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40 PSME: The Product Exhibition
December 17th, 2023, dawned with a clear sky, casting a soft glow over the city as Michael gazed out the window. His eyes fixed on the imposing structure of the SMX Convention Center, today's battleground for the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) competition. A pivotal moment, not just for the prestige it held within the engineering community, but as a personal challenge he had set for himself—to win without the aid of his mysterious system.
The car came to a gentle stop at the curb outside the SMX Convention Center. Outside, there was a huge line of people, mostly students, wanting to get in. "That would be 789 pesos," the Grab driver said. Michael grabbed his wallet from the bag and extracted a few crisp bills to cover the fare.
"Here's 800 pesos, keep the change," Michael said, handing the money over to the Grab driver with a nod of appreciation.
"Thank you, sir. Do you need help with anything from the trunk?" the driver offered, already pressing the button to pop it open.
"Yes, please," Michael replied, stepping out of the vehicle as the driver walked around to assist him.
The driver lifted the trunk lid, revealing Michael's things, which was a box that contained his high-efficiency solar panel. He carefully pulled it out, handing it over to Michael with a courteous smile.
"Good luck with your competition, sir," the driver said, having caught on to the nature of Michael's visit to the convention center.
"Thanks, I might need it," Michael responded, offering the driver a final nod before turning to face the entrance of the SMX Convention Center.
The line to get in had grown even longer, but Michael simply headed to the main entrance, where he was stopped by the guards. "I'm a participant," Michael said, showing him a special ID that hung around his neck, identifying him as a competitor in the PSME competition. The guard glanced at the ID, then nodded, allowing Michael to bypass the long queue and enter the convention center directly.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the energy of hundreds of students and professionals gathered for the event. Michael navigated through the crowd, his box in tow, making his way to the designated area for participants to set up their projects.
Upon finding his assigned spot, Michael set down his box and began to unpack the components of his high-efficiency solar panel.
The exhibition will last for five hours, and after that, the main event, the quiz competition will commence. Michael worked diligently to set up his display, making sure every part of his solar panel was perfectly positioned for maximum visibility and impact. He knew that the visual appeal of his project could be just as important as its technical merits in catching the judges' and attendees' attention.
As he finalized his setup, Michael took a moment to survey the competition. The convention center was filled with innovative projects ranging from sustainable energy solutions to advanced robotics, each representing the cutting edge of mechanical engineering.
As the hours passed, the exhibition drew a significant crowd. Michael found himself explaining his project to interested attendees. How current commercial solar panels only have an efficiency of 15 to 25 percent while solar panel has over 60 percent. That claim managed to gather the attention of more students to the point the judges noticed. The buzz around Michael's project was hard to ignore, and soon, a group of three judges made their way toward him. Among them was a man Michael recognized instantly from the nameplate: Francis Peralta, CEO of Solar Dynamics Corporation. The other two judges introduced themselves as Dr. Elena Ramirez, a professor of Renewable Energy Technologies at the University of the Philippines, and Engr. Marco Liu is a distinguished inventor known for his work in green technology innovations.
The tension between Michael and Peralta was palpable, yet both men did their utmost to maintain a professional demeanor. "Mr. Reyes, your project has generated quite a buzz today," Dr. Ramirez began, her tone inquisitive yet encouraging. "Could you walk us through the technology and the innovation behind your high-efficiency solar panel?"
As Michael launched into an explanation of his solar panel's design, its unique materials, and the innovative processes that allowed for such a high-efficiency rate, he could feel Peralta's skeptical gaze on him. Despite the CEO's doubt, Michael spoke with confidence, supported by the rigorous testing and calculations he had performed.
Engr. Liu, clearly intrigued, asked several technical questions, to which Michael provided detailed answers. The exchange was technical and focused, with Engr. Liu nodded appreciatively at Michael's in-depth understanding of the challenges and solutions in increasing solar panel efficiency.
Finally, it was Peralta's turn to speak. "Your claims are ambitious, Mr. Reyes. We've seen many promising technologies fail to live up to their potential. What makes your solar panel different?"
Michael met Peralta's gaze, aware of the history between them but resolved not to let it affect his response. "The difference lies in the approach and the commitment to overcoming those very challenges you mentioned, Mr. Peralta. Unlike previous attempts, my design addresses the inefficiencies at their root, backed by empirical data and a clear understanding of solar energy capture and conversion."
The conversation continued, with Michael answering further questions and demonstrating parts of his solar panel to the judges. "Well…this invention looks promising, invented by a Filipino mechanical engineering student, the media would do anything just to have an exclusive interview with you."
17:51
"I was hoping for that to happen," Michael chuckled. Media is a powerful tool for him to share his invention with everyone, where he can tell that this solar panel was his invention and no one would claim it.
"Seriously, your product is truly revolutionary. A solar panel with 60 percent efficiency, you could even ask Mr. Peralta the CEO of the Solar Dynamics Corporation that makes solar panels." "Yeah…actually we tested his solar panel in our laboratory and my engineers told me that the solar panels were not really that high in efficiency," Peralta said, his tone dripping with skepticism. "In fact, it was deemed to not meet our standards for innovation or efficiency."
"Maybe you are just afraid that if I were to introduce this in the market, you would lose your customers because who would stay for a solar panel that only has 15 to 25 percent efficiency when there is one available that offers double that efficiency at a cheaper price."
Engr. Liu and Dr. Elena glanced between Michael and Peralta.
"Do you know each other?" "Yes…in fact…one of his engineers, engineer. Benico was amazed that my solar panel could reach that high in efficiency, of course, he tested it himself. I don't know why engineer Benico decided conveniently that my solar panel was fake. Some company shady business practices, perhaps?" Michael let the question hang, his tone suggesting more than he said outright.
Peralta's face tightened, the professional veneer beginning to crack. "Watch your words, Mr. Reyes. Accusations without proof can be considered slanderous."
"I could say the same thing to you, accusing me of being fake when the test speaks for itself," Michael retorted. Perhaps the real issue here isn't about the validity of my technology but the fear of its implications. My suspicion is that there might be an attempt to reverse engineer my solar panel, claiming it's fake to buy time. However, even with the best efforts, it's not possible to replicate because the technology and manufacturing processes I've developed are unique and ahead of what's currently available."
Peralta's eyebrows knitted together in a frown, clearly not expecting this level of confrontation. "Mr. Reyes, you're treading on thin ice with such accusations. Our company prides itself on ethical practices and innovation. Suggesting that we'd engage in intellectual theft is a serious allegation."
Michael remained unphased, "And yet, dismissing my solar panel without a transparent and fair evaluation raises questions about those ethical practices. If Solar Dynamics is truly committed to innovation, then I welcome a joint investigation into these claims. Let's bring in a neutral third party to verify the efficiency of my solar panel and review the testing process it underwent at your facility."
Dr. Ramirez, sensing the growing tension, interjected, "Gentlemen, this isn't the place for such disputes. The PSME competition is about celebrating innovation and the bright minds of our industry, not conflict. I propose we table this discussion and focus on the achievements being showcased today."
Engr. Liu nodded in agreement, "I concur with Dr. Ramirez. However, Mr. Reyes's proposal for a third-party evaluation is a reasonable request."
"Oh don't bother, because I will not entertain," Peralta said before walking out.
"See that?" Michael said. "If my solar panel was fake, he would have stayed."