Freelancer.com, a leading platform for freelance work, has partnered with NASA to launch several innovative challenges aimed at solving complex problems and advancing technological capabilities. These challenges, which are open to the public, offer significant rewards and opportunities for participants to showcase their skills and contribute to groundbreaking projects. This is the "AMPS Challenge":
The Automated Maintenance of Protection Systems (AMPS) Challenge, launched by Freelancer in partnership with Arrow Electronics and sponsored by the Bureau of Reclamation, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the reliability of hydropower facilities in the United States. This challenge seeks innovative solutions to automate the testing of existing protection systems at hydropower facilities while the equipment is online, thereby enhancing safety and reducing downtime.
The Need for Automation
The 2003 Northeast blackout, which affected over 50 million people, highlighted the critical need for robust testing protocols to prevent similar power outages. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) developed a comprehensive list of testing protocols to ensure the reliability of electrical protection systems. However, these protocols are labor-intensive and often require hydropower plants to be offline, leading to significant downtime and economic losses.
The AMPS Challenge
The AMPS Challenge is designed to address these challenges by inviting innovators and engineers from around the world to propose solutions that automate the testing of protection systems. The challenge is divided into two phases, each with its own set of objectives and prizes.
Phase 1: White Paper Challenge
The first phase of the AMPS Challenge focuses on creating whitepapers that outline innovative tools to improve the safety and reliability of power systems. Participants are required to submit detailed descriptions of their proposed solutions, highlighting how these tools can automate the testing process without requiring plants to be offline. Up to 10 entries will be awarded $10,000 each and will move on to Phase 2.
Phase 2: Prototype Challenge
In Phase 2, the selected teams will develop lab prototypes for demonstration and functional testing. These prototypes will be evaluated based on their ability to automate the testing process, ensuring that the plants remain online. The best prototype will be awarded up to $100,000, and additional prizes of up to $10,000 will be given for prototypes that excel in specific benchmarks. The testing will be conducted in the Denver area, providing a real-world environment for the prototypes to be evaluated.
Benefits of Participation
By participating in the AMPS Challenge, individuals and teams can gain several benefits:
- Prize Money: The total prize pool for the challenge is $250,000, with significant awards for the best solutions.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Participants can collaborate with the Bureau of Reclamation and other U.S. government agencies, potentially leading to Cooperative Research and Development Agreements.
- Portfolio Enhancement: Winning entries will enhance the participants' portfolios on Freelancer.com, increasing their visibility and credibility.
- Commercialization: Solutions developed during the challenge can be commercialized nationally or globally, regardless of the contest outcome.
- Technical Support: Participants may receive support from Arrow Electronics’ local field engineering teams to help build their prototypes using components sourced through Arrow at the lowest available pricing.
- Field Testing: The best prototypes will be presented to Reclamation and their partners at a testing facility in the Denver area.
The Bureau of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation is the largest wholesaler of water in the United States, serving more than 31 million people in the western regions. It operates 53 hydroelectric power plants, producing over 40 billion kilowatt-hours annually, making it the second-largest producer of hydroelectric power in the U.S. The Bureau's numerous programs, initiatives, and activities help the Western States, Native American Tribes, and others meet new water needs, ensuring sustainable water management and environmental health.
Conclusion
The AMPS Challenge is a unique opportunity for innovators and engineers to make a significant impact on large-scale infrastructure. By automating the testing of protection systems, participants can enhance the reliability and safety of hydropower facilities, contributing to the efficient management of water and related resources. The challenge's two-phase structure, substantial prize pool, and collaboration opportunities make it an attractive platform for those interested in advancing the field of power system reliability and automation.
