Paper for Issue

Design and Development of a Multi-Input Alternative Power Source for Emergency Purposes

Abstract

This research sought to develop and design a multi-input alternative power supply system specifically intended for emergency use in areas commonly plagued with power outages or unreliable grid connection. The system combined three easily available sources of energy inputs—solar photovoltaic panels, a hand-crank manual generator, and common utility power—into one system to provide continuous and controllable energy delivery under different environmental conditions. Following the engineering design process, the fabrication involved major steps including needs identification, conceptual and circuit design, component selection, system integration, prototyping, and performance testing. The prototype showed effective utilization of low-wattage critical devices like LED lighting units, portable electric fans, and mobile phone chargers. Performance testing indicated that solar input was best at maximum daylight exposure, which made it the primary source of power. The hand-crank mechanism, meanwhile, was a good and timely back-up, particularly during weather or nighttime operations when solar power was out of the question. Using a charge controller guaranteed controlled input and output flow and battery protection, with the inverter guaranteeing seamless voltage conversion of direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), contributing to overall system stability and utilization. Research shows that the application of a multi-input design significantly increases the performance and reliability of emergency power systems in disaster-risk or locationally remote communities. The technology serves not only the continuity of essential services in times of crises but also the local energy readiness and resilience through sustainable, low-cost technology. Such systems are portable to off-grid schools, emergency shelter, and community facilities and are in line with broader disaster risk reduction and sustainable development goals.

Development of an Instructional Manual in Electrical Installation and Maintenance for Enhancing Practical Competency in the TVL-Industrial Arts Track

Abstract

This study sought to create and pilot an instructional guide particularly for the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) module of the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) strand of Philippine senior high schools. According to the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) instructional design model, the guide sought to fill practice skills training gaps by offering systematic, competency-based learning activities that are commensurate with the Training Regulations of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for National Certificate II (NC II) certification. With a descriptive-developmental mixed-methods design, the research utilized the application of EIM teachers, industry professionals, and Department of Education site supervisors to assess the manual's content validity, instructional clarity, technical accuracy, and contextual appropriateness. Quantitative data were collected through a pretest-posttest control group design to assess the student performance outcomes, and qualitative data were collected through interviews and expert validation forms. Results showed a statistically significant difference between students' posttest scores taught with the manual and those taught with conventional instructional practices. Results confirmed the value of the manual in enhancing the practical skills, electrical schematic knowledge, and certification readiness of students. Expert reaction also attested to the practicability of the manual as a tool for standardizing instruction quality improvement and supporting the skills development agenda of the Philippine K–12 program. The study recommends the integration of digital and multimedia supplements, continuous feedback among teachers and students, and targeted in-service training of teachers for maximum utilization of the manual. These enhancements are considered highly important in its mass utilization and its regular updating to evolving industry demands, thereby improving students' employability and workforce preparedness in the electrical and construction sectors.

Integrating Simulation-Based Instruction in Industrial Motor Control: Development and Evaluation of a CADe-SIMU-Enhanced Laboratory Manual

Abstract

This development research sought to design, develop, and pilot test an instructional lab manual in Industrial Motor Control with CADe-SIMU simulation software to improve technical capabilities among electrical and industrial engineering students. Based on Kolb's experiential learning cycle and Kühn's simulation model, and designed through the ADDIE model, the manual was organized into 23 sequenced skill-based activities from simple circuit design to sophisticated motor control applications. It was a mix of theory foundation, safety guidelines, simulation walkthroughs, and performance rubrics for blended and face-to-face teaching. The manual was piloted by 30 purposively selected respondents including students, technical faculty, and curriculum specialists, with an adapted WVSU-ODI-SOI evaluation tool. Results were extremely high acceptability in all six dimensions of evaluation—material content (M = 3.68), instructional quality (M = 3.72), technical quality (M = 3.74), presentation and organization (M = 3.79), accuracy and up-to-datedness (M = 3.73), and assessment alignment (M = 3.81). Feedback stressed the effectiveness of the manual in bridging theory and practice learning gaps, though recommendations are rubric refinement, visual enhancement, and compatibility with more simulation software types. The results affirm the pedagogical soundness, technical validity, and contextual relevance of the manual, providing a scalable and outcomes-based solution to address laboratory constraints in industrial motor control teaching.