Electrical Engineering Project Experience And Skills Essay.

Electrical Engineers are involved in the design and development of electrical systems virtually in all industries. As a graduate engineer, I have gained both theoretical and practical engineering; be it in class, field and even from my senior colleagues.These have been critical skills and experiential knowledge that will go a longway in technically equipping me. I desire to be involved further in the design and implementation of electrical engineering projects. This report provides a sneak preview of the actual skills I have gained so far. Admittedly, therefore, I am ready for opportunities to advance my technical wherewithal where the experience I have gained can be put into more practical context. I desire to grow further my professional networks.

Notably, work experience is often a critical element in the determination of professional threshold for professional work licensing. It is therefore among the tenets of professional work discipline. The report hereinafter details various aspects of my engineering experience; the projects have been involved in and the successful delivery of the same. Besides, I have included the challenges that I was met with while in the process of discharging my technical and professional responsibilities. However, it should be noted that upward professional and technical mobility as far as engineering and the practicing engineer are concerned, should always happen in an environment that supports the same. The critical growth elements in this case, therefore, should incorporate opportunities, scope, and forward progression. Notably, the experiential knowledge and practicalities of the profession are embedded in the following areas as is broadly recognized: practical experience, management, communication, and the social implications of engineering.

Therefore, in assessing the acceptability level of my experiential skills and knowledge in the profession, the following are the critical areas on which my technical and professional wherewithal is based:

Application of Theory

It is imperative to be in possession of the capability to translate the in-class engineering knowledge into relevant practical output. Notably, Electrical Engineering comprises many concepts that are interrelated and interdependent such that at any given time, when one is undertaking a project, all these facets come into the picture. It is in this premise that I focused my attention in competently applying the science and art of engineering. I have so far discovered that in-class concepts often come in handy when in the field. For instance, at one time, I was on a faultfinding mission with one of the power systems in which the design was focused on implementing a power distribution system that automatically regulates its power during high demand period. I had to revisit my electrical circuits and power theory in order to skillfully uncover the hitches in the design. I was able to seal the loophole accordingly and the project implementation was pronounced successful.Therefore, appropriate application of theoretical knowledge marks the cornerstone of top-class engineering, and my experiences have included meaningful participation especially in the following areas:

In this section, I have been able to scope multibillion dollar projects and ensure the operationalization of the analytical techniques. Besides, I have been involved in setting the standards of workplace safety, creating and integrating a sustainable environment where the technical design team are encouraged to be conscious of the impacts the project-at-hand could be having while the roll-out happens. In the same breadth, I acted as a link with the policy makers and other industry players to see to it that the policy implementation is smooth with minimal technical hitches hence such tools as monitoring and evaluation came in handy.

Analysis

Specifically, I was directly involved in the planning and designing of the projects work where I explored various troubleshooting techniques to correct anomalies that would arise afterwards; a check of the entire systems design to draw an action plan was one area I took my quality time. Therefore, I developed a keen sense of technical responsibility and ensured the same trickled down to other team members. For instance, overload conditional circuits were advanced when designing the distribution system. Besides, having a minor in computer science has helped me to marry the two fields such that the systems designs I undertake are often ‘smart’ in their controls and regulations.

Notably, I developed templates for the consultants such as electrical load list, design brief and electrical layouts. Further, I was able to develop a standard list of electrical drawings by obtaining the critical information from the filled standard templates. At the end of this, I was able to do a thorough review and recommend certain action plans during actual implementation. In fact, I could go through a number of documentation which would often be scattered and unordered and thereafter develop a coherent information to be communicated to my seniors.

In this case, I was directly discharging my expertise in the following areas:

Selection of materials, components; systems and subsystems integration to come up with meaningful working system. Hence such factors as reliability, maintainability, human and other machine issues were synthesized in the process. Besides, I reviewed the social implications of the decisions that the technical team made in the course of discharging their duties. Admittedly, during selection of materials for use, concerns of impact on environment were also considered. In fact, I did a thorough selection of all components ranging from the small elements such as voltage regulating devices to bigger components like motors and transformers.

Furthermore, I took an active role in the redesign of the lighting system with a view to improve the energy efficiency and boost its capacity. Notably, my new design (which was actually implemented) improved the efficiency from 2watts/square feet to 1 watts/square feet. Although this was vehemently resisted by my seniors at the onset; I had to demonstrate the merits that will come along as a result of implementation of the new design. Another area where I suggested design changes was in the installation of transformers. I recommended copper wound instead of Aluminum wound as the latter normally has minimum operational losses. Similarly, this idea was opposed on grounds that the supplier for the material had been identified and reselection would complicate the material delivery. Luckily, the supplier had not signed a supply contract with the contractor-in-charge hence the changes were easily made.

I dedicated my time to craft various techniques and methods with the ultimate aim of ensuring smooth implementation of the project especially in functional specification, verification, commissioning and assessment of the new products and materials.

Implementation methods where I looked into the real time application of technology especially in performing cost-benefit analysis; process flow optimization, quality management, safety and environmental issues and recommendations, and maintenance and replacement evaluation among others.

Design and Synthesis

Besides, I prepared technical and commercial bidding documents for Tata Consultancy Services. I did the Interior floor design plans, rack positioning and various layouts of electrical systems. Typically, I would be called upon to design the electrical circuits of the building services such as HVAC systems, Fire Prevention units among others.

Furthermore, I devised and approved the switch gear testing and inspection where I carried out insulation resistance tests. Actually, due to the architectural changes that were made in the course of the project planning, I had to effect some realignments such as the introduction of cable trays( which was actually not in the budget). I convinced the contractor-in-charge of the need to provide cable gland plate and cable trays for the termination of the cables.  

Now, the second facet of my engineering experience is the practical aspects and this included conducting field walkdowns; installing, testing, commissioning and operating the systems involved. It should be noted that practical experience allows applicants to understand the practical limitations of real systems. Therefore, in a nutshell, my practical experience included:

1. Visiting the sites to check on the continuing engineering works, with opportunities to oversee equipment and systems in both operational and maintenance circumstances;

For instance, in the Intercontinental Hotel project in Abu Dhabi I was able to introduce analytical tools to anticipate how risks and opportunities could be scoped. I also took part in the commercial and technical proposals of various projects such as the FT oil and gas laboratory establishment. In this case, I carried out a complete electrical system design from start to finish. Typically, in the electrical system design, I executed aspects such as lighting, power and plant electrification.

1. B) Application of equipment as part of the larger system, including getting to understand the merits of reliability, the role of computer software, and understanding the end product or engineering work in relationship to the equipment;
2. C) Opportunities to experience and understand the limitations of practical engineering and related human systems in achieving desired goals, including limitations of production methods, manufacturing tolerances, performance minima, maintenance philosophies among others and,
3. D) Opportunities to experience the significance of time in the engineering process, including workflow, scheduling, equipment wear-out and replacement scheduling among others.

Besides, I planned and installed the switch gear panel; size: 4.5m by 1.2m by 2.1m in the NALCO Project. However, there were structural and architectural changes that were effected and therefore prompted me to make some adjustments in the panel design. I changed the configuration of the panel to fit in the room by removing two vertical sections and placing them in the opposite side of the main panel.

While in Capsule Manufacturing Plant, I did a number of safety audits. For instance, I measured the fault loop impedance in at least one final circuit in each phase. This gave me an idea on how to analyze and report on electrical installation conditions.

Lastly, at Submiller distillery plant, I became aware of the existential challenges in the plant. For instance, I was able to understand why copper armored cables for earthing conductors were used instead of galvanized iron strips. The latter is prone to corrosion due to the humid conditions.

Similarly, at NKID warehouse, I performed lighting audits. I was able to implement lighting designs based on the local standard requirements. Notably, there are normally structural design issues that often affect the lighting design and which can only be pacified through a dedicated and coordinative engagement with the structural engineers. Certainly, therefore, I adopted that route to ensure a smooth integration of the lighting system within the structural shell.

Furthermore, I did both technical and commercial analysis to choose among the different capital equipments especially in establishing either water-cooled chillers or air-cooled was appropriate. I also spearheaded the FTI lighting project with a justification on the return-on-investments.  

Methodology for Testing

Lastly, I recommended a number of ideas to be pursued and implanted. Firstly, I directed that the single core cable transformers should be used to minimize the design constraints due to bending radius limitation. This was discussed at lengths in the review meetings with senior engineers and managers. Later the ideas were adopted in unison after receiving a thorough grilling from my bosses.

Secondly, I proposed LPG cylinder banks lighting system where IP 65 flood light luminaries were installed (and this was my brainchild).

Thirdly, I developed a technical and professional rapport with my seniors and the consultants through an organized and coordinated project work engagements. For instance, I did proposals and estimated project completion time within the budget limits. I led consultants to strategy and review meetings where I could communicate relevant information which often trickled down from the architect’s desk. In other words, I was involved with data acquisition for design and supply of relevant information. Thereafter, I followed up with the contractors to ensure the resolutions made in the meetings were implemented to the letter. To ascertain this, I developed and implemented effective monitoring systems in order to report on project progress to my seniors. This could be done using technology platforms such as drones in case of large projects.  

Lastly, I participated in work-related conflict resolution to ensure smooth flow of project and that the critical milestones are covered within the scheduled time.

Engineering Management

Management of engineering works included the supervision of staff, project management, general exposure to an engineering business environment, and the management of technology.

Therefore, as far as I am concerned, I gained the following in the Engineering management:

1. A) Planning, from conception through to implementation. This included: needs assessment, concept development, assessment of resources required, and assessment of impacts, including societal and project implementation;
2. B) Scheduling, from establishing interactions and constraints, developing activity or task schedules, and allocation of resources, through to the assessment of delay impacts and beyond to broader aspects, such as interactions with other projects and the marketplace;
3. C) Budgeting, including the development of preliminary and detailed budgets, identifying labor, materials and overhead, risk analysis, life-cycle analysis, and tracking;
4. D) Supervision, including leadership, professional conduct, organization of human resources, team building, and management of technology;
5. E) Project control, including co-ordination of work phases, tracking and monitoring costs and progress, and implementing changes to reflect actual progress and needs. Additionally, I enforced the implementation of the method statement in lieu of risk assessment. To ensure conformance of the applicable standards, I performed a daily walk down to see how it was actually being implemented; I advised the consultant not to issue the clean bill of health until minimum satisfaction levels were attained.

Besides, I did daily, weekly and monthly reports on the construction progress based on the information as provided by the consultants. In the report that I would submit to the senior management I presented the computed weekly-earned value which was derived from the project performance parameters.    

Typically, in the engineering management, this would entail me doing the following:

Budgeting: I developed detailed cost estimates for our design and execution of the project. I did preliminary calculation of budgets taking into account the possible adjustments in the design.

On scheduling, I ensured that the projects I undertook were right on schedule. For example, I ensured that I matched the false ceiling electrical fixtures installation with interior works schedule. The aim was to ensure a smooth execution flow.

And lastly, on supervision, I personally visited the field site at least 2 days per week to assess the construction progress. I ensured that there was a seamless coordination between the senior management, client and subcontractors and that the allocated resources were actually available and utilized as received. I also supervised the design engineers to ascertain that the drawings and calculations were in tandem with the overall requirements. Typically, I perused the electric circuit drawings for all the floors. I always attempted to consult with the field engineers just to ensure that all requirements were followed to the letter and that the project completion deadline was not crossed.

1. F) Risk-analysis related to operating equipment and system performance, product performance evaluation, and evaluation of societal and environmental impacts.

Implementation Methods

It is also imperative as an Engineer to be on the know of what impact the engineering project work can have on the society. More often, Engineers work towards the betterment of society. However, in the process of discharging our professional responsibilities; and even after project completion, there are fundamental issues that arise as a result of our actions. As an electrical Engineer, I have been aware of these issues. In fact, public safety is so critical that an entire engineering project can be cancelled if found to be a greater risk to the safety of the public. In one of the projects I was engaged in, where nuclear power plant project was to be launched in the area. The community violently opposed the idea. Admittedly, we were in the process of undertaking a feasibility study. In fact, after the study, the project was stalled to address the issues that were identified in the feasibility report that our team presented to the authorities. Therefore, I discovered that the overriding objective of the “social implications of engineering” requirement is to provide experiences which increase awareness of an engineer's professional responsibility is to guard against conditions dangerous or threatening to life, limb, property, or the environment, and to call any such conditions to the attention of those responsible. The social implications of engineering are an important aspect of the practice of engineering. The work environment should provide opportunities for engineers to heighten their awareness of the potential consequences of engineering work. Notably, in a nutshell, thisincluded:

1. A) A recognition of the value and benefits of the engineering work to the public;
2. B) An understanding of the safeguards required to protect the public and methods of mitigating adverse impacts;

During construction of the 500-bed capacity hospital, the kitchen was to be made of timber material. However, due to incidences of fire due to electrical faults, I was able to convince the contractor to change to concrete material since it has a higher fire resilience than timber. Notably, however, we also considered the cost implications against durability and safety of the occupants and users of the building.

Besides, I instituted plans to have ground fault protection against power surges and other electrical faults. Additionally, in the course of construction I noticed that most of the power tools and machines were uncovered which posed great risk to the health and safety of the workers; therefore, I made sure that necessary preventive measures such as erection of barriers to demarcate human aspects from machine aspects were done. In fact, from the safety department audit report, human accidents drastically dropped as a result of this directive.

1. C) An understanding of the relationship between the engineering activity and the public;
2. D) A demonstrated interest and involvement in the broader social implications of engineering;
3. E) An appreciation of the role of regulatory bodies on the practice of engineering; and,
4. F) an understanding of the provincial health and safety of the workplace legislation.
5. G) Social implications of engineering

Normally space economy is among the measures that architects continue to implement in their designs. However, they hardly recognize the minimum space requirements of electrical equipments and machines such as transformers. As a lead engineer in one of the construction projects I handled, I was able to brainstorm and convince the architect in charge of the need to observe the minimum space restrictions of these equipments as specified in the local and international codes. For instance, a transformer would require a space of at least 1200mm all around instead of the 750mm that is often apportioned.   

As an Engineer, I am very much aware of the fact that what I speak out can either make or break. In the course of discharging my duties, I have often aimed at communicating in a simple, clear, understandable, objective and professional manner with zero emotional verbosity. Developing and practicing communication skills is an essential experience requirement in engineering. This applies to all areas of the work environment including communication with superiors, colleagues, regulators, clients, and the public. Notably, I had regular and progressive opportunities to participate in:

1. Preparation of written work, including day-to-day correspondence, record- keeping, and report writing

These were mandatory for the client and sponsors to understand the project progress. I made sure that the recommendations as outlined in the said reports would be adopted and action plans developed thereafter. For instance, at some point in the course of roll out of one of the projects, I noticed contractors not enforcing the workplace safety policy; therefore, I made sure that specific practical and relevant measures were implemented to the letter such as having the physical barriers between machines and humans during construction.

1. B) Making oral reports or presentations to colleagues, supervisors, senior management, and an exposure to, or participation in, reports to clients and regulators; and,
2. C) Making public presentations.

I did regular presentation to my seniors, sponsors and clients with a view to sell them the proposed electrical designs within the entire project. During these sessions, I would communicate effectively yet simply so that everyone understands my proposal.

Conclusion

From the above experiential skills and knowledge, I gained from various companies I worked for, I can sincerely state that I am fit and ready for bigger assignments. This license will serve as an impetus to further grow my professional and technical skills in electrical engineering. I desire to professionally advance in my engineering career. By being registered as a professional engineer, I am aware of the responsibility that comes along with it; I wish to state that I shall abide by the professional engineers’ code of conduct and discharge my responsibilities in a professional and responsive way while prioritizing the public interest before anything else.