In order to celebrate PES Day, UFF SB Chapter organized a technical visit, a small party and a RES for Kids activity.

PES day is celebrated all over the world in April, 22th and UFF SB Chapter could not miss it. The celebration started on April 15th and ended in the beginning of May. It was an amazing experience for all the participants, including students of the university and children that participated of the RES activity.

With the help of the Counselor it was possible to schedule a technical visit to ONS, the National Electrical System operator. The visit took place in the headquarters, located in the center of Rio de Janeiro, that controls the southeast region. There, 20 students had the opportunity to learn about the transmission lines, the energy production, the Brazilian energy matrix, the population consumption profile and even how it changes when Brazil is playing in the World Cup. After that, it was possible to see the operation room, with the huge control panel showing every necessary data.

PES members at ONS. The control panel is shown in the background.
PES members at ONS. The control panel is shown in the background.

In the week of PES Day a meeting was held with PES and IEEE members, where it was discussed topics related to the student branch. During the meeting a video was recorded to the PES Day world tour. In the end, there was a celebration including a cake with PES Day logo.

PES and IEEE members that attended the meeting
PES and IEEE members that attended the meeting

Last but not least, a RES for Kids activity was held. Renewable Energy in Schools is a PES project held in many countries. It consists in going to schools and explaining about solar power, wind power and others to children. The activity was held in a school named ‘Acanto’, and there were 18 children of the 3rd grade, they were about 7 years old. To make them more excited about the visit, plastic windmills were bought. They were taught about solar power, and then painted a drawing of a house with a panel. Also, it was given to them the windmills, and they were amazed by it. They learnt about wind power while blowing the windmill.

Children with the drawing and the windmill in the RES for Kids activity
Children with the drawing and the windmill in the RES for Kids activity

Besides all the good things learnt in the multiple activities that were organized by the chapter, PES Day is a great opportunity to know other student branch activities and exchange knowledge with them. Students from all over the word together for one reason: bring more power to the future.

Laura Paiva Paula
PES UFF SB Chapter Chair
Univ Federal Fluminense IEEE Student Branch