Profession power distribution engineer

Power distribution engineers design and operate facilities which distribute power from the distribution facility to the consumers. They research methods for the optimisation of power distribution, and ensure the consumers' needs are met. They also ensure compliance to safety regulations by monitoring the automated processes in plants and directing workflow.

Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic

Knowledge

• Energy

  Power capacity in the form of mechanical, electrical, heat, potential, or other energy from chemical or physical resources, which can be used to drive a physical system.

• Engineering processes

  The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

• Electrical discharge

  Tthe qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.

• Electricity consumption

  The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made more efficient.

• Power engineering

  Subdiscipline of energy and electrical engineering which specialises in the generation, transmission, distribution, and usage of electrical power through the connection of electrical devices to motors, generators, and transformers, such as an AC-DC power adapter.

• Engineering principles

  The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

• Electrical engineering

  Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

• Energy market

  The trends and major driving factors in the energy trading market, energy trades methodologies and practice, and the identification of the major stakeholders in the energy sector.

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

• 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.

Skills

• Ensure compliance with safety legislation

  Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.

• Approve engineering design

  Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

• Inspect overhead power lines

  Inspect the structures used in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy, such as the conductors, towers, and poles, to identify damage and need for repairs, and ensure routine maintenance is performed.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Assess financial viability

  Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

  Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

• Ensure safety in electrical power operations

  Monitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to property and equipment, and instability of transmission or distribution.

• Manage electricity transmission system

  Manage the systems which ensure the transmission of electrical energy from electricity production facilities to electricity distribution facilities, through power lines, ensuring safety of operations and compliance with scheduling and regulations.

• Identify customer's needs

  Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule

  Monitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals and the electricity supply demands are met.

• Inspect underground power cables

  Inspect the underground power cables during installation or repair activities in order to identify faults and assess the extent of damage or need for repairs, and to ensure they are correctly installed and maintained.

• Develop electricity distribution schedule

  Develop plans which outline the timelines and routes for the distribution of electrical energy, taking into account both the current and potential future demands of electrical energy, ensuring that the supply can meet demands, and distribution occurs in an efficient and safe manner.

• Change power distribution systems

  Review procedures, schedules and databases to identify and recommend changes in existing power distribution systems in order to meet operational requirements and regulations.

• Make electrical calculations

  Determine the type, size and number of pieces of electrical equipment for a given distribution area by making complex electrical calculations. These are made for instruments such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches and lightning arresters.

• Supervise electricity distribution operations

  Supervise the activities of an electricity distribution facility and the operation of electrical energy distribution systems, such as power lines, in order to ensure compliance with legislation, efficient operations, and that the equipment is properly handled and maintained.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB