distribution network engineer

Hello Guest,

I am assuming this is a school project so, al I will say is........What do you think you might need to know to be a 'distribution network engineer'? And if it is not a school question, why do you want to be one, when you have no idea what they do? Or the skill needed to do it?

I would like a reply please?

Take care..............

Thanks for your response. I am so sorry the question wasnt well framed enough so the confusion. I am a young HV/LV distribution engineer hoping to face a job interview soon.All I need are possible interview questions I should expect in relation to the field above.

For my job interview I was asked how to deal with typical solutions needed to switch the distribution network to isolate faulted sections as well as determining how to find where the faulted section was located.

I was also asked to describe the procedure in general terms of bringing a transformer station back on line after a major outage, and also how to handle the switch yard procedure to change from one feeder to another without blowing up equipment or causing an outage to the end user.

Because I was specifically hired to install and implement a new SCADA system for that power authority; I was also asked general questions about distribution system monitoring.

We were only a municipal distribution facility so no questions were asked about power generation and the management of multiple generators being brought online to meet expected load demand.

However if the power utility has its own generation facility you can expect some questions of that nature. The process of bringing a power generator online from either a cold start or hot standlby is complex, especially if you are grid tied to other utilities such as what exist in North America.

I once worked for a supplier of SCADA systems to Ontario Hydro who own and operate everything from nuclear stations to emergency power gas turbines of only a few megawatts. Later I wen to work for a municipal power authority who connected Ontario Hydro to the local home consumer.

Hello JOPENZ107:

well you still did not tell me what you may come across in the interview?

But, our friend and very helpful bloke elnav has given you some idea.

I think you can see the paucity of replies? That is almost certainly because most people thought you were a student. It is, I understand against the rules to answer homework questions you see?

Jopenz107 If you have the time, learn as much as you can about the prospective employer's system. How big and where their main feeders are located. Also try and find out what size and type of equipment is used in their various facilities. If possible, find someone already employed by that company and chat them up over a coffee or a pint at the local watering hole. From that you can learn what brand of equipment they use. Then go to the equipment manufacturer and download whatever manuals or technical papers they have available.

If you can demonstrate to the interviewer that you have done some homework and gained familiarity with their specific needs and operations it will stand you in good stead. It would be a good thing to demonstrate product specific knowledge that is directly applicable to their operation as opposed to strictly book learning of a very general nature. Perhaps they only use something like ABB switch gear or maybe they prefer Siemens. If possible spend some time studying their main distribution switch yard, asuming it local to you. Even parked by the road and looking in, can tell you a lot about their operation. How many feed sources, what voltages, how many distribution out feeders and what kind of switch gear; Air break, Oil filled, SF6 or whatever. Can you get some sense of how they cross connect lines by looking at how they arrange the switch yard.

If this is a larger spread out distribution system, it would be helpful if you at least know the topography of their system. Google Earth is a wonderful tool for tracing distribution lines over a large geographic area. The right of way clearances of vegetation become quite visible from high up as shown by the satellite photos. Such familiarity with their system will become crucial if you get the job. might as well start early.

Hi,

Thanks very much for this comment. It help me to think about my ideals.

Tks again and pls keep posting.

If you want to get more materials that related to this topic, you can visit:

Network engineer interview questions

Best regards.