Power engineering

Description

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.

Alternative labels

science of power engineering
power engineering science
science of electrical power engineering
electrical power engineering discipline
electrical power engineering science
discipline of electrical power engineering
discipline of power engineering
power engineering discipline

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Power engineering is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Renewable energy engineer: Renewable energy engineers research alternative sources of energy in order to design systems for renewable energy production. They strive to optimise energy production from renewable sources, and reduce production expenses and environmental strain. They design systems which focus on energy sustainability and efficiency.
Solar energy engineer: Solar energy engineers design systems which generate electrical energy from sunlight, such as photovoltaic systems. They design and construct systems which optimise the energy output from solar power, and the sustainability of the production process of solar systems.
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.
Control panel tester: Control panel testers test the electrical control panels. They read blueprints to check if the wiring is connected correctly. Control panel testers use electrical measuring and testing equipment to detect malfunctions and may correct faulty wiring and components.
Control panel assembler: Control panel assemblers read schematic drawings to assemble control panel units for electrical equipment. They put together wiring, switches, control and measuring apparatus and cables with hand operated tools.

Optional knowledge

Power engineering is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Cable jointer: Cable jointers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in underground pipes and grooves. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
Energy systems engineer: Energy systems engineers supervise the energy conversion and distribution processes. They analyse the energy supply and consumption efficiency developing new ways to improve the existing processes, taking into account both the technical and the financial aspects. They also study the environmental impact of energy usage and combine the production of renewable energy in the current power systems.
Electrical equipment assembler: Electrical equipment assemblers are responsible for the assembly of electrical equipment. They assemble product components and wiring according to the blueprints.
Electromechanical engineering technician: Electromechanical engineering technicians collaborate with electromechanical engineers in the development of electromechanical equipment. Electromechanical engineering technicians are responsible for building, installing, testing, monitoring, and maintaining the electromechanical equipment, circuits and systems. They test this by the use of test instruments such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters. Electromechanical engineering technicians also use soldering equipment and hand tools to repair electromechanical equipment.
Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers research, plan and design mechanical products and systems and supervise the fabrication, operation, application, installation and repair of systems and products. They research and analyse data.
Overhead line worker: Overhead line workers construct and maintain power supply and control cables in overhead power lines. They also make and repair electrical cables connecting customers to the electricity network.
Electromechanical engineer: Electromechanical engineers design and develop equipment and machinery that use both electrical and mechanical technology. They make draughts and prepare documents detailing the material requisitions, the assembly process and other technical specifications. Electromechanical engineers also test and evaluate the prototypes. They oversee the manufacturing process.
Hydropower technician: Hydropower technicians install and maintain systems in hydropower plants. They perform inspections, analyse problems and carry out repairs. They ensure the turbines operate in compliance with regulations, and assist the hydropower engineers in the construction of turbines.
Electrical engineer: Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems, electrical equipment, components, motors, and equipment with the feature of energy transmission. They engage in large scale projects such as the design and maintenance of power stations, and the distribution of power to smaller applications such as household appliances.
Electrical engineering technician: Electrical engineering technicians work together with electrical engineers in electrical engineering research. They perform technical tasks and aid in the designing, testing, manufacturing and operation of electrical devices and facilities.

Electrical equipment production supervisor: Electrical equipment production supervisors coordinate, plan and direct the production process of electrical equipment. They manage labourers working on the production line, oversee the quality of the assembled goods, and perform cost and resource management.
Thermal engineer: Thermal engineers design systems which provide heating or cooling, using thermodynamics, that transfer heat or energy through liquids and gases. They also construct these systems, and perform test to ensure proper functionality.
Energy engineer: Energy engineers design new, efficient and clean ways to produce, transform, and distribute energy to improve environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. They extract energy through natural resources, such as oil or gas, or renewable and sustainable sources, such as wind or solar power. 
Electricity distribution worker: Electricity distribution workers construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution systems. They maintain and repair powerlines, compliant with safety regulations.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.
Street lighting electrician: Street lighting electricians construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution in street lights. They maintain, test and repair street lights in compliance with safety regulations.
Electrical cable assembler: Electrical cable assembler manipulate cables and wires made of steel, copper, or aluminium so they can be used to conduct electricity in a variety of appliances.

 


 

References

  1. Power engineering – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022