James Sapielak

About Me

Hi, I’m James, an Electrical Engineer-in-Training with a passion for new technology and creative problem-solving. I worked in the solar industry for 2 years designing systems and helping clients bring clean energy projects to life. I graduated from UBCO with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering and also spent time at Unity Technologies as a QA Analyst Co-op student, where I developed a strong eye for detail and a love for hardware/software integrations.

In my spare time, I enjoy coding mobile apps—my latest project, SoliScore, helps analyze solar shading—and tinkering with microcontrollers to build motors and other gadgets. Outside of engineering, I love playing chess, hiking, running, going to the gym, and countless other outdoor activities.

My Projects

Take a look at some of the projects I've done in the past.

SoliScore - Shade Analysis App

SoliScore is a solar shade analysis app I developed that combines augmented reality and image processing (using OpenCV) to evaluate solar potential at a site. The app captures 360° images and analyzes shading patterns to calculate a percent solar access score, helping users quickly assess how much sunlight a location receives throughout the year.

SoliScore is now available on the App Store, if you'd like to give it a try, there is a 30-day free trial option provided in the App.

Feel free to checkout the website I put together for SoliScore as well: https://www.soliscore.app/

I've put some screenshots below to give some idea of what the app looks like and how it functions.

3D-Printed Brushless DC Motors

I designed and built custom 3D-printed brushless DC motors, starting with an axial flux configuration developed for a university project. After completing the course, I created an upgraded version to refine the design and improve performance, exploring different winding techniques, magnet arrangements, and control methods.

Below are a few photos I still have that show the DC motors, 3D models, stator windings, and custom Lithium Battery pack built to operate the motors.

Brushless DC Motor Controller Development

As a personal project, I began developing a custom motor controller for my brushless DC motors. I designed a phase detection system using Hall effect sensors to determine rotor position and timing, enabling proper commutation and control of the motor’s operation. This project deepened my understanding of motor control electronics, sensor integration, and real-time signal processing.

Below are a few photos I still have that show the circuitry for this Hall effect sensor setup and a test setup I made to confirm each 6 required Hall Effect sensor positions would be recognized. Each position is indicated by an specific LED corresponding to each particular 'mode'.

Other Projects

I’ve worked on a variety of personal projects that I haven’t captured in photos, but I’d be happy to share more details to anyone who is interested. Here’s a list of some highlights:

Arduino/ESP32 Bluetooth controlled hovercraft with 3-Dimensional electromagnetic payload dispenser
Coded a poker hand simulator (written in python) - to test and calculate percent chance of winning specific hands
Coded and published a social networking app for people moving to new cities (Worked in a small development team of 3)
Coded an EV calculator/simulation for a 'profitable' betting strategy (written in python)
Building custom Lithium Ion Battery packs

Explore my World

Hobbies

Working Out

Working out has become a big part of my routine. It helps me clear my head, stay disciplined, and push my limits a little further each time. I enjoy the challenge and consistency it brings. I’ve also found it increases my mental health and progress in the gym often translates to progress in other areas of my life too.

Chess

I first learned to play chess when I was young but stopped for a long time. Recently, I picked it back up and have been hooked again — it’s the perfect mix of strategy and creativity.

If you’d like to play, add me on Chess.com @RayTaheri.

Hiking

Hiking has always been one of my favorite ways to reset and explore. I love getting outdoors, finding new trails, and taking in views that make the climb worth it. If you've got any recommendations, send them my way.

Video Games

I’ve always loved playing video games. Some of my most played are CSGO, Minecraft, and League of Legends. Whether it’s strategizing with teammates or just hanging out with friends online, gaming has always been a fun way to unwind and stay connected.

Sports

I’ve always been passionate about sports. Both playing and watching. My favourites are hockey, rugby, spikeball, volleyball. But I enjoy playing pretty much anything else I can get involved in. I love the energy, competition, and teamwork that come with every game. Plus it’s one of the best ways I’ve found to stay active and connect with others.

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