Solar Street Light

Implementation of an optimal
solar-powered street light
utilizing a PowerPSoC-based
System on a Chip
Senior Design Proposal
Senior Design Team ECE-34
Submitted to:
Dr. Tim Kurzweg
Dr. Prawat Nagvajara
and the Senior Design Project Faculty
David Korth (CE), Jed Daviau (CE),
Nick Neifert (CE), Oluwatele Avanfodun (CE)
Abstract
Solar energy is a promising technology Ior street and outdoor lighting, but the cost and
energy eIIiciency oI small-scale solar energy storage still has room Ior improvement. Our goal is
to improve the perIormance oI a solar-powered street light system by adapting proven
optimization strategies to the latest energy-eIIicient microprocessor technology. Utilizing a
Cypress Semiconductor PowerPSoC system-on-a-chip, we will implement a Maximum Power
Point Tracking algorithm to dynamically adjust solar panel power output. The PowerPSoC
controller will also be leveraged to drive an eIIicient high-brightness LED (HB-LED) lamp
controller, and to deliver power to and Irom an electric battery with minimal additional
hardware. The eventual goal oI the project is to develop and build a working solar-powered HB-
LED street lamp system based on an 80W solar panel, proving the eIIicacy oI our design and its
viability Ior deployment. In particular, improvements in the implementation oI MPPT may also
help to increase the attractiveness oI solar technology Ior municipal lighting applications.
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Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
I. Problem Description.....................................................................................................................4
II. Proposed Work and Deliverables................................................................................................4
Figure 1: PowerPSoC block diagram..........................................................................................4
III. Work Schedule / Proposed Timeline..........................................................................................6
Figure 2: Proposed timeline Ior the solar-powered street light system.......................................6
IV. Industrial Budget........................................................................................................................7
Table 1: Proposed budget Ior the solar-powered lighting system project...................................7
V. Societal, Environmental, and/or Ethical Impacts........................................................................8
VI. Summary / Conclusions.............................................................................................................9
VII. ReIerences..............................................................................................................................10
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I. Problem Description
Utilizing solar energy Ior outdoor and street lighting presents a unique engineering
challenge. The beneIits oI solar power in outdoor applications are obvious; the energy source is
clean, renewable, and can be local to each lamp Ior Ilexibility in placement. However, designing
a system to be used at night around a strictly daytime energy source requires great attention to
eIIiciency and reliability. The system must be able to store, over an average day oI sunlight,
enough energy to power a lamp Ior a Iull nighttime duty cycle. Modern solar panels convert light
into energy with approximately 30° eIIiciency, which is near to the theoretical limit oI current
solar cell technology
|1|
and leaves little room Ior improvement. Fortunately, there are strategies
Ior increasing the perIormance oI a solar street lamp system beyond simply including a larger
battery. These include eIIicient high-brightness LED lamps, optimized lamp power control, and
promisingly, advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
MPPT optimization is a method oI power output optimization that relies on both an
optimization algorithm and control circuitry. Past MPPT algorithms have thereIore been based
primarily on microcontroller-based technology. This method oI MPPT design is useIul, but while
microcontrollers themselves are relatively power-eIIicient, additional hardware is required to
create a microcontroller/battery/solar panel interIace. The increased design complexity can oIten
lead to artiIicially lowered perIormance, as care must be taken to ensure that the power draw oI
the eIIiciency system does not exceed the extra power being delivered.
|2|
The addition oI an
MPPT system, in combination with an eIIicient LED lamp could dramatically improve the
perIormance oI existing solar lighting solutions. Better power management could also increase
solar panel cost-eIIiciency, lowering the liIetime cost oI the entire system. As an added
advantage, better eIIiciency would help oIIset the energy cost oI panel manuIacture much more
quickly, a green` consideration that increases the positive environmental impact oI each solar
light.
II. Proposed Work and Deliverables
A successIul solar-powered lighting system consists oI
several components, including a miniature computer system, a solar
panel, a battery, and a lamp. The speciIic components have to be
researched in order to determine what to use Ior the maximum
eIIiciency. For this project, we will be using a Cypress
Semiconductor PowerPSoC as the microprocessor. The PowerPSoC
is a system-on-a-chip that contains everything needed in order to
implement a power management system. This works better than a
conventional microcontroller method, since everything`s integrated
onto a single chip, which results in lower power consumption and
Iaster design time. The PowerPSoC will be running a program that implements an MPPT
algorithm Ior controlling the power input and output.
MPPT is a method oI optimization that is speciIically designed to account Ior the
- 4 -
Figure 1. PowerPSoC
block diagram.
|3|
unsteady electrical output oI solar panels. The available output oI a photovoltaic cell is based on
a number oI Iactors including light intensity, panel temperature, cloud cover, and cell placement.
It is important to match the level oI power consumption with the available output oI the panel; iI
the battery charging system draws less output than is provided by the panel at any given time,
energy will be wasted. Source-Tracking Power Management (STPM) schemes can ensure that
the load is suIIicient to maximize the panel`s output, and can increase the power utilization oI
solar equipment by over 110°.
|4|
Current STPM designs that do not use a microprocessor are oIten Iixed at the time oI
manuIacture, and cannot be changed to accommodate changes in weather conditions, placement
oI the system, and other environmental Iactors.
|4|
The newer MPPT method takes advantage oI
the properties oI photovoltaic cells in a unique way. Each cell or array oI cells has an optimum
operating condition, where the combination oI voltage and current output results in a maximal
power output; this is considered the maximum power point, and is associated with a speciIic load
resistance. An MPPT system measures the energy generated by a panel and tracks this point in
real time. The load can then be altered to provide the amount oI resistance required to maximize
power draw. Ideally, an eIIicient MPPT algorithm could dramatically increase the energy
available Ior battery storage in a solar street lighting system, assuming it could be implemented
in a low-power, integrated design.
For the power components, we selected a Sharp NE-80EJEA 80-watt solar panel and an
MK 8GU1H-DEKA photovoltaic lead-acid battery. We estimate that 80 watts should provide
enough power to Iully charge a 36Ah battery using an average day`s sunlight. Lead-acid batteries
are the best option Ior this system than other types oI rechargeable batteries, such as lithium ion,
because they can provide much higher current and can better withstand extreme outdoor
conditions.
The lighting element oI our system is composed oI an array oI high-brightness LEDs. As
the backbone oI a lighting system, selection oI the light producing element is oI paramount
importance, since this will determine the perIormance characteristics oI the entire system. LEDs,
or light-emitting diodes, are semiconductor devices that emit light when a current runs through
them. Unlike conventional lamps, the emitted light is in speciIic wavelengths; however, this also
means that the LEDs are more eIIicient than conventional lamps, since they don`t generate as
much heat. High-brightness LEDs are a relatively new type oI LED that generate much more
light than a standard LED that you might Iind in an electronic device. However, while LEDs in
general generate less heat than conventional lighting, the high-brightness LEDs end up
generating more heat than conventional LEDs, and require a heatsink in order to remain cool.
- 5 -
III. Work Schedule / Proposed Timeline
In the early stages oI the project, we will be evaluating the PowerPSoC system-on-a-chip
to determine the best way to implement the soItware Ior the lighting system. Once the
PowerPSoC system has been evaluated, we will start to develop two oI the major subsystems.
First, we will develop the lighting subsystem, which will control the arrays oI high-brightness
LEDs. Next, we will develop the power control subsystem, which will interIace with the solar
panel and the battery in order to Iunction as a very basic energy storage system capable oI
driving the LED array. Starting in January, we will start to develop the MPPT algorithm, which
will be implemented on top oI the energy storage system. Development oI the MPPT algorithm
will take the most amount oI time, since this is the most important component oI the street light.
In the spring, we will start to construct the Iixture Ior mounting the street light system outdoors.
The Iixture will allow us to test the lighting system in real-world conditions.
- 6 -
Figure 2. Proposed timeline for the solar-powered street light svstem profect.
Evaluate PSoC
Final Proposal
Quad Chart
Develop LED Algorithm
Progress Report 1
Implementing Power Control
Develop MPPT Algorithm
Progress Report 2
Create Light Fixture
Final Report
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Solar-Powered Street Light System
Start Date Completed Remaining
IV. Industrial Budget
Due to the relative cost associated with high-perIormance solar power equipment, we
estimate that the cost oI a solar-powered street lamp would be greater than that oI traditional
lighting systems. However, the recurrent energy costs associated with connecting and powering
traditional street lamps would be greatly diminished. Estimates as to the relative cost oI the
completed street lamp will be perIormed once preliminary eIIiciency data has been acquired.
Labor and overhead costs were calculated based on a 15-hour per week combined time
commitment and an average starting engineer`s salary oI $67,000 per year. Actual overhead costs
will vary according to the structure oI the project management.
Budget
Description Quantity Price Subtotal
Sharp NE-80EJEA 80-
watt solar panel
|5|
1 $333.00 $333.00
MK 8GU1H
photovoltaic sealed
lead-acid battery (12V,
36AH)
|6|
1 $127.80 $127.80
CY3268 PowerPSoC
Lighting Starter Kit
|7|
1 $60.00 $60.00
High-Brightness
LEDs
|8|*
25 $9.10 $227.50
LED Lenses
|9|**
25 ~$3.00 $75.00
Labor Costs
f
4 $67,000/yr $69,000.00
Overhead Costs
¡
n/a $17,250 $17,250.00
Service Costs
§
n/a TBD TBD
Total Cost $87,073.30
Table 1. Proposed budget for the solar-powered lighting svstem profect.
*
The LEDs that we will be using Ior our project are an older model with an output oI 65 lumens, though the LEDs cited Ior the budget have an
output oI 220 lumens. The older LEDs are suIIicient Ior our project; however, the required output Ior the lighting system is subject to city
regulations and needs.
**
The LED lens used has a 24°-wide beam. The actual angle used Ior a production lighting system may vary depending on the location oI the
system and city regulations and needs.
f
Total labor costs were determined by taking the yearly average salary oI a junior computer engineer ($67,000)
|10|
, and calculating what the paid
salary would be over 9 months (36 weeks) at 15 hours per week.
¡
Overhead costs were computed using an overhead percentage oI 25°. This is lower than average due to the lower costs oI materials vs. labor.
§
Services incurred during the design and build process will be added as needed.
- 7 -
V. Societal, Environmental, and Ethical Impacts
As global warming becomes an increasingly relevant issue, world governments and
businesses are constantly Iacing pressure to make to decisions that will reduce power
consumption costs and that are more beneIicial to the environment. The addition oI MPPT
technology to solar-powered street lighting can be oI great assistance in the solution to issues
caused by global warming. It is known that the electric power industry is a large consumer oI
coal energy in the United States and thereIore, is a major source toxic pollution. The use oI solar
power street lighting utilizing an MPPT system would have positive impacts in the
environmental, social, and ethical realms.
The environmental impacts oI an MPPT-based lighting system would be oI great service
to those involved. First, conventional lighting systems receive their power Irom the electrical
power grid, which is supplied by power plants that use Iuels which generate carbon emissions,
such as coal. The continual use oI these power plants promotes recurrent deposit pollution oI the
environmental, which aIIects the health oI the general public. Also, since conventional street
lights use AC power Irom the electrical grid, there is a risk oI electric shock not just to the people
maintaining the system, but also to pedestrians due to the possibility oI 'stray voltage¨.
|11|
Solar-
powered lighting systems aren`t connected to the electrical grid, and they use a DC-based battery
system, so they`re much saIer to maintain. They also don`t produce air, water, or solid wastes,
since they`re entirely selI-contained.
|12|
From a social perspective, this lighting implementation can cut costs in city, state, and
national inIrastructure. Solar-powered lighting could save billions oI dollars in electricity and
maintenance costs, which conventional lighting systems require. In the event oI a power outage,
conventional lighting systems would Iail, whereas solar systems would still be able to Iunction
because they have their own battery-backed power source that is continuously charged by the
solar panel during the daytime. Also, the implementation oI MPPT systems in street lights would
optimize the amount oI energy that could be obtained Irom solar panels, reducing the cost oI
solar panel usage over time. In general, the manuIacture oI a single solar panel may require as
much energy expenditure as the panel itselI will generate in Iour years` time. Increasing the
eIIiciency oI solar-powered systems can reduce the time it takes to cancel this energy debt.
In an ethical sense, the addition oI MPPT technology to street lighting systems would
diminish the reliance on electricity generated by pollution-producing Iossil Iuels. Reducing
reliance on these Iuels will assist in preserving the earth Irom continual deterioration, caused by
Iactors like the increasing oI the earth surIace temperature
|13|
, and also play a part in preserving
the livelihoods oI those aIIected by Iuel pollution. In a 2009 report by the Clean Air Task Force,
it was Iound that Irom 2004 to 2010, the amount oI deaths caused by Iine particle pollution
dropped 45° (24,000 to 13,200 deaths), in part due to the green energy movement.
|14|
- 8 -
VI. Conclusion
We Ieel that by creating a street light system utilizing an MPPT algorithm with a system-
on-a-chip, we can greatly increase the eIIiciency oI street lamps, and potentially apply those
improvements to other lighting systems, such as outdoor pedestrian lighting. We believe current
solar-powered lighting systems can be improved through better soItware design and hardware
selection. We will improve the systems by utilizing a Cypress Semiconductors PowerPSoC
system-on-a-chip, which will run custom soItware to implement the MPPT algorithm and
control the lamp, along with specially selected compatible hardware, such as a photovoltaic-rated
lead-acid battery and an array oI high-brightness LEDs. These selections will help to minimize
power consumption while maintaining optimal lighting conditions Ior the speciIied application.
- 9 -
VII. References
|1| M. A. Green, 'Third generation photovoltaics: solar cells Ior 2020 and beyond,¨ Physica E:
Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, vol. 14, no. 1-2, pp. 65-70, Apr. 2002.
|2| P. H. Chou and S. Kim, 'Techniques Ior Maximizing EIIiciency oI Solar Energy Harvesting
Systems,¨ Department oI EECS, University oI CaliIornia, Irvine, CA, Apr. 2010.
|3| (2010, Apr. 1). 'MPPT Solar Charge Controller ReIerence Design¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.cypress.com/?docID÷21164
|4| P. H. Chou, D. Li, and S. Kim, 'Maximizing EIIiciency oI Solar-Powered Systems by Load
Matching,¨ Center Ior Embedded Computer Systems, University oI CaliIornia, Irvine, CA,
Aug. 2004.
|5| (2006, May 23). 'Sharp NE-80EJEA 80 Watt¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.atlantasolar.com/product¸inIo.php/products¸id/1903
|6| (2009, Jan. 29). 'MK 8GU1H 12V 36Ah GEL Battery¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.ordermo.com/mk8g12v36gel.html
|7| (2010, July 16). 'CY3268 PowerPSoC Lighting Starter Kit¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.cypress.com/?rID÷36572
|8| (2010, July 7). 'Cool White (6500K) Rebel LED, Pre-Mounted On A 20mm Star Base - 220
lm ¸ 700mA¨ |Online|. Available: http://www.luxeonstar.com/Cool-White-6500K-20mm-
Star-Rebel-220-lm-p/mr-wc120-20s.htm
|9| (2010, July 7). 'Carclo 24 Deg Rippled 20mm Lens - No Holder¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.luxeonstar.com/Carclo-24-Deg-Rippled-20mm-Lens-No-Holder-p/10209.htm
|10| (2010, Oct. 23) 'Bachelor oI Science (BS/BSc/SB), Computer Engineering Degree Salary¨
|Online|. Available: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree÷Bachelor¸oI¸Science¸
°28BS°2IBSc°2ISB°29°2c¸Computer¸Engineering/Salary
|11| A. T. Hadhazy. (2006, Aug. 4). 'Stray Voltage Still on the Loose¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.scienceline.org/2006/08/physics-grant-manholes/
|12| (2000). 'Electricity Irom Solar Energy¨ |Online|. Available:
http://www.powerscorecard.org/tech¸detail.cIm?resource¸id÷9
|13| B. Freese and S. Clemmer, 'Gambling with Coal¨, Union oI Concerned Scientists,
Cambridge, MA, p. 11, Sept. 2006.
- 10 -
|14| C. Schneider and J. Banks, 'The Toll From Coal,¨ Clean Air Task Force, Boston, MA, p. 5,
Sept. 2010.
- 11 -
David E. Korth
1205 Concord Lane
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Home: (856) 354-9430
Cell: (856) 745-8457
[email protected]
Education
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Anticipated Graduation - June, 2011
Computer Engineering
Honors and Awards
• Pennoni Honors College
• COOP 101 Certificate of Merit
• Dean's List
• Academic Competitiveness Grant
• A.J. Drexel Scholarship
• Drexel University Endowed Scholarship
• Awarded Cherry Hill High School East PTA Technology Scholarship, 2006
• Nominated for Cherry Hill High School East Senior Hall of Fame, 2006
Computer Skills
• IT Certifications: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator for Windows 2000, CompTIA Net+, CompTIA A+
• Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, NT, 95, 98, ME, 3.1; Linux 2.4 (Slackware Linux), Linux 2.6
(Gentoo Linux, Ubuntu Linux)
• Server Software: Microsoft Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Linux 2.4/2.6, Apache
1.3/2.0, MySQL 4.0/4.1/5.0, PHP 4.4/5.x, Samba 3.0
• Office Software: Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003, OpenOffice.org 1.x/2.x
• Programming Languages: C, C++, Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, Microsoft Visual Basic .NET 2003, Microsoft
QuickBASIC 4.5, Commodore 64 BASIC
• Web Design: HTML 4.01, PHP 4 & 5, Perl 5, SSI
• Additional Skills: TCP/IP, integrating a Linux/UNIX server in a Microsoft Windows 2000 Active Directory
environment; setting up, upgrading, and repairing computers; data recovery; security; hardware and software diagnostics.
Relevant Coursework
CompTIA Networking (2002-2003) Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (2002-2003)
Advanced Microsoft Windows (2003-2006) Computer Graphics (2005-2006)
Engineering 101, 102, 103: Engineering Lab (2006-2007) Computer Science 121, 122, 123: Computation Lab (2006-2007)
ECE 200: Digital Logic Design (2008) ECE 201: Fundamentals of Electric Circuits (2008)
ECE 203: Programming for Engineers (2008) ECEC 301: Advanced Programming for Engineers (2009)
ECEC 302: Digital Systems Projects (2009) CS 370: Operating Systems
ECEC 304: Design with Microcontrollers (2009) ECEC 355: Computer Structures (2009)
ECEC 357: Intro to Computer Networks (2010) CS 265: Advanced Programming Techniques (2010)
ECEC 356: Embedded Systems (2010) CS 260: Data Structures (2010)
ECEC 490: ST: Intro to Operating Systems (2010) ECEC 451: Computer Arithmetic (2010)
ECEC 490: ST: Custom VLSI Design (2010)
NES on an FPGA Project, April 2009 to Present
• Currently designing a set of circuits in VHDL that replicates the functionality of the original Nintendo Entertainment
System on a field-programmable gate array.
• Working under the supervision of Computer Science Professor Bill Mongan while teaming up with another student.
Freshman Design Project
• Bicycle Interstate - An interstate highway system designed specifically for bicycles.
• Advisor: Dr. Bradley E. Layton
Community Service
Drexel TechServ, Philadelphia, PA
Vice President, System Administrator, Head of Refurbishment, January 2007 to Present
• Elected as Vice President in 2009.
• Serving as Head of Refurbishment and System Administrator since April 2007.
• Refurbishing of old computers to donate to public schools, libraries, and other non-profit organizations.
• Administering TechServ servers.
Work Experience
GuideWorks, LLC., Radnor, PA
Software Developer, September 2009 to March 2010
• Assisted software developers with the development of TV set-top box software.
• Maintained software test suites.
Work Experience
Unisys Corporation, Malvern, PA
Software Developer, September 2008 to March 2009
• Assisted software developers with various tasks, including fixing bugs and testing software patches.
• Developed small utility programs for Linux and Windows systems.
Work Experience
SAP Americas, Inc., Newtown Square, PA
UNIX Server Administrator, September 2007 to March 2008
• Performed maintenance on UNIX and Linux servers.
• Assisted other administrators with setting up new servers.
• Connected new servers to a Storage Area Network (SAN) and maintained the SAN layout diagrams.
Work Study
Drexel University - Computer Science Department, Philadelphia, PA
IT Assistant, May 2007 to June 2007
• Assisting employees with technology in the Computer Science Department.
Previous Work Experience
Cherry Hill High School East, Cherry Hill, NJ
Computer Technical Assistant, June 2005 to January 2006 (Volunteered 2002 to June 2005)
• Troubleshooting hardware-, software-, and network-related problems.
• Setting up and maintaining student user accounts and Windows Server Update Services.
Volunteer Experience
Virtual Hospital Information Services, Gibbsboro, NJ
Computer Technical Assistant, Summer 2003
• Troubleshooting hardware-, software-, and network-related problems.
• Assisted technical staff in reformatting computers and setting up new computers for the hospital network.
Jed B. Daviau
[email protected]
402 N 38th St • Philadelphia, PA 19104 • jedav.com • 774-234-7533
Education
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation - 2011
Honors and Awards
• Wachusett Regional H.S. Excellence in Engineering Drafting and Design, 2006
• National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, 2005
Relevant Coursework
Computer Science Computer Structures
Engineering Design Laboratory Digital Logic Design
Linear/Dynamic Engineering Systems Adv. Engineering Programming
Discrete Mathematics Digital Systems Projects
Design With Microcontrollers
Co-op Experience
UGI Corp. / Amerigas King of Prussia, PA
MIS Infrastructure Support September to December, 2007
• Provided both long-range and hands-on technical support to users nationwide
• Worked with personnel in IT and communications departments
• Assisted in configuring and deploying computers to company employees
Employment Experience
Computer Sales and Repair Philadelphia, PA
Self-Employed Computer Technician Spring 2004 to Present
• Purchase and assemble computers/components
• Supply assembled computers directly to customers
• Provide telephone/in-home technical support services
• Maintain a catalogued inventory of parts
Quabbin Regional School District Barre, MA
Substitute Teacher - Middle School November 2010 to March 2011
Instructed 7th and 8th grade students in Mathematics, English, and Computer Technology
Computer Skills
Operating Systems: Mac OS 9/X, Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Unix/Linux
Software: Microsoft Office, FileMaker Pro, Maple 11, MATLAB,
Autodesk AutoCAD 2005/Inventor 6, Xcode 3, SpectraCAD/CAM, NI Labview, Modelsim, Xilinx
ISE, PowerPSoC Designer
Other Skills: XML/XHTML, HTML/CSS2, PHP, MySQL, Javascript, Actionscript, Java, C++,
Assembly languages
1


Oluwatele Adetola Ayanfodun
218 A S.46th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(718) 300-5742


[email protected]
Education
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation- June, 2011

Relevant Coursework
Discrete Mathematics
Fundamentals of Physics I & II
Basic & Advanced Programming for Engineers
Multivariate Calculus
Linear Engineering Systems
Digital Systems Projects
Digital Logic Design
Calculus I & II
Fundamentals of Materials
Design with Microcontrollers
Computer Organization & Architecture
Dynamic Engineering Systems
Advance Programming Techniques

Computer Skills
• Software: Experience with Microsoft software (Office, Streets & Trips), LabView, Maple,
Matlab
• Programming: Experience with Java, VHDL, Assembly, C++, Perl, and C languages
• Two Years of Instruction in Cisco Networking Course (routers, LANs, etc.)

Co-op Experience
NAVSEA (Warfare Center- Carderock Division) Philadelphia, PA
Engineer Technician (Trainee) May 2010 to September 2010
• Participated in weekly meetings discussing plans for maintenance, and
improvement of naval equipment.
• Assisted with gathering information needed to evaluate and enhance the conditions
of naval materials.

The School District of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Transpass Co-op November 2008 to March 2009
• Analyzed student geographic location records in order to determine population
eligible for public transportation passes.
• Utilized the Microsoft Streets and Trips software to calculate the distances of
students’ residencies from the location of their schools to determine eligibility.
• Met with supervisor frequently to discuss completed analysis of records and further
steps in competing assignments.

City Of Philadelphia (Streets Department) Philadelphia, PA
GIS Work-Study Intern September 2007 to March 2008
• Helped with the sorting and correction of materials utilized by the city's sanitation
(street cleaning and snow plowing) and street lighting units in order to keep the city
clean (in terms of traffic and trash)
2


• Reviewed list of city streets to ensure accuracy and updated when necessary
• Reviewed and edited city maps

Work Experience
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
Technical Services Work-Study July 2009 to Present
• Help with in the processing (labeling, stamping, etc) of books purchased by and
donated to the university for academic, personal and professional use in Hagerty
Library on the university’s main campus.
Hope Worldwide (w/AmeriCorps) Wayne, PA/Schwenksville, PA/ Philadelphia, PA
Camp Counselor/Camp Maintenance Summers 2007, 2009
• Helped with the maintenance and repairing of Camp Hope 4 Kids in preparation for
summer camp sessions through the Hope Youth Corps Program.
• Mentored inner-city children through the Hope Saturday Academy in life, character,
and athletic skills.
• Renovated locations used by the Hope Pennsylvania for mentoring children.

Volunteer Experience
HOPE Worldwide-Saturday Academy Wayne, PA/Philadelphia, PA
Volunteer October, 2007 to Present
• Serve as a volunteer and mentor in an extracurricular program to help inner-city
adolescents develop positive character traits to use in their lives (school,
neighborhoods, etc.)

Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA) Philadelphia, PA
Volunteer Organizer October 2006 to September 2010
• Serve as a volunteer in recruiting membership in order to inform the public of the
economic, social, and health issues of the lower-wage workforce.

Extracurricular Activities
• Serving as Treasurer of Drexel African Student Association (DASA), 2008-Present
• Treasurer of Drexel Bible Awareness Society (DBAS), Present
• Co-leader of Drexel Bible-Talk, 2007-Present
• Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), 2005-2009
• Member of A. Philip Randolph Track Team, 2002-2006


Nicholas A Neifert
3500 Powelton Ave
Apt A403
Philadelphia, PA 19104
610-703-0470
[email protected]
Education
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation - June 2011
Co-Op Experience
Sparks Exhibits and Environments Philadelphia, PA
IT Support Technician September 2009 - March 2010
• Assisted in-house users with technical issues
• Supported long distance users via telephone and email
• Built and maintained company computer systems
• Updated and maintained computer software to most recent
• Networked printer systems
• Trained new co-op student employee
Lincoln Financial Distributors Philadelphia, PA
Data Analyst September 2007 - March 2009
• Used SQL to identify duplicate records in the database
• Cleansed the database of duplicate records
• Solved user problems with database records
• Created SQL queries to maintain database integrity
• Trained new co-op student employee
• Provided regular status reports of client data via email and team meetings
Relevant Coursework
Engineering I, II, & III Computer Science I, II, & III
Visual Basic C++
Java
Computer Skills
Hardware: PC
Software: Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Labview, MATLAB, Data
Flow
Programming Languages: Visual Basic, C++
Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 3.1, 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP
Honors and Awards
AJ Drexel Scholarship 2006-Present
Chad Leibenguth Memorial Scholarship 2006-2007
Whitehall High School Honors Award 2002-2005
Work Experience
Valley Inspection Service, Inc. Allentown, PA
Computer Technician and Radiographic Assistant June 2005 - Present
• Devised, composed, and documented working procedures
• Processed radiographic film for inspection
• Repaired various computer problems and issues
• Installed and maintained various computer programs
• Imported PMI data and created reports
Arby's Inc. Whitehall, PA
Cashier/Trainer December 2004 - June 2006
• Trained prospective new employees at various tasks/positions
• Generated and handled sales in excess of $1000 a day
• Expedited product to customer within designated time and to customer satisfaction
• Handled and solved customer comments/complaints or referred to appropriate manager
• Organized and prepared workstation for employees of future shifts