Control Engineer in a Power Company?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the role and potential contributions of a Control Engineer in a power company, particularly in the context of automation and control systems. The scope includes theoretical implications, practical applications, and the participant's career trajectory following their master's studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • A first-year MSc student in Automation and Control Engineering questions how they can be useful to their power company, which is not currently automated.
  • Some participants suggest that the student should seek guidance from their employer regarding their future role and responsibilities.
  • The student expresses frustration at receiving vague responses from management about the need for a control engineer and upcoming automation projects.
  • One participant challenges the claim that the power systems are not automated, questioning the implications of operational activities like turning on motors or lights.
  • The student clarifies that while some automation devices exist, they are outdated and not effectively utilized, particularly in smaller factories.
  • Another participant expresses hope that someone knowledgeable in the area will provide further insights into the student's situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the extent of automation in the power company, with some believing that automation is minimal or outdated, while others challenge this perspective. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific role and contributions of the control engineer.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of automation and control systems, as well as the specific context of the company's operations, which may affect the understanding of the student's potential contributions.

airer
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
I am a first year student in MSc Automation and Control Engineering in Politecnico di Milano. I was working as a Power Protection Engineer before my company decided to send me to do my Masters in the above mentioned degree. The management thought it necessary to at least have someone specialized in Control Systems and that someone happens to be me.
About the Company: it is the National company of my country responsible for Generating, Transmitting and Distributing Power. Neither the Generation System, The Dispatch Center, nor the Transmission and Distribution System is automated.
My questions now are, How would I be useful to this company? What will be my routine job after graduating? Which area of Control Systems would be useful?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Controls engineering isn't my field, but I'm not sure it needs to be in this case. Can you direct these questions to your employer? Someone willing to pay for your education probably has some ideas about this.
 
Thank you Ben. Yes, I asked them but all they say is "at least a control engineer is needed in the company, lot of projects are on the way concerning automating the grid and bla bla". No thorough insight!
 
airer said:
... Neither the Generation System, The Dispatch Center, nor the Transmission and Distribution System is automated.

Sorry, but I don't believe you are correct here. What happens when someone turns on a big motor in a factory? Or even switching on a light?
 
To clarify, the automation devices in place are antiquated. We still go with pick-ups for load shedding. The frequency relays and other important devices are mostly bypassed.
Ok, for the factories switching big motors, we don't have big factories. The ones we have a very small ones like Drinks, Soaps, ... factories which can't cause any major effect.
 
airer said:
Thank you Ben. Yes, I asked them but all they say is "at least a control engineer is needed in the company, lot of projects are on the way concerning automating the grid and bla bla". No thorough insight!
You have your work cut out for you then. Hopefully someone will come along who knows this area.
 

Similar threads

Engineering Short term training in Europe/Asia for electrical engineers
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Engineering I’m having second thoughts about my job position. How can I proceed with it?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
Engineering Can anyone give me insight in the Apple Hardware Interview Process?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Engineering Seeking advice to find a more fast paced diverse career
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Engineering What Career Paths Exist in Controls Engineering Beyond Automation?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Engineering Thinking about switching my PhD program
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Is Baseload Power an Outdated Concept in Australia's Evolving Energy Landscape?
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Engineering Pursuing Research in Engineering Versus Hobby Projects
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Engineering Which of these courses are most useful for Controls Engineering?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Engineering Electric Power Systems book recommendation
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K