Transmission Lines Engineer
New Zealand
I worked in both the Asset Development and Asset Management Engineering teams during my time at Transpower gaining an appreciation of both sides.While working with the Asset Management Engineering team we were responsible for of 12,000 route-km of high voltage transmission lines. Activities included: contribution to asset management plans and fleet asset strategies, development of technical policies, design standards, and maintenance service specifications. I also provided real-time support to other areas of the business including activities such as: corridor management advice to numerous landowners and stakeholders about appropriate development within the corridor with regard for electrical safe distances, maintenance activities, planned works, and earth potential rise risks. Technical support to contracting staff and the grid maintenance contract managers.While working with the Asset Development Engineering team I managed complex investigation and research programs. In particular a very significant aerial laser surveying program (2,300 km of transmission lines and 30 substations). Also engineering investigations into a new concept design in outdoor substation layouts. Followed by full scale short circuit validation testing. Technical management of transmission line upgrade and uprating projects. Including thermal uprating and re-conductoring projects. Analysis of electrical aspects of transmission line design, in particular: conductor ratings, clearances, EMF, audible noise, RFI. Development of Excel/ Macro utilities to ease design.