Profession geothermal power plant operator
Geothermal power plant operators operate and maintain equipment, often steam-driven turbines, which produce electrical energy. They monitor measuring equipment to ensure the safety of operations, and that the production needs are met. They also react to system problems, and repair faults. They may regulate the generators to control the flow of electricity to the power lines.
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Personality Type
- Enterprising / Realistic
- Realistic / Conventional
- Realistic / Investigative
Knowledge
- Electric current
Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.
- Electrical power safety regulations
The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.
- Geothermal power generation methods
Different ways to extract the thermal energy stored in the earth in order to produce electricity by extracting steam to activate turbines, by extracting hot water and converting it into steam, or by using a binary system that transforms a secondary liquid into steam.
- Electricity
Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
- Geothermal power plant operations
The different steps in the production of electricity from geothermal energy and the function of all the components of the required equipment such as pumps, compressors, heat exchangers and turbines.
- Thermodynamics
The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..
- Electric generators
The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
Skills
- Regulate steam pressure
Regulate steam pressure and temperatures according to specifications.
- Apply health and safety standards
Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
- Monitor electric generators
Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
- Monitor valves
Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.
- Operate steam turbine
Operate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring the equipment during operations.
- Maintain electrical equipment
Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
- Control steam flows
Admit steam through lines or fuel to furnace to heat drier.