Dedrick Cooper is an electrical engineer with over a decade of hands-on experience maximizing productivity and efficiency through designing, maintaining, repairing, and upgrading alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) systems. His expertise extends to solar power installations, generators, batteries, lighting, and automation technologies. Dedrick brings extensive knowledge in heavy-duty vehicle system repairs and replacements, preventative maintenance, and inspections.
What do you find most rewarding about the work that you do?
The dynamic nature of the job makes it incredibly rewarding and keeps the mind constantly engaged. With evolving priorities and daily technological advancements, it requires a strong hunger for continuous learning to stay on top. In my opinion, this is a great benefit, as knowledge truly is power. Having the opportunity to acquire new skills while immediately applying them not only enhances understanding but also ensures better retention, making every day an opportunity for growth.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently managing a range of remediation projects, each at different stages of completion. One project is still in the design phase, with construction yet to begin. Two other sites are in the upgrade phase, having been completed in the past but now requiring enhancements to meet the demands of their tasks. Another site is in the ongoing maintenance phase, where we are performing preventive maintenance services, thermal imaging, and implementing new technology to automate daily operations.
I’m also working on several design-phase projects. These involve everything from wiring layouts to 3D CAD modeling, as well as designing, installing, and commissioning solar power systems. My responsibilities also include conducting engineering audits to identify weaknesses in current system designs, programming, or updates. From there, I provide recommendations to enhance safety and improve productivity. Additionally, I handle programmable logic controller (PLC) programming updates to optimize system functionality.
Some projects are currently on hold or awaiting completion. These include the designing of Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliant lockout/tagout policies, serving as a subject matter expert in a Unites States Environmental Protection Agency legal battle, performing ARC flash analyses, and conducting energy audits.
You mentioned ongoing maintenance; how can our clients benefit from this service/particular innovation?
Preventative maintenance has become a key focus for many clients, particularly in areas like energy data logging, thermal imaging, and the growing interest in vibration analysis. These measures can reduce downtime, predict component failure, and increase reliability. Often, when one component fails, it will damage other components along with it. Here are a few examples:
- A motor’s front bearing failure can damage the pump impellers
- A mill head bearing overheating can gall the precision ground spindle shaft (very expensive repair)
- An air compressor pump bearing failure can damage the valves and pistons
3D CAD has also been in high demand for many companies due to its ability to reduce installation time and enhance precision. With the flexibility to rotate models and extract accurate measurements, 3D CAD enables streamlined design processes. For example, we were able to design a system in Australia without even stepping foot on site. Additionally, these designs can function as active models and moving simulations for flow or mechanical mass measurements. Using 3D modeling on the electrical side also reduces mistakes and install time. A cabinet was recently installed in under two days with very minor changes on the final startup despite not having any drawings or diagrams for the existing infrastructure.
Engineering audits and PLC updates are essential for ensuring that companies align with modern safety standards and regulations. While a company’s operations may remain constant, the standards and regulations governing them are often changing. Smaller companies, in particular, may struggle to keep up without dedicated staff to monitor and implement these changes. Many of those companies do not realize the technological improvements that are available to help them stay in compliance and increase employee safety. Simply relying on the “we’ve always done it this way” approach is not something the government agencies take into consideration.
The EHS Support solar team has seen significant growth as team members have the opportunity to take on roles that spark their excitement and curiosity. The progress from our first site to the most recent really is impressive. While I’ve been busy with other projects and primarily involved in conducting final checks, the team has independently driven this improvement and they’ve done an outstanding job! I’ll leave it to them to share more about their achievements (perhaps at the upcoming company meeting).
What is a little-known fact about you?
I was raised on a farm in a very old school, traditional household. Air conditioning wasn’t a luxury we had, and heating our home meant chopping wood for the stove. Those early experiences left a lasting impact on me and shaped the values I carry to this day. For instance, I still make it a point to hold every door open for my wife. It is wild to consider the vast comparison between the low-tech place from which I started to the work I do today.
What advice do you have for recent graduates?
Do not expect learning to end at school. The smartest people in their respective fields continue to learn well into retirement. “Knowledge is power” was my mother’s greatest advice to me, and I pass that on to you.
