FEATURE: COMMUNITY: EDUCATION: - TechNova

1LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Fall 2010

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1 October 2010

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

FEATURE:Nautel in the Space Race

COMMUNITY:Tufts Cove Project

EDUCATION:Space Reader

2 LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Fall 2010


Leadership in Technology is the official newsletter of TechNova, the Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia.

Leadership in Technology is published biannually by:

202 Brownlow AvenueCambridge 1, Suite 308Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5Tel: (902) 463-3236Fax: (902) 465-7567Toll Free: 1 866 [email protected]

Please direct all inquiries, submissions and subscription requests to TechNova at the above address.

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EDITORMark Bamford

EDITORIAL DIRECTIONVivian Ernst

CREATIVE DIRECTORMario Zamfir

The opinions expressed in this publica-tion are not necessarily those of the Association. TechNova assumes no re-sponsibility or liability for damages aris-ing from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice printed in this publication.

Letters regarding the newsletter should be addressed to the Editor at the Society’s address.

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

From the Editor 4

President’s Letter 6

New Members 7

Nautel in the Space Race 8

Registrars Report 11

NS Power - Generating Change 18

STORY IDEAS WELCOME*

Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute.

NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite.

PROFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers.

FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and non-members alike). Write to [email protected] or send your letter/article to the TechNova office.

(*See page13 for more details and prize information)

CONTENTS


From the EditorWell summer has come and gone and I hope it was all you wished for not including our hurricanes. We did have an incredible summer I believe it was one of the warmest in some time. Dare I say the words, winter is coming and with it all the mess nature can throw at us so please all of you drive safe and don’t forget snow is heavier than it looks so be careful not to overdo the shoveling, especially those of us who don’t get as much exercise as we should.

There has been a lot going on with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists and the other Council Societies. The President of TechNova has more to say about it in his letter to you. If you have any comments or feedback to their messages please don’t hesitate to call the office or send an e-mail. As always we ask our members to step up and offer your services or expertise to TechNova. We need Coun-cilors and it is only through the time, effort and dedication of our volunteer staff that your organization exists. All that is required of a councilor is to be a certified member, able to give 2-3 hours a month and a desire to better our organization.

Our webpage has fallen a little bit out of date and I have to take responsibility for that. Due to an increase work load at my real job I have not been able to dedicate the time needed, having said that if any of you, have some computer/web site knowledge and would like to help out please call or e-mail the main office. For our members who are not able to participate in council actives due to the distances involved we are looking at different methods and different ideas for technology to help shorten the distances. One of these possible solutions could be video conferencing. Again we ask if anyone has the ability or interest in this please step forward and e-mail or call.

The magazine is put out twice a year and we could use some help with that as at present there is just two of us, and at times it can be a bit much. If any of you have any interest in helping with this please let Vivian know.

As always I am looking for stories, articles, pictures or anything else having to do with technology. It does not have to relate to the construction trades, just with technology in the broad definition. If your company is involved with any project you think might interest to our readers please send an e-mail or call Vivian and we will be in touch.

A big thanks and job well done to all who have helped to make this year a great one.

Mark BamfordEditor

EDITOR


EDITOrMark Bamford

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PrESIDENTLouis LeBel, CET

VICE PrESIDENTHugh Campbell, C.Tech

PAST PrESIDENTSteve Shaw, CET

FINANCE CHAIrDon Landry, CET

TECHNOVA COUNCILLOrSE. Maria O’Brien, CETEric Jury, CETDimitri Sourtzis, CETMark Bamford, CETSean Piercey, CET

CTAB DirectorJoy Brown, CET

ESO/rEGISTrArJoe Simms, CET

OFFICE MANGErVivian Ernst

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Q. What’s the difference between a Technician and Technologist?

A. The difference lies in the depth of their education and in the level of their technical responsibility.

Technologists have studied more advanced courses in math, engi-neering theory and scientific principles, and have usually completed a two- or three-year university or college program, or equivalent. This advanced knowledge allows them to work in:

Many technologists move into more advanced level of applied science/engineering and management as their careers progress.Technicians are specialists with an education suited to jobs that require expert knowledge in particular tasks, such as:

Their training programs are generally between one and two years in length and stress practical skills.

Canada’s technicians and technologists are key members of the country’s technical community. They can be found in nearly every facet of business, industry and government and are often regarded as the “backbone” of an organization.

Their combination of focused theoretical knowledge and finely tuned practical abilities has led to a strong demand for their skills across Canada and around the world.

Certified technicians and technologists enjoy excellent salaries, high rates of employment and a great deal of respect from other profession-als. They are the heart of Canada’s technology sector.

Q. What are the employment opportunities for technicians and technologists?

A. There are many opportunities for employment in engineering/ap-plied science technology. One of the reasons for this is that technicians and technologists are in increasing demand by different firms across Canada.

• problem solving• design• data interpretation• complex troubleshooting• preparation of specifications

• scheduling• planning• analysis• project management• decision making

• troubleshooting• inspection• servicing• manufacturing• testing

• sampling• repair• installation• maintenance• basic design or operations

DID YOU KNOW?


Dear Member, As previously indicated, four constituent members (CMs) (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontar-io) notified our national federation (Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists or CCTT) of their intent to withdraw from CCTT due to concerns over the structure, programs, cost and governance of CCTT. Further, these four CMs put forward a motion to dissolve CCTT and disperse of its assets. This group (ASTTBC, ASET, SASTT, and OACETT) indicated that they would form their own joint enterprise to look after national and inter-national issues, the National Technology Bench Marks, and National Accreditations and invited the other CMs to join them.

On May 6th, a teleconference was held with all nine Constituent Members voting on the resolution to dissolve CCTT. TechNova was one of five CMs voting against and defeating the motion, so for all intents and purpos-es, CCTT will continue. Your TechNova Board has chosen to remain with CCTT for several reasons. Primarily, this joint enterprise has not yet defined their new structure and governance model. As you may recall, CCTT has just gone through a costly third party review primarily funded by the leaving CMs. At the September CCTT AGM the Directors endorsed the third party review and accepted the new governance manual. In addition the four constituent members have further indicated that the voting will not be a double majority as currently defined in the CCTT Bylaws. This leads us to believe that the rights of the smaller associations will be subor-dinate to the rights of the larger associations.

With the withdrawal of four members, it is clear that CCTT will need to restructure in order to reduce their cost, which in turn means a reduction in the types of services that CCTT performs for us. To this end, the remaining

CMs have agreed that the core programs of CCTT must include:• The accreditation of post-secondary technology programs;• National Technology Benchmarks;• The International Qualifications Database.• The maintenance of the inter-provincial transferability agreement;• National advocacy on behalf of technology professionals; and• Trademarks and professional designations.

We will continue to work to maintain CCTT and the international agreements to further all technicians and technologists across the country. It is clear at this point that we will have to increase our financial support to cover a short fall due to non payment of dues from a departing CM. That being the case we do not foresee an increase in dues for the coming year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Executive Director, Mr. Joe Simms at [email protected] or email me at [email protected] and we will try to answer any and all questions.

Louis LeBel, CETPresident, TechNova

PRESIDENT’S LETTER


NEW MEMBERS May 2010 - September 2010

MEMBERS

Associate TechnicianJamie Lukeman

Associate TechnologistThomas DahlKristien Praest

Certified Engineering Technicians (C.Tech)David NoseworthyKenneth Osmondrodney WattersColin WilloughbyMichel HouleBrian BennettHilary BoothLeo Paul Lainey

Certified Engineering Technologists (CET)Sanjeev TagraPeter MannDaniel DuCheneWayne HiscockLisa DonovanCarl WrobleskiLynn raymakersChristopher TetfordMark DoyleDavid WaterfieldHelmut SamlandBrian McInnisBrandon HatcherJonathan CampbellMatthew HarnishCory LovelessBryan SteneJeffrey BoucherStudentsDean ThompsonTania WypperDereck KerrGhislain PitreJesse Crammer

Christopher SolomonKatza Seufert

RetiredLee ritchie

Non-ActiveMichael Willis

Upgraded from Associate Technician to Certified Engineering TechnicianKimberley GouldenMichael Frampton

Upgraded from Associate Technologist to Certified Engineering TechnologistChristopher NottStephen FullartonAndrew KeatingJessie Murray

Transfers InJeff SpenceTodd SmithScott GoldieM. Tyler MahaneyPhilip McGeeLuc Doucette

25 Year Member’s Plus

James Branton, CETGeorge Lantz, CETGary Fancey, CETJames McGill, CETW. Allan MacLeod, CETLuigi Lucia, CETWayne Bhola, CETW. Bruce Slayter, CETLauchin MacDonald, CETScott Young, CET

Karl Tay, CETJohn Brown, CETLawrence MacDonald, CETMichael Whalen, CETPeter Doherty, CETWilliam Gemmell, CETMichael Arseneau, CETrichard Crowe, CETHubert Amirault, CETGarson Awalt, CETA. Lorne Finley, CETGerald Ogden, CETrussell Hubley, CETJohn Britton, CETPercy Bowser, CETErvin Miller, CETClifford Churchill, CETroy richardson, CETFelix D’Eon, CETGeorge Dafoe, CETDean Hallett, CETKenneth Mosher, CETJules Aerts, CETHerbert Hinds, CETGerald Clancey, CETEmberly Cosh, CETDavid Hammond, CETJohn Kocsis, CETromain Verbeke, CETWayne Severin, CETJ. robert Harris, CETK. Warren Erskine, CETTruman Law, CETruss Comeau, CETJohn White, CETMartin Tonary, CETMiles Everett, CETWayne Cherry, CETronald Gullon, CETDouglas Bach, CETMichael rushton, CETC. Edward Lingley, C.Tech


Rare RF Expertise puts Nautel in theSpace RaceIt seems that every technologist and engineer had dreams of rockets and space travel during at least one point in their youth. By being in the right place at the right time the designers working at Nova Scotia based Nautel

are seeing those dreams come true. It all stems from a novel approach to space travel that utilizes plasma powered rockets that seem to be straight out of “Star Wars”. In the next few paragraphs I’ll explain a bit about plasma rocket engines and how Nautel came to be involved in such an “out of this world” design project..

Rocket Science 101To begin we need to take a

moment to review how rockets work today. A rocket makes itself go entirely by expelling its own mass backwards, kind of like standing on a skate board and tossing a bowling ball. It doesn’t need anything to push against or pull on. Basically the rocket that shoots off into space isn’t that much different from the firework rockets you set off in your back yard. Chemical fuel is ignited and the rapid burn creates expanding gases that create thrust and reactive motion.

Wanted: Better miles per gallon in spacePicture for a moment the booster rockets on the space shuttle. A lot of fuel is burned in a short period of time. In a mere 75 seconds the two boosters burn through an astonishing 1000 tons of propellant and then the spent carcasses are jettisoned back to earth. That suggests that it is extremely expensive to place anything into space. Yet for ongoing space work one of

the precious cargoes that will be needed in space is even more fuel to power in-space travel. That argues for extremely efficient rocket technology in space to ensure that maximum benefit can be obtained from any fuel that has been lifted into orbit.

The plasma rocket alternativeThe powerful thrust from chemical rockets is necessary to overcome the earth’s gravity and we probably won’t see any strong alternatives for this application for some time to come. However

there are alternatives for in-space propulsion. To achieve better miles per gallon in space, a propulsion technology can benefit from high propellant velocities. Expanding matter heated to extreme temperatures in a confined space is one way to generate higher propellant velocities. Imagine if you could harness the equivalent of the sun’s high temperature plasma in a rocket engine thus developing very high thrust velocities. That

FEATURE ARTICLE


is the concept that is being employed in a rocket design by Nautel partner, Ad Astra of Texas.

How does it work?It’s a crude analogy but you can think of the plasma rocket as akin to a microwave oven in space. The actual radio frequencies (rF) used in a plasma rocket are not in the microwave band but the concept is useful just the same. Electricity can be converted into radio frequency energy that is applied to a small amount of fuel and cooks it into

an energy rich plasma state. A second rF booster stage is applied to raise the temperatures and particle velocities even higher. The plasma is so hot, approaching the temperature of the sun, that no physical material can hold it. Magnetic fields are used to shape, contain and direct the resulting thrust. While the force generated would never be strong enough to launch a rocket into space, in outer space where there is no gravity or friction, the high velocity thrust is both efficient and effective.

Mars missions, Station boosters, Space FerriesThe plasma rocket design as developed by Ad Astra has important distinguishing features that make it ideal to support a wide variety of in-space missions. The exhaust parameters can be adjusted or throttled to match the requirements of the mission. The technology is extremely reliable and its high thrust makes it ideal for moving large payloads around in low Earth orbit, transferring payloads from the Earth to the Moon, or transferring payloads from the Earth to the outer

solar system. Consider two application examples. The first takes advantage of the plasma rocket’s fuel efficiency. The International Space Station, which is in a low earth orbit, needs an occasional rocket thrust to keep it from falling back to earth. That requires hundreds of millions of dollars of fuel to be transported into space. The plasma rocket could achieve the same result at a twentieth of the cost. The

second application is travel to Mars. Unlike a conventional rocket engine, a plasma powered mission could maintain continuous thrust throughout the full duration of travel. A plasma powered craft could accelerate continuously half way to Mars, then turn around and use plasma propulsion to decelerate for the last half of the journey. The result is much faster travel and a one way trip length of only about 40 days instead of a year with traditional rocket technology. This makes a manned mission to Mars far more feasible and the

shortened travel time reduces the crew’s exposure to space radiation.

Nautel’s fourty years of prep work.Nautel’s entry into to rocket science happened based on the creation of very rare radio frequency amplifier design and control expertise. The strength of its local design team of almost 40 can be traced back to the early 70’s when the company

FEATURE ARTICLE

(continued on page 10)


championed an innovation in the field of high power RF amplifier design. Conventional wisdom had been that tube amplifiers were the only means to achieve high output power. Nautel challenged this thinking by developing the world’s first solid state navigational beacon. The product quickly became a hit and its reliability helped it become the industry standard. The company subsequently began applying its solid state design expertise to displace tubes in AM broadcasting and then FM broadcasting transmitters and eventually saw its products deployed in 177 countries around the world.

Design Expertise Shaped By Demanding Customer RequirementsNavigation and broadcast customers expect a lot from their transmitters. Over the years Nautel has been able to use solid state power amplifiers to address larger and larger powers, up to megawatt sized transmitters, and also address demanding customer requirements. Navigation and broadcast transmitters are often placed in challenging and remote locations: deserts, mountains,

jungles, arctic zones. This complicates maintenance and access to power in systems that ideally should never go off the air. Nautel has had to respond to these needs by designing its products to be absolutely reliable taking advantage of modularity, redundancy and making its products robust enough to withstand the harshest environments. To address both the powering requirements and the high cost of power Nautel in turn has had to build its products to be extremely efficient to the point that its AM transmitters are now 90% efficient. To address customers’ increasing appetite for remote maintenance and advanced signal shaping Nautel has added in-house design capability for digital signal processing and web based remote user interfaces. The result is that the Nautel of recent years has grown a rare portfolio of skills that can tackle efficient, reliable, digitally controlled high power radio frequency design. With approximately 200 employees and highly integrated manufacturing the company is large enough to design and prototype virtually any conceivable rF solution yet nimble enough to complete

projects quickly.

A Serendipitous phone callWhen the scientists at Ad Astra began looking for companies that could help them convert electrical energy into high power RF efficiently and reliably in the harshest of environments, it is no wonder that a Google search promptly turned into a phone discussion with Nautel. Nautel quickly initiated work on the project and developed two RF amplifiers that have been used in Ad Astra plasma rocket prototypes. Each of the Nautel systems has exceeded its design goals and last year the prototype rocket engine garnered a world record for the highest thrust ever generated by a plasma rocket engine.

Next stepsNow that the functionality of the plasma engine has been established the next major step will be to test it in space. Ad Astra has entered into an agreement with NASA to test the engine on the International Space Station in or before 2013. If successful in this application, Nautel and Ad Astra’s work could help reduce the annual cost of maintaining the space station in orbit from $210 million a year to just $10 million. Additional applications such as space tugs and mars travel will require alternate power sources such as large solar arrays or nuclear power. With luck Nautel designers will soon see their logo lifted into near space and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about Nautel’s involvement in rocket science and plasma rockets link to www.nautel.com/rocketscience.

John White,Nautel

SPACE RACE


SPACE RACE

CCTT Launches the International Qualifications Database Acceleration Project

The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists officially launched the International Qualifications Database Acceleration (IQDBA) project on February 1, 2010. Made possible though funding support from the Foreign Credential recognition Branch of Human resources and Skills Development Canada (HrSDC), the goal of the project is to increase the number of records on technology programs from around the world contained in CCTT’s International Qualification Database (IQDB).

The IQDB is made available to CCTT’s provincial registrars for the assessment of international qualifications required for the certification of technology professionals. Although the current database contains informa-tion on technology programs from 59 countries, The IQDBA project will focus specifically on the accelerated development of data from five target countries which currently provide Canada with the largest source of technically trained immigrants. They include China, France, India, Philippines and United Kingdom. By doing this CCTT will be able to increase the efficiency and capacity of its registrars in responding to requests for credential recognition by foreign trained technology professionals.

For more information contact: Rick Tachuk, CCTT Communications Director at 613 238-8123 or email [email protected]

ESO/ Registrars Report Since our last issue was published in spring 2010, our membership as maintained steady growth. Since June of 2010, we have welcomed 34 new members to TechNova. Another 6 members have been transferred into TechNova from other jurisdictions.

Over the summer we employed a student from a NSCC Technology Program to do marketing and sales. By all accounts this endeavor is proving to be a worthwhile venture. Starting in January 2011 I will be applying to HRSDC for funding to help in our cost of employing another student for the summer. Again we will focus on a student or students from a Tech-nology or Technician Program. The summer student(s) will again be employed to advance our marketing, sales and other activities.

I must stress the importance of members maintaining their certification. More and more we see industry especially in the technical fields requiring its potential employees to be certified. Certification proves to the employer that the candidates have met all educational and technical training in their field of expertise. Many employers either are required or prefer to hire certified technicians and technologists. Professional certification also facilitates national and international mobility through transferability agreements arranged by CCTT.Over the past few months there has been a steady increase in the number of foreign applicants applying for certification. I have also had the privilege of attending several meeting with ISIS to re affirm our commitment to working with all appli-cants from other countries in the certification process. The foreign applicant process can be lengthy and at times become quite complicated. Applicants for certification must be a resident of Canada or have landed immigrant status.

In closing I would again like to thank the certification Board for their hard work and professionalism. All members are welcome to become an active member on the certification Board or Council. Presently TechNova Council is recruiting members to become a setting member of Council.

respectively submitted, Joseph Simms, CET


EXPERT ADVICE

How Your Tires Can Save Your Life“Many drivers underestimate the importance of checking their tire pressure,” says Kelly Williams, race car driver, safety advocate, TV personality and spokesperson for Car Care Canada. “Approximately 90% of drivers have at least one under-inflated tire and are likely to face problems.”

There are four good reasons for maintaining correct tire pressure:Longevity. With the right pressure, your tires will last longer.Safety. “Under-inflated tires will compromise any evasive maneuvers performed when trying to avoid an accident,” she says. “Steering will be sluggish and your tires will get hotter quicker, which means you’re more likely to have a blowout.”Fuel-efficiency. If your tires don’t have enough air, you’re wasting about 15% of your fuel. Not only is that more costly, but more

emissions mean more damage to the environment.Comfort. Over-inflated tires make for one bumpy ride.

PSI factorsTires come with a recommended PSI (pounds per square inch of air pressure) for maximum performance. The maximum air pressure the tire can handle is printed right on the sidewall, but it doesn’t take into account the make and model of your car.“It’s better to use the recommended PSI that’s printed on your car,” says Ms. Williams. “It will be inside your car door, the gas lid or the trunk.” This listed PSI is determined by engineers for the particular make and model of your car. You’ll also find the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual.You can’t determine PSI with a visual check. You need to use an electronic (digital) or manual tire-pressure gauge. “Do note, however,” says Ms. Williams, “that gauges found at gas stations aren’t the most reliable.”

If your tires are under-inflated, you may be surprised to learn that air isn’t your only option. “repair shops offer nitrogen, which is differentiated by a valve

stem with a green cap,” says Ms. Williams. “Nitrogen has been used by the racing industry for years and is more steady and cleaner than air. But it will cost you money.”

Nifty new monitoring systemsThe U.S. has legislated that by September 2007 all new cars come equipped with automated tire-pressure monitoring systems. Models sold in Canada will also include this nifty device.

“A light on your dashboard will show you that one tire is low,” Ms. Williams explains. “Some tell you the pressure in all four tires.”

There are two types of systems:Direct systems have a sensor in the actual tire valve. Expert tip: “With this type of system, do not use foam to fix a flat tire in a pinch, or you could wreck the sensor — worth about $70.00,” Ms. Williams says.

Indirect systems measure the speed and rotation of each tire to determine its diameter. If the diameter decreases, the system warns you.

Reprinted with permission – Meloche Monnex


TD MEloCHE MoNNEx

SCHolARSHip

Through TechNova TD Meloche Monnex offers annually $ 1000 in scholarships, to students enrolled in a nationally accredited Techni-cian or Technology program. These scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence displayed by TechNova student members.

To be ellligible to apply for the TD Meloche Monnex scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• be a registered student member with TechNova

• be enrolled, as a full time stu-dent, in a Technician or Technol-ogy program accredited by the Canadian Technology Accredita-tion Board,

• be in his/her second year of study in the accredited program.

The successful candidates will receive notification via email and mail and will be announced dur-ing the AGM of TechNova held in March.

The TD Meloche Scholarships will be presented during the awards ceremony of TechNova AGM.

Applications for scholarships are available on the TechNova website (homepage), www.tech-nova.ca Candidates must print the scholarship application and mail the completed document, together with a copy of their aca-demic transcripts, to:

TechNova202 Brownlow Ave.Cambridge 1, Suite 308Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5

SToRY iDEAS WElCoME

Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNo-va members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribuite.

NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite.

PrOFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Tech-nology is a great way to demon-strate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers.

FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and non-members alike). Write to [email protected] or send your letter/article to the TechNova office.

STOrY PrIZES:If your article/story is published in our newsletter we will send you one of the following gifts valued at $50.00:

1. Executive Laptop Case (or)2. Executive Travel Mug Set

Each article submitted must be accompanied by good quality photography if available. Articles not published will be archived for future use.

Forward all articles to the editor at [email protected]

WIN A PRIzESCHOLARSHIP SCIENCE & TECHNOLOgY MUSEUM

Canada Science and Technology Museum to

support National Technology Week

Meetings with top officials of the Canada Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) have led to an agreement in principle with CCTT that will see the Museum play a significant role in the conduct of this year’s National Technology Week. This has all been made possible by the fact that CSTM has been given the lead respon-sibility for Canada’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW). Museum officials are eager to increase emphasis on technology to match the sci-ence component of their planned activities. And to ensure this hap-pens, the two organizations will provide representatives on each other’s Steering Committee.

But there is no thought of one week melding into the other. Visibility is important for CCTT as is its focus on technicians and technologists. However the schedules for the two sets of ac-tivity are so close that NTW can proceed as NSTW concludes. What is important here is the venue, profile and the expertise that the Museum staff can bring to further enhance NTW.

CCTT very much looks forward to working with the Canada Sci-ence and Technology Museum to elevate NTW to a still higher plateau of national prominence.

NEWS


Is Electronic Stability Control worth the expense?Electronic stability control (ESC) has been proven to save lives.

And it’s got the backing of Transport Canada.

“Preliminary analysis of 2000-2005 Canadian collision statistics by Transport Canada indicates that ESC could prevent approximately 30 per cent of all fatal and injurious collisions that involve loss of control,” says Dr. Christina rudin-Brown, Human Factors Specialist, Transport Canada. “That means that in 2006, if all passenger vehicles had been equipped with ESC, there would have been about 225 fewer deaths and 755 fewer serious injuries.”

When it comes to your safety on the road, that’s a hard statistic to ignore.

it’s all about preventionESC can help you avoid losing control of your vehicle and, consequently, will help prevent

collisions.

How it works. ESC monitors your steering relative to the direction you’re driving. If there’s a mismatch, ESC automatically kicks in and either activates your brakes on one or more wheels for a short period, reduces engine power, or both. If possible, it will

bring your vehicle back under your control.That’s a comfort for many Canadian drivers — especially those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions.

So why isn’t it more popular? Supply seems to be the issue. “Of the vehicles sold in Canada in 2007, 29 per cent had ESC as standard equipment and another 32 per cent had it as optional,” explains Dr. rudin-Brown. “Unfortunately, 39 per cent of the vehicles sold in Canada in 2007 were not available with ESC, even as an option.” That may soon change, however. Transport Canada is developing a proposal that would require ESC on all new light vehicles manufactured for sale in Canada as of September 2011.

Until then, new car buyers will have to make some buying decisions.Making “cents” of ESCThe good news is that ESC is becoming more readily available for Canadian drivers. According to Dr. Rudin-Brown, “for 2008 vehicle models, approximately 74 per cent had ESC as a standard (58%) or an optional (16%) feature.”

Additional expense. While the increasing availability provides some peace of mind, ESC can still be an expensive option. Equipping a vehicle with ESC costs between $350 and $450. While that doesn’t sound like a lot of money, you may have to buy into an overall package that includes ESC as one of several costly features. “Most vehicle models that offer ESC as optional equipment include it as part of a package,” says Dr. rudin-Brown. “This package often comes with expensive items that the consumer may not really want. For example, you may have to buy the six-cylinder deluxe model that also includes a high-end stereo system, leather seats, sun roof, electronic mirrors and heated seats just to get ESC.”And all of those extras could add up to thousands of dollars. But since it’s hard to put a price limit on protecting your family, getting a car with ESC could be the safety buy of the century.

The last word: According to Dr. rudin-Brown, “Transport Canada encourages all Canadians to ask for ESC when they buy a new vehicle.”

Reprinted with permission – Meloche Monnex


CCTT Facilitates Engagement Between NCDoT and Canada Science and Technology Museums CorporationThe importance of promoting and raising the profile of the technology professions is job one for CCTT and reaching out to partners like the Canada Sci-ence and Technology Museums Corporation is key to advancing national awareness.

Building on this new partner-ship, CCTT was recently able to facilitate an introduction between the National Council of Deans of Technology (NCDoT) and top Mu-seum officials in Ottawa, both of which share the view that much can and must be done to promote the advancement of the technol-ogy professions in Canada.

As a first step, the President and CEO of the Museum of Science and Technology, Denise Amyot has invited the NCDoT delegation that will be in Ottawa for meet-ings on October 15th to attend a high profile reception launching one of the Museum’s newest exhibits.

In the coming months CCTT will build on this introduction, working with NCDoT and the Museums Corporation on a variety of initia-tives aimed at recognizing the accomplishments of the technol-ogy professions in Canada and promoting career opportunities to Canada’s youth.


Early RTW Whether working for a big or small engineering firm, at some point in time you as an employer or employee may be faced with a work related injury. Nova Scotia currently has an injury frequency of 2.39per 100 workers of assessable employers, which falls slightly above the Canadian average of 2.26. Although this is not necessarily the highest among the country (Manitoba sits at 4.65), the alarming factor is the length of the disability. The average claim length in Nova Scotia is 98 (compared to Manitoba’s 57.08). So what does this mean to an employer? Depending on work type and the amount of employees a business has, an employer may not be required to carry WCB coverage and pay premiums. Essentially the WCB is a no fault system designed to protect employers and employees. Employees cannot sue their employer, and in return receive protection against income loss due to industrial injury and disease. An employer’s WCB Assessment rate is based on an experienced rating system, where their rate is mainly based on their individual claims experience. The more injuries, the longer the time off work the higher the claim cost and higher the employers assessment rating. The coverage cost for an employer’s WCB is driver by an experiencing rating. The Two main drivers of an employer’s assessment rate are: • The number of claims occurring

within in a company • The duration of the claims. According to the Nova Scotia WCB 2009 annual report, Nova Scotia has the second highest provincial assessment rates in Canada. Statistically wage replacement is one of the biggest claim expenses, where the employee receives 75% to 85 % of their pre-accident income while off work. So the more claims a company has, and the longer their worker is away from work, the more it

will cost your company to have WCB coverage. So what can you do as an employer to keep these costs low and keep your employees safe? The best form of disability management is to prevent an injury from happening. A strong occupational health and safety program which focuses on injury prevention is the cornerstone to controlling your assessment rates. However when a worksite injury does happen it is time for employers to step up to the plate and become and active participate in the medical management of the injury and coordinate safe and timely return to work. Prior to 2005 in Nova Scotia, all workers with musculoskeletal injuries required a doctor’s referral to attend physiotherapy treatment. Annually at Nova Scotia’s worksites approximately 50-60% of workplace injuries fall into the sprains & strains category and 70-80% generally musculoskeletal in nature. What was astonishing was that only a very small percentage where being sent for some form of active treatment. Also for those that were having therapy many had a large lag time of referral (i.e.- date of injury to date of treatment). The financial burden to WCB and employers of workplace injuries has been enormous. These statistics caused the WCB and local health care providers to establish a new process. The cornerstone of this is allows an employer to send an injured employee to direct access to treatment and as well as increase communication between the treatment team and employer. So what does this mean? When an employee is injured on the job, they are able to access physiotherapy on the day of the injury without requiring to see a doctor. For those unfamiliar with Physiotherapy, The Canadian Physiotherapy Association sums up the following as what a physiotherapist does:

As primary health care professionals, physiotherapists combine in-depth knowledge of how the body works with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of illness, injury or disability.

With your independence in mind, a physiotherapist’s goal is to restore, maintain and maximize your strength, function, movement and overall well-being.

Physiotherapists prescribe personalized therapeutic exercises, and provide essential education about the body, what keeps it from moving well, how to restore mobility and independence, and how to avoid or prevent bodily harm.

After a work related injury the physiotherapy team will perform their assessment, measure your current ability compared to your preinjury work demands, and work with the employer on setting up safe transitional duties. The employee is encouraged to see their Physician and they are kept an active stakeholder in this process. By keeping the injured employee at work on safe transitional duties will prevent time loss and control assessment rates. Having your company deal with a specific physiotherapy company not only decreases waiting time, it ensures they have a solid grasp on the demands that your employee is required to perform, and what accommodations you can provide. In addition to assisting in early treatment and transitional return to work programs, many employees are taking the proactive approach. This includes having educational services on safe lifting and working practices, ergonomics, stretching programs, and setting up in house OHS committees. For further information on work place injury prevention contact David Stanley at The Physioclinic 453-2672

Richard Dunn graduated Dalhousie University in 2005 with his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiologist and designation as a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology. Upon graduation he worked in various physiotherapy clinics as a Kinesiologist and manager. He recently began working for EastLink as an Occupational Health Specialist.


Go Hi-Tech With Your Window Treatments“Window fashions and technology have been paired together for quite some time, especially in commercial and high-end applications,” says Colleen Duffy, managing editor of Window Fashions magazine. “Today’s architecture definitely plays a role in the popularity of automated window fashions.” Look no further than floor-to-ceiling windows of upscale urban lofts to see how architecture has changed the face of windows and, consequently, window treatments.

Sue rainville, spokesperson for Hunter Douglas Canada, adds, “Today’s new homes include things like skylights and odd-shaped windows such as arches, eyebrows and A-frames that are normally placed above traditional rectangular windows.” Homeowners, she says, are often left baffled by how to dress them but should know that they have many options.” Here’s what our experts have to say about going electric and filtering through the many choices available.

The ins and outs of getting motorizedBasically, homeowners have two choices when choosing motorized window treatments:

Hard-wired. “Hard-wired treatments are built into your home’s wiring,” explains Ms.

rainville. “This option is best for homes that are under construction or undergoing major renovations.” Hard-wired treatments are operated using a wall switch or by remote control.

Battery-operated remote. Far more popular are battery-operated remote controls. “There is no need to damage any walls with these,” she says, “and therefore this option is perfect for finished homes.” Do note, though, that you’ll need to replace the window covering hardware with an electric model.

Expert tip: “rather than having your old manual hardware retrofitted for motorized use, it’s best to purchase new hardware in order to maintain any warranties and avoid surprises,” she advises.

Cutting through the clutter of choicesWhen it comes to choosing from the latest high-tech treatments, advancements in fabrics have transformed window coverings into multi-purpose, money-saving wonders.

Energy efficient. “Energy efficiency is a top priority with many manufacturers of window coverings who offer insulated cellular shades and other types of treatments,” says Ms. Duffy.

optional views. “Homeowners are concerned with what harsh sunlight can do to the interior of their homes, including their flooring, furniture and artwork,” says Ms. rainville. “But there may be times when you want your view to be completely open.” For greatest flexibility, look for blinds with head rails that are mounted onto a ceiling or wall and store blinds completely out of sight when not in use.

Healthy for you. Window

treatments now give your home’s air quality a boost. “Some offer advances in usability, as do outdoor fabrics with UV protection, and others absorb odors and improve a room’s air quality,” explains Colleen Duffy. “Anti-bacterial — preventing bacteria from gathering on material — and fire-retardant features can also be found. Also look for non-toxic materials with low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) that release minimal VOC pollutants, resulting in less chemical exposure than other products.”

Healthy for the environment. “New materials for shades, blinds and shutters include sustainable, environmentally friendly wood, grasses, and fabrics,” she adds.

Versatile. Make sure you choose coverings based on the function of the room. “With blinds, soft slats are very versatile and maintain the view while gently filtering light,” says Ms. Duffy. “Blackout shades, however, provide complete darkness, which is deemed beneficial in promoting quality sleeping conditions, and are ideal for home theatres.”

Creative color. Manufacturers are also giving homeowners the luxury of spicing up their décor options with a click of a button. “Popular choices are blinds that combine two, long, solid sheer fabric panels (usually in white) on the outside with colored vanes in between,” says Sue rainville. “These vanes are 2- or 3-inch slats like traditional blinds. When these vanes are open, all you see is the sheer fabric; closing them gives you instant color.”Reprinted with permission – Meloche Monnex

TECHNOLOGY


Generating Change: NS Power’s Tufts Cove ProjectNova Scotia Power is going through a green energy transformation that’s driving the largest capital program in the utility’s history. An important part of this transformation is taking place at the Tufts Cove Generating Station in Dartmouth.

Tufts Cove presently has three thermal generation units and two combustion turbines with a combined capacity of 450 megawatts (MW). All five units burn natural gas. Natural gas provides the advantage of being a cleaner form of fossil fuel generation than coal or oil. In fact, burning natural gas to generate electricity creates 30% less carbon dioxide in comparison to petroleum.

The Tufts Cove Unit 6 project, scheduled for completion this winter, will add a “combined-cycle” generator that will produce an additional 50 MW, using minimal additional fuel, and thus producing minimal extra emissions. Producing energy with less fuel than traditional processes will also save tens of millions of dollars for customers.

“This is a very exciting project for us because we are always looking for ways to produce cleaner energy,” said John Hawkins, Senior Plant Manager at Tufts Cove. “This project uses a very efficient design which allows us to produce more energy with less fuel than a more traditional process.”

The combustion turbines at Tufts Cove, known as Units 4 and 5, are General Electric LM6000s. These turbines are almost identical to the engines on a passenger jet. The LM6000s each supply 50 MW of Tufts Cove’s overall generation capacity.

Unit 6 will capture waste heat from the exhaust streams of the LM6000s and will use it to power a new steam turbine and generator set, generating 25 MW. This 25 MW will be generated without burning any additional fuel, and thus no additional emissions. A second 25 MW will be generated by duct-firing natural gas – burning gas added directly into the waste heat stream from the turbines to increase energy output.

“The Tufts Cove project brings great value to our customers, while at the same time advancing our priority of cleaner generation,” said rick Janega, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nova Scotia Power. “Unit 6 at Tufts Cove, the wind farms at Nuttby Mountain, Digby and Point Tupper, and our experimental tidal turbine in the Minas Passage – these are all part of a cleaner energy future for Nova Scotia.”

Nova Scotia Power is investing more than $600 million in capital projects this year, almost five times what the utility has traditionally spent. The investment is in response to customer expectations and government regulation. The government of Nova Scotia has established aggressive targets for increasing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas. By 2015, 25 per cent of Nova Scotia Power’s electricity must come from renewable sources, and

the government has set a 2020 target of 40 per cent. NS Power also has the only CO2 hard cap in North America – a 25% reduction by 2020. The ability of Tufts Cove Unit 6 to produce more energy at lower carbon intensity will assist in meeting that cap by displacing higher carbon-intense coal generation.

The technology being installed at Tufts Cove is used extensively around the world in facilities where heat is produced that would otherwise be wasted.

Mitsubishi is the manufacturer of the steam turbine and generator. Innovative Steam Technologies, a Canadian company based in Cambridge, Ontario, is the manufacturer of the heat recovery boilers, called “once through steam generators” or OTSGs. The project involved two OTSGs. They are the key pieces of equipment that actually capture the waste heat from the LM6000s to make steam and drive the steam turbine. Innovative Steam Technologies is a world leader in this technology. Several local contractors are involved in the engineering, site preparation and construction.

In addition to increasing energy efficiency at Tufts Cove, Unit 6 will reduce noise levels. Capturing the waste heat will essentially act as a muffler, lessening noise.

“This project is a win for people in the Tufts Cove community,” Hawkins said. “It’s a win for our customers, for local contractors and the economy. Most significantly, it’s a win for the environment. Nova Scotia Power is very proud and pleased to be able to do it.”

TECHNOLOGY


Tufts Cove History

Tufts Cove has a long history of agricultural and industrial use dating back to the 1700s. The site has hosted a plantation farm, shipping wharves, a rail mill and a tannery. It was the harbour crossing point for two bridges that preceded the Angus L. Macdonald.

The area was also once home to a small Mi’kmaq settlement known as Turtle Grove, which dated back to at least the 18th century. Sadly, it was destroyed in the Halifax Explosion. Survivors relocated to other reserves.

Electrical generation at Tufts Cove began in 1965, with the commissioning of Unit 1, which had a dual-fuel capability to burn coal or oil. In 1972, the unit was modified to fire only oil and Unit 2, also oil-fired, was commissioned. Another oil-fired unit, Unit 3, was added in 1976.

In 1999 and 2000, all three units were converted to be the first generators to use Nova Scotia natural gas resources from Sable Island.

Other improvements made through the years, include:

• Docking facility and storage tank in 1976 and 1977

• Wastewater treatment facility in 1993

• Electrostatic precipitator for Unit 2 in 1994-5

• Addition of Unit 4, a natural gas-fired combustion turbine, in 2003

• Addition of a second natural gas-fired combustion turbine, Unit 5, in 2005

• Electrostatic precipitators for Units 1 and 3 in 2005.

Side-view of the once-through steam generator, with steam turbine generator building behind

The steam turbine generator The transformer and condenser

Cooling water intake structure in foreground, steam turbine generator building foundation in background

TECHNOLOGY


TECHNOLOGY

Photo courtesy of NASA

Space Reader(Article courtesy of the University of Windsor)

Understanding the conditions in space is vital for future space missions to Jupiter and beyond

Bill McConkey probably won’t be around to see the day when humans are finally able to travel tremendous stretches through outer space to distant planets

such as Jupiter. When they do make that journey, however, they’ll owe a significant debt of gratitude to a scientist who has devoted his vast intellectual ability to better our understanding of the atmospheres of far-off spheres to pave the way for future space explorations.

McConkey, a world-renowned physicist and professor emeritus at the University of Windsor, studies data transmitted back

from unmanned spacecraft in order to understand the “space weather” that occurs around the various planets in our solar system.

“We’re just trying to help make sense of what the spacecraft see,” says the soft-spoken scientist, who was named to the Order of Ontario in 2008 and is also a Fellow of the royal Society of Canada.

A regular collaborator with NASA’s Jet Propulsion

Laboratory in Pasadena, California, McConkey is attempting to simulate how energy is transferred in Jupiter’s atmosphere and the surrounding space environment. Io, one of Jupiter’s 63 moons, spews sulphurous gases from active volcanoes into the atmosphere, which gives off energy and generates sulphuric acid on Europa, a neighbouring moon. Electrons from Jupiter’s plasma torus, the cloud of ionized gas that encircles the planet, hit the

sulphur atoms and excite them, causing them to emit energy in the form of light.

Back in McConkey’s lab, his students inject various gases that include sulphur into a complex experimental vacuum system, hit them with an electron beam and examine the light that’s emitted by splitting it into its various wavelengths.

Understanding that energy-transfer process is important for space exploration, but it’s

necessary for understanding our own atmosphere too, says Charles Malone, a former PhD student of McConkey’s who began working at the NASA lab in Pasadena after he graduated in 2003.

Part of NASA’s research goals, says Malone, is to understand the sun’s effects on the solar system, as well as the fundamental physical processes of outer planetary atmospheres in order to


FROM OUR READERS

predict the extreme and dynamic conditions in space. Data and models from his lab are used to interpret observations from spacecraft such as the Voyager, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Galileo and Cassini missions.

“It’s a multi-faceted approach to understanding how the solar system works,” explains Malone. “How energy is being dumped in the atmosphere affects a lot of things. Satellites can be knocked out of commission, and power outages can result. Even though these things seem out of reach for the average layperson, they can have profound effects on people, so it definitely relates to our own world. The northern lights are a fantastic visual example of these atmospheric interactions.”

It was while he was working as an undergraduate with his mentor at the University of Windsor, recalls Malone, that it occurred to him that finding employment someday with the space agency wasn’t such a far-fetched idea.

“He was a fantastic influence,” he says of McConkey. “He was a great role model. He has a certain way about him that just lends itself to success. He always had a great ability to put things into perspective.”

The ever humble McConkey says his work is just a small portion of a broader attempt to advance the understanding of our universe, but not an insignificant one.

“Our contribution is a tiny component of the larger picture,” he says, “but every little bit counts.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

From the outside looking in

It is with great concern that I read on the CCTT website of the resent desertion of four of the Constitutant Members from the CCTT family. As with any family this is a sad but predictable event. There are always one or two unsatisfied members encouraged by a big brother who thinks that he knows best for the rest.

Unfortunately, for CCTT these withdrawing members have the largest percentage of members within the Federation This unfortunate turn of events leaves the remaining five CM ‘s with the smallest membership to support the major CCTT Programs in the future.

Now is the time as never before for the members of TechNova to step forward and show support for our President and Council in their wise decision to remain as a part of CCTT.

This poses the question what can we do as individuals to show our support?

As you may or may not know CCTT and its programs are supported financially by a portion of your Membership Dues being submitted annually to CCTT. With the reduction of the total membership of CCTT by the withdrawal of four CM’s the burden of support shifts to the remaining CM’s. The best way to lighten this burden is to increase the membership of the remaining CM’s and this is where you, as a member of TechNova, can help. I encourage getting out there and actively recruiting members from your work place. I know from experience that this can be unpopular and difficult but it will be easier if you are prepared before hand. Become familiar with all of the benefits and perks of being a Certified Member of TechNova and be sincere in your approach.

You can also show support by sending e-mails or letters to the editor of the newsletter expressing your opinion and by attending our AGM in the spring of 2011.

I sincerely hope that the Membership of the defecting CM’s becomes alive and active and encourages their Presidents and Council to rethink their decisions and return to the family.

Sincerely,

Ed Lingley C.Tech Life Member


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