Eighteen final-year students and instructors from Vicenza Technical High School (Istituto Tecnico "Rossi") were hosted at Caserma Del Din June 7 to learn more about energy-efficient features implemented by U.S. Army Garrison Italy at one of the newest and greenest bases Armywide.
"We came because the Del Din base is a technical excellence in the field of energy-saving technology, and we couldn't miss the opportunity for a visit and share this wealth of knowledge with our students," said Luca Pietrobelli, Rossi electro-technics teacher.
Aged between 22 and 50, the adult students attend an evening class program to pursue a high school diploma. The class will graduate this summer after final exams in July, its members leaving school with a professional certification that will make them more marketable.
"I was really impressed with their determination to continue their education. Despite daily work schedules and family commitments, they manage to find the energy needed to attend class in the evenings and prepare for higher education," said Marco Bellot, Operations and Maintenance division chief, who led the training exchange for the Directorate of Public Works. "I think this is because they are at a point in life when they realize the importance of education and its related benefits."
Bellot, a mechanical engineer who followed construction of the new base when it was still a sketch on paper, welcomed the group from atop one of the base's two parking garages. Offering a bird's-eye view of the entire installation, Bellot provided an overview of the project and explained the key infrastructure features of Del Din, with an emphasis on the electro-mechanical systems that keep the base up and running.
Students learned how design and organization of the base was planned to support the Army's mission here as well as living conditions and the well-being of the Soldiers who work and reside on post.
The highlight of their visit was a tour of the Central Energy Power. Pleased with the opportunity to support training with future electro-technician colleagues, Thomas Raffaello, O&M chief technician, engaged the group in a discussion about how the CEP has the potential to make the base self-sufficient and, in fact, produce more energy than the base needs.
A firsthand overview of the high-tension distribution system and the connection of the three co-co-generators and photovoltaic panels to the internal grid added to the students' learning experience. "There is no other multi-section photovoltaic 4MWp system connected in low tension that can work both connected to the city grid and independently," said Raffaello, explaining how USAG Italy is at the forefront of energy-saving technology in the world.
Raffaello said he was impressed by the students' questions and genuine eagerness to know more about the modern electrical systems adopted by the Army.
"I have been working for the garrison for more than fifteen years and my piece of advice to the students is that without technical knowledge and a desire to learn more, one cannot solve any problems and, at the same time, remain credible and trustworthy with other people."
The visit continued with a deep dive into the CEP's highly automated control room.
"I was grateful for the opportunity to show students "the brain of Del Din and how it works," said Mauro Martini, a mechanical engineer who said he happily moved from Camp Darby to Vicenza to come and supervise what he considers "a fantastic toy and a scientist's dream come true." Martini is in charge of the systems that control hot, cold and energy production and its distribution to users throughout the base.
"I believe our presentations gave students, and teachers as well, the opportunity to get to know firsthand the practical application of their area of study across different electro-technical disciplines," Martini said, adding that he trusts the visit succeeded in planting seeds that will produce great results with the future technicians.
Greatly appreciative of the warm welcome received by the O&M division staff, Maurizio Colombara, also a teacher from Rossi, said his class was impressed by the facility and the technicians' ability to apply coded standards in analyzing and solving problems.
"It was really interesting to see the thinking process behind designing an electric system," said Gallo Luigi, one of the students.
Classmate Matteo Piccolo echoed the sentiment. "Above all, I appreciated the time and practical lessons they shared with us."
Asked about the most important message he hoped the students took away from the experience, Bellot said," We certainly wanted to make sure that they understand how it is key to implement procedures and technical devices that help optimize the energy production. We also stressed the importance of safety of the worksite and of its operators."
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