Transition from Detailed Engineering to Upstream Engineering 1

[nogienugz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm working in a design engineering firm (EPC) as an electrical engineer for more or less 4 years now. But my work only involved detailed engineering (layouts, typical installations, estimation,etc.). I really like to be exposed in upstream engineering job but my employer does not do such scope of work.

What would be the most appropriate steps to expose myself in to upstream engineering(short ckt. calculations, load flow studies, etc)? Do I need to get into post graduate studies and study power systems? Is there some companies that hire engineers coming from my background and train them in upstream engineering?

Thanks,

 

[magoo2]

I'd find out who in your company does the short circuit and load flow studies. They find out what software they use. Most software companies have training classes, so I'd put in for one or more of those to help you develop the background for where you want to go.

There are also some university courses dealing with load flow and short circuit studies, but I think you'll find them too generic and less hands-on than a course from a software vendor. It will still be useful to you at this stage because it will provide more information than you have right now.

 

[dpc]

If you haven't had a course in power system analysis, including symmetrical components, I'd recommend getting that training, somehow.

There are training courses on power system analysis - I'd see if I could get the company to send you to one.

 

[nogienugz]

Magoo2, Dpc,

There is only one person who does power system analysis in our department---our part time consultant. He actually held a 6 week seminar in power systems which I attended and got me a certificate.
But since, I did not have any hands-on and did not have any projects involving this kind of scope, I'm afraid I had already forgotten most of what I learned from there.
Anyway, thank you very much for you suggestions.

Cheers to you both,

 

[magoo2]

What software does your consultant/co-worker use? Since he's given you some exposure to power system analysis, I'd next try to learn how the use the software that is available to you. I'm assuming he didn't cover any of that in his seminar material.

Many software vendors offer hands-on training to walk you through the process of how to run their load flow and short circuit programs. They may even have on-line training or downloads available.

 

[nogienugz]

Magoo2,

Our consultant uses ETAP and just like what you just said, he wasn't able to give us a chance to have a hands-on in the ETAP software nor gave us a walk through on how to use it. He only discussed the purpose of it.

About the training or hands-on from the software vendors, I'm already doing my research on their websites.

Another friend of mine who's into power systems had told me that for a start, if one of our projects would involve the "electrical load list" deliverable, I should try to express my intention to be in charge of it. He said that handling the Electrical Load list is another place to start.

Then, he also suggested that if I'm willing to explore, I should try looking for a company that do upstream engineering. The transition would be slow, since they will hire me not because I can do upstream work but because I can do detailing work. He added that, the important things is, I could get exposure along the way.

Best regards,

 

[ehanes75]

Hi,

I work in the Transmission Planning Dept of a large utility and two of my colleagues were previously employed in "detail engineering". They can both run load flow studies, transient stability studies, etc. as well as any of the other engineers.

The transition may be a challenge but it's not impossible. Btw, my company is hiring

Gene

 

[nogienugz]

Gene,

Hi Gene, thanks for your reply (and invitation Ü), I very much appreciate that. 'Got excited upon reading your reply, Ü
Btw, from what detailed engineering background were you friends from? Were they from a utility company too? My experience is in oil and gas, Preparation of technical reports and drawing layouts, (grounding, lighting, power, and telecom).
Got jitters when I read this ==> "The transition may be a challenge", Ü

Lheo

 

[ehanes75]

Lheo,

Both of my colleagues worked for consulting companies doing electrical layouts for commercial buildings. One had 10 years of experience doing that before joining my company. The other fellow had about 2 years of experiance.

My current job requires excellent technical writing skills and also presentations of technical results at meetings, etc. Most of the technical work involves powerflow studies using the GE PSLF program. This is my first job out of school and I am approaching 7 years of experience. I did not have a power background in school. I have learned most of what I know on the job.

In terms of getting the jitters: Anything worth doing will be challenging!

The employer is large with >20k employees. There are many different engineering positions from substaion design, automation, telecom, info tech, etc

Gene

 

[nogienugz]

Gene,

I think we should discuss this topic in other sites. Since, we can't post any personal infos on this forum, do you have any personal website that I could visit? Or could you suggest how can we further discuss this topic?

Thanks,

Lheo