Day In The Life of an Electrical Engineer

Summary

George, an electrical engineer at UNESCO, shares his expertise in solar energy systems. He explains the process of replacing a faulty inverter on a solar farm, which includes isolating AC and DC circuits. George's passion for renewable energy stems from his love for science and physics. He describes how solar panels generate electricity using silicon wafers and the role of inverters in converting DC to AC current. The video also addresses common issues in solar farms, such as wildlife interference, and the importance of monitoring and measuring sunlight for optimal performance. Safety measures, including different levels of protective gear for various tasks, are highlighted. George emphasizes the misconception that solar panels require direct sunlight to generate power, noting that even on cloudy days, they can produce up to 40% of their rated capacity. He concludes by expressing his enjoyment of working outdoors, interacting with nature, and contributing to the decarbonization of energy production.

Takeaways

• 🔧 George is an electrical engineer who works for UNESCO, specializing in high voltage systems on solar farms and battery energy storage.
• 🛠️ The process of replacing a faulty inverter involves isolating both the AC and DC circuits for safety.
• 🤝 Luke assists George by manually handling the inverter while George oversees the procedure.
• 🌞 George's interest in science, particularly physics and renewable energy, led him to become an electrical engineer.
• 📡 Solar panels operate by using silicon wafers with different electron levels to generate voltage when photons from the sun hit the electrons.
• 💡 Inverters are crucial in converting DC current from solar panels into AC current for use in homes and businesses.
• ⚙️ George demonstrates how to safely prove an AC circuit is dead before working on it, ensuring a safe working environment.
• 🐁 Wildlife can cause problems in solar farms, such as mice building nests and causing faults, highlighting the need for constant monitoring.
• 📊 Pyranometers are used to measure sunlight levels, which helps in calculating expected energy generation from solar panels.
• 🧑‍🔧 Personal protective equipment ranges from arc flash rated gear for walking around to more layers for higher risk tasks, ensuring safety on site.
• ⚡ DC current differs from AC in that it has high voltage levels and a higher risk of sustained arc flash, requiring specific safety precautions.
• 💫 Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days, albeit at about 40% of their rated capacity.
• 🌿 George enjoys his job for the opportunity to work outdoors, interact with wildlife, and contribute to the decarbonization of energy generation.

Q & A

What is George's profession and where does he work?

George is an electrical engineer working for UNESCO as a high voltage point person and technician, specializing in solar farms and battery energy storage.

What is the task that George and Luke are going to perform?

George and Luke are going to replace a faulty inverter, which involves isolating the AC circuit, isolating the DC side, and manually handling the inverter.

What is George's interest that led him to become an electrical engineer?

George's interest in science, particularly physics, and his fascination with renewable energy led him to become an electrical engineer.

How do solar panels generate electricity?

Solar panels generate electricity through a silicon wafer composed of two layers. When photons from the sun hit the electrons, they shift to the underlying layer, creating a voltage potential. Each cell generates about half a volt, and when connected in series, they can produce a higher voltage like 1200 volts DC.

How does an inverter play a role in the solar power system?

An inverter converts the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electrical energy used in homes and businesses.

What safety measures does George take before working on the inverter?

George ensures the AC circuit is dead by locating the feed from the combiner box and using a sub-collector. He also finds a safe isolation point at the feeder pillar before starting the work.

What are some common problems caused by wildlife on solar farms?

Some common problems include mice building nests in cavities, which can cause a fault path to the ground or frame, and rabbits damaging the insulation.

How do analysts monitor the performance of inverters on a solar farm?

Analysts constantly monitor the portal to analyze each inverter's performance. They check if any inverter is underperforming compared to others, and any anomalies are picked up through this monitoring.

What is the role of pyranometers in a solar farm?

Pyranometers are precise instruments used for measuring the amount of sunlight received by the solar panels. This data helps in calculating the expected energy generation from the solar farm.

What personal protective equipment is necessary when working on a solar farm?

The personal protective equipment includes at least arc flash rated gear for walking around the site. Depending on the task and the associated risks, additional layers of protection are added for better safety.

What is the difference between working with DC and AC current in terms of safety?

Working with DC current involves high voltages and a higher arc flash potential with sustained arcs, whereas AC current has a lower risk due to the sine wave crossing through zero volts every 50 times a second, breaking the arc.

What does George enjoy most about his job?

George enjoys working in the field, being outdoors, experiencing the wildlife, and contributing to the decarbonization of energy generation.

Does the sun need to shine brightly for solar panels to generate electricity?

No, solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days. Although the generation is not as much as on a sunny day, on a really cloudy day, a plant can still generate about 40 percent of its overrated capacity.