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Home » Authors » Robert Pfaff, P.E.
Robert Pfaff, P.E.

Robert Pfaff, P.E.

Robert Pfaff is a licensed P.E. and has been working for SmithGroup in the Washington, D.C., office for the past 14 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The Catholic University of America in 1987.  He has more than 25 years of experience in electrical engineering design focusing on health care facilities, commercial buildings, laboratories, government facilities, and museums. Contact him at robert.pfaff@smithgroup.com.

Articles

ARTICLES

lightbulbs

Flip the Switch: Delicately Designing an Emergency Power System

Ionel Petrus
Ionel Petrus, P.E.
Kevin Andreone
Kevin Andreone
ES-Petrus-pfaff-900x550.jpg
Robert Pfaff, P.E.
May 17, 2023

In the event a generator fails to start or enter an overload condition, steps must be taken to selectively reduce the emergency load.


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HVAC workers

The Inclusive Job of Replacing Aging Chilled Water Systems

Phasing, harmonics, and controls are just a few of the design items that need to be considered early in the design process.
Ionel Petrus
Ionel Petrus, P.E.
ES-Petrus-pfaff-900x550.jpg
Robert Pfaff, P.E.
Melissa Lim
Melissa Lim
August 18, 2022

Phasing, harmonics, and controls are just a few of the design items that need to be considered early in the design process.


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Footnote 4

Motor Control Techniques: VFDs, ECMs, and More, Part 1

An in-depth look at induction motors with voltage/frequency controlled variable frequency drives, induction motors with vector-controlled VFDs, and electronically commutated motors.
Patrice Mulhern, P.E.
ES-Petrus-pfaff-900x550.jpg
Robert Pfaff, P.E.
Kevin Ricart
Kevin Ricart, P.E.
May 28, 2020

The topic of motors and motor control techniques is wide and varied. Part one of this two-part article will cover the principles of alternating-current (AC) motor operation and control.  


Read More
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