|
APWA City Branch and Chicago Department of Water Management In Person PDH Talk
|
In-Person PDH Event at Jardine WPP
1000 East Ohio Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Tuesday, May 12th
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Please allow time for security check-in at the Plant Main Gate
REGISTRATION IS NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE MEETING MUST BE REGISTERED BY 5/8/2026
Topic Summary: Switchgear Explained: The Backbone of Electrical Systems
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of switchgear systems and their critical role in electrical infrastructure. The session is designed to build a foundational understanding of how switchgear operates, beginning with key electrical engineering principles and progressing into real-world system applications, configurations, and maintenance considerations.
Speakers:
Brian R. Goldman, PE, BCEE, ENV SP – President, Principal – GWV Engineers, Inc.
Michael L. Wagner, PE, ACEP (PhD Candidate) – Vice President, Principal – GWV Engineers, Inc.
The session will focus on the following key areas:
• Fundamental electrical concepts, including Kirchhoff’s Laws, power, and energy, to establish a mathematical understanding of system behavior.
• An overview of switchgear components and how they function together to control, protect, and isolate electrical systems.
• Operational characteristics of switchgear, including system performance, load distribution, and fault response.
• Common switchgear terminology and how it applies to design, operation, and communication across engineering teams.
• Typical switchgear configurations, including main and tie breaker arrangements, bus sections, and system layouts used to achieve redundancy and reliability.
• Maintenance considerations and best practices to support long-term system performance, safety, and operational flexibility.
GWV Engineers, Inc. is a leading engineering consulting firm specializing in power systems, utility infrastructure, and industrial solutions, delivering innovative engineering services to address complex challenges faced by utilities, municipalities, and industrial clients. With decades of experience, GWV provides expert design, analysis, and project management services that improve system reliability, operational efficiency, and long-term performance.
GWV’s client-focused approach combines technical expertise with practical solutions, supporting sustainable infrastructure development and resilient energy systems. Their high-quality engineering services span electrical power distribution, water and wastewater systems, renewable energy integration, and industrial facility support, helping build and maintain critical infrastructure across communities and industries.
Speakers’ Bio:
Brian R. Goldman, P.E., BCEE, ENV SP is a senior electrical engineer and executive leader with over 25 years of experience delivering complex electrical engineering solutions across water, wastewater, municipal, governmental, utility, and industrial systems. He specializes in electrical system planning, design, and project execution, guiding projects from concept through commissioning while focusing on reliability, redundancy, safety, and maintainability providing client value. Brian is known for translating complex electrical challenges into practical, forward-thinking solutions that support long-term system resilience and operational success.
Michael L. Wagner, P.E., ASEP(PhD Candidate) is a senior electrical engineer with over a decade of specialized experience in power systems, electrical infrastructure, and industrial applications. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, his work focuses on identifying and mitigating electrical system inefficiencies to improve performance and reliability. He brings a unique blend of advanced analytical insight and hands-on field experience, enabling him to bridge theory and real-world application in complex electrical environments.
JEP Talks are unique opportunities to earn one free PDH while networking with peers during the lunch hour! Each month, a new topic and expert speaker will be offered covering an important industry issue.
No cost to attend in the spirit of collaboration among the following professional societies: APWA City Branch, ISPE, and the City of Chicago.
Due to JWPP security protocols, you MUST be registered by Wednesday, May 8th at noon. You must bring a State Issued I.D. to gain entry into the Jardine Facility. Talks start promptly at noon, so please arrive 15 minutes before to account for getting through security.
Presentation starts promptly at noon. Food will be provided.