Student Tina Barricelli, dressed in Delmarva Power personal protective equipment.

Powerful stuff

HRIM students experience hands-on learning from electric power suppliers

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9:20 a.m., Oct. 23, 2015--Students in the Facilities Engineering class in the University of Delaware’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) watched a live demonstration of the concepts of electrical power and distribution by local electrical suppliers Blue Hen Utility Services Inc. and Delmarva Power. 

Michele Reynolds, president of independent utilities provider Blue Hen Utility Services, introduced the guest speakers to the class in the new Marriott Foundation “ALICE” classroom and spoke about the company she leads.

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The group then moved to the parking lot of UD’s Marriott Courtyard Newark hotel, which serves as a learning lab for students interested in hotel management.

There, students viewed (at a safe distance) the full demonstration rig brought to campus by Delmarva Power. The rig was outfitted with a breaker, transformers and high-voltage wiring and was demonstrated by Delmarva personnel outfitted in personal protective equipment. 

The Delmarva team leader, Anthony J. Pini, assisted by two professional linemen, provided a detailed explanation of the way power gets from the utility generator station to the workplace, public buildings and homes. 

Safety was a key topic. Pini’s team stressed the need for safety in working with electricity, explaining how Delmarva trains and protects its workers. They also gave students helpful tips for hotel and restaurant managers whose jobs require them to work with electricians and suppliers to provide well-designed, safe facilities for their guests. 

Mike Reynolds, vice president of Blue Hen Utility Services, demonstrated fuse box technology, explaining the electrical distribution process in buildings. He also stressed construction techniques and safe operation. 

Student Tina Barricelli volunteered to don the personal protective equipment worn by Delmarva Power linemen.

“I really enjoyed learning about and getting to try on the personal protective equipment,” Barricelli said. “It is reassuring to know that these power electricians value safety first and foremost”. 

Junior Alyssa Cranston added, “Getting a visit from Blue Hen Utility and Delmarva Power gave me the opportunity to learn more about how power distribution systems work, as well as informing me of the dangers associated with power lines, outlets and high voltage.”

Bill Sullivan, managing director of the campus hotel, thanked the guests for the valuable real-life demonstration, one of a number of such experiences that are an integral part the experiential learning process of HRIM at the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.

Article and photos by Bill Sullivan

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