Tips on Learning Electrical Power

[hussein1983]

Hi There,

I need someone to talk to about how and what are the steps to take in achieving good understanding with regards to Electrical Power i.e. what are the basic steps to take in order to understand such a topic. Your help will be greatly appreciated....

 

[itsmoked]

Four years of college.

Or work for a utility as a lineman.

Or read everything your can find on the subject.

There are no magic bullets.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[hussein1983]

Thank you for your reply, I am well equipped I have already done courses in Electrical Power, but it seems to be I don’t know where to start off from. Can I ask how you did you started off your career in this field i.e. what are the basic stuff that you’ve learned and thought that this will be useful to your career.

My situation I’ve learned so many things that I don’t know how to interconnect them all….

 

[rbulsara]

What courses have you done? Name them so we know what you might know.

 

[rmw]

I started off my career slapping oil guns in and out of a power boiler courtesy of our rich uncle. Then I took the courses about power engineering, etc. A lot of them made much more sense with the "hands on" experience.

rmw

 

[hussein1983]

Electrical Machines and Power Electronics
Electrical Plant (Mainly about Transfromers)
Power System
Electrical Energy and Drives


These what i have done so far.....

 

[marks1080]

Consider the level of knowledge you want. If you want theory do an engineering degree. If you want practical knowledge do a techincal diploma. Right now, the diploma will probably make you more money.

Most importantly, when you finnish your schooling, take a field job for atleast 5 years.

 

[hussein1983]

Thank you Mark,

Let me get to the point. Lets start with Transformer: what would be the basic things that i should now about transformer if you are working for utility company i.e. in the UK you National Grid (Transmission) or EDF (Distributor)

 

[OpenCT]

"itsmoked (Electrical)
29 Jul 08 5:23
Four years of college.

Or work for a utility as a lineman.

Or read everything your can find on the subject.

There are no magic bullets."

The last thing I would do to learn about electrical systems, is to become a lineman. If you really want to learn the practical, and theoretical aspects, work as a relay technician.

 

[itsmoked]

Welcome to Eng-Tips OpenCT.

Thanks for participating.

How about a brief description of a Relay Technician's job.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[MotorVib]

EASA has a class that might help. I did not take it but the teacher was a co-worker of my and I learn a lot working with him.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson

 

[OpenCT]

Thanks for the welcome itsmoked! I'm pretty sure that job responsibilities will vary from utility to utility, but here's the general idea. A relay tech is responsible for testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective systems of transmission, and distribution circuits. I can't think of another job in the electric industry that requires as much theory tied in with field work.
Bri

 

[marks1080]

It's really the luck of the draw when it comes to what specific aspects of the industry you learn at any given point.

You mention learning about transformers... I was fortunate enough to be given the job of writing the commissioning procedures for a single phase 230/735kV 333MVA XFMR during one of my university work terms... I learned so much about transformers on that job, But I am also aware, and reminded everyday, how much I have left to learn on the subject.

Thenature of this business is that after your schooling it takes minimum 5 years experience to really start to get your head around things. That is why engineers are the lowest paid professionals out there when they start their careers. If you are willing to put the time and effort in during your first 5 - 10 years however your pay will reflect that.


Back to the transformer example... If you wanted, you could read everything published by IEEE on the subject (may take you a while), But it is my opinion that you need field experience to truely understand the entire picture of whats going on.

If you are serious about this industry, realise it takes time to become an 'expert'... your alternative could also be work for 2 years as an engineer and try to get into managment (shudder)

Hope i didn't turn you away



Also - read these forums, I browes them regularly just to see what some of these very knowledgable people are talking about.

 

[rockman7892]

I am about 3 years removed from my undergraduate EE degree. I agree with Marks1080 in that I am still learning every day and trying to get my head around things. I still have a lot left to learn but the overall picture is starting to become more clear everyday. I dont think enough can be said about field experience. Theory is one thing, but seeing actual real world applications helps tie it all together.

I've also learned a great deal just from participating in this forumn. By posting questions pertaining to real world examples, I think I have learned more on this forumn than I did in my 4 years of college.

This forumn is great and I appreciate everyones help!