Post #1

Dates: 6/13/11 - 6/15/11

Activities: Learn how to use UNIX, and program in Python

Technical Information: Bash (UNIX Shell), C/C++, Python, Linux, TEMOA, Graphviz

Reflection: This week I began my internship at NC State and learned how to use "Bash" which is a "UNIX Shell" (Command line interpreter). Bash is a command processor that is typically run in a text window, allowing the user to type commands which causes actions (i.e. opening files, creating files, executing programs). I was given a laptop with a Fedora (Linux) Operating System. Most of my work will be done using this system.


(This is what shows up on my command prompt (Bash) when I log into the server. Click for larger image)

In addition to learning how to use "Bash", I was introduced to the TEMOA Project, which is what I will be working on for the majority of my internship. TEMOA is and acronym for "Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis." In order to work on this project I need to learn Python (a general purpose high-level programming language), and Graphviz (short for Graph Visualization Software, and a fairly easy to understand language). I will be working with another graduate student, Aishwarya, to figure out how to make easily readable graphs from a set of data.

My mentors, Kevin and Sarat (also working on the TEMOA Project), have been great teachers and will continue to be. Without them it probably would have taken a month for me to acquire all the information I've learned this week. Kevin said to me, "Your learning curve this week is not vertical, 'cause that's impossible, but it's almost!"



The main purpose of the TEMOA Project is provide future insight about energy policies (uses of different energy resources such as coal, wind, nuclear, etc.) and technology deployment (such as heating, lighting, transportation, etc.). This is important as over the next few decades climate change and how we use our energy resources will determine changes in the global supply, transport, and use of energy. TEMOA is an open-source model that anyone, who is interested, can view the source code and run it. Stanford also has energy system models that anyone can view, but the underlying code is not viewable, which means the user cannot see how the underlying equations and data lead to specific outcomes. More specific information about the project can be found at: http://www.temoaproject.org/about/