoriented and troubled

Total darkness shrouded my being

Modern gadgets useless for seeing

Got knocked down and humbled

When I woke up I was in a cold maze

I'm surprised to see a familiar face

Coming around the bend was Poetryman

With all the foxy ladies in a white van

Ready to reproduce a new breed of race

We need your expertise poetic engineer

Rebuilding can't be accomplished by a seer

The earth as you see, is still intact

Regardless of the huge impact

Come with us, my dominion is near

Thank you my friend for your invitation

I thought I was in total abomination

Who could refuse such gestures

When all I could see are sexy figures

Nice prelude to sexual culmination

____________________________________________________________

My second entry to "The End of the World as we Know It" poem competition

Tanka Poems (Vol. I)

Autumn in the Capitol

bursting of colors

along washington parkway

soothing to my soul

wondering what would it be

if there are no living trees

the call of the wild

along potomac river

music to my ears

if its old banks overflowed

my world would be sad and doomed

beauty of nature

dancing with the passing wind

whispering good-bye

her whispers become louder

yet, no one pays attention

if now, we don't care

future generations die

robbed of nature's best

the rolling hills and green fields

become their graveyards instead

we owe to our youth

what our forefathers had left

conserve and protect

stop denuding forests

to preserve ecosystems

join me in my plea

send e-mails to the capitol

preserve nature's wealth

influence decision makers

in writing new policies

it's never too late

listen to the weeping tree

my heart bleeds for you

every time you cut my trunk

gloomy days not far behind

you choose to ignore

biblical signs and warnings

become deaf and blind

to scientific studies

went on your own care-free way

my spirit roams

in my own niche of the woods

tears mix with flash floods

mourning the loss of loved ones

price you paid for being deaf!

alternate ending (last stanza)

Replace the last two stanzas with the following:

my spirit roams

in my own niche of the woods

our legacy lives

thank you for heeding my plea

nature's beauty,  here to stay...

___________________________________________________________

It's never too late to do something about erratic climate change caused by global warming. We already saw the devastating effects of the fury of Nature. Those are just early warning signs; the worst is yet to come. If we don't act now, then we are doomed, and nobody else to blame but ourselves. 

My poem is in Japanese style of Tanka poetry, which consist of five lines with a total of 31 syllables (5-7-5-7-7). It is focused on raising awareness about the beauty of Nature and what we can do in return to preserve and protect it, not only for ourselves but for future generations. This is just part of a whole lot of solutions that we can do. Please join me in my advocacy!