Hana El Chanti

7:00 AM

I prepared a healthy breakfast and made some coffee to get me all prepared for a very busy day ahead of me. I then got ready and chose my outfit for the day, styled my hair and put some light makeup on.

8:00 AM

I drive myself to the station, park my car at the carpark and catch the train. While I was on the train, I turned on my work phone and slowly started reading through my emails and responding. It makes me feel good to start my day with finishing off some emails so that when I reach the office I can dive right through my actual work and meetings.

8:30 AM

Today marks my third day as a High Voltage Design Engineer Graduate on the High Voltage Design team. I still had some projects to finalise from my previous role as a Project Developer Graduate, so I decided to come into the office early to tackle both responsibilities. My goal was to wrap up my Project Developer tasks while diving into my new responsibilities, particularly working on transformer rating advice.

Transitioning into the HV role has been a bit challenging, especially with the volume of reading and training materials I need to go through for the various software tools the team uses for rating advice and substation design. Balancing these demands with the need to finalise my previous projects has been stressful, but I am committed to hitting the ground running in my new position.

10:00 AM

Since transitioning to the High Voltage Design team, I’ve been fielding calls from various Transgrid stakeholders, including the Environmental, Transmission Line (TL), Communications and Control and Automation teams. These calls are related to a project I worked on during my time as a Project Developer Graduate, where I developed a Proposal Cost Estimate (PCE) scoping study for Athena Energy Australia’s Bendemeer Solar Farm (SF). This project involves the development of a 210MW Solar Farm and a 150MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

One key discussion was with the TL and Communications teams about how the proposed 330kV switching station will connect to Transgrid’s 330kV Transmission Line 85 (TL-85) via an overhead loop-in-loop-out configuration, interfacing with the existing line. The Control team also provided input on the panel work required in the control buildings to accommodate our secondary equipment. These conversations were essential to clarify specific aspects of the project so I could finalize the scoping report and move it into the review and approval process.

Amid these discussions, I have been diving into the intricacies of my new role in the HV Design team. I have been studying documents on rating advice, learning to use the Transformer Load Simulator Software for transformer rating assessments, mastering PRIM for preparing rating advice documents, and familiarizing myself with Bentley EDMS for substation design and technical information searches. This dual focus is helping me smoothly transition into the HV Design team’s work while closing out my previous responsibilities.

11:00 AM

I had my first team meeting with the entire HV Design group and our HV Design Manager today. My manager formally introduced me to the team, and I immediately felt welcomed by everyone. The meeting was a great opportunity to connect with my new colleagues and get a sense of the team's dynamics.

During the meeting, our manager covered key action items, provided weekly updates, and shared valuable feedback. It was a productive session that gave me a clear understanding of our current priorities and ongoing projects.

One of the highlights was a presentation by a senior team member about a recent site visit. They shared insights from the visit, including detailed site photos and their learnings from the experience. It was fascinating to see the practical side of our work and hear firsthand about the challenges and successes they encountered. The presentation not only gave me a deeper appreciation for the hands-on aspects of our projects but also helped me feel more integrated into the team.

12:00 PM

One of my peers sitting next to me reminded me it was lunchtime. With me, I dislike taking breaks in between my work but taking a break is key. I grabbed my lunch and joined the graduate engineers for lunch in our lunchroom and we all had a chat about how our morning went. It was nice to hear what everyone was working on in the morning.

1:00 PM

I began my work in High Voltage Design by tackling a series of transformer and busbar rating advices. Specifically, I am working on four 330/138.6/138.6/11kV transformer rating assessments for multiple Transgrid substations, as well as a 330kV busbar rating assessment for the Sydney South Substation.

To start, I accessed Bentley EDMS to gather the necessary documents that are critical for preparing accurate rating advice. These documents include the Single Line Diagram (SLD), General Arrangement (GA) drawings, WMS Scoping Diagrams, High Voltage Operating Diagrams, Equipment Schedules, Relay Test Instructions, Current Transformer (CT) specifications, and Elevation Drawings.

With these documents in hand, I meticulously reviewed them to extract numerical data essential for completing the rating assessments. This data pertains to both primary HV equipment, such as Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, and Current Transformers, and secondary equipment like relays connected to the CT cores as CTs are commonly used for metering and relay protection purposes.

After gathering the necessary data, I utilised the Transformer Load Simulator software to perform simulations and calculate the relevant ratings for the transformers. These simulations help determine parameters such as thermal ratings, fault currents, and loading capabilities. Once the simulations were complete, I imported the results into our database, ensuring that all information is accurately documented and accessible for future reference.

This process not only solidifies my understanding of the technical aspects of transformer and busbar rating assessments but also ensures that all equipment associated with these substations operates within safe and efficient parameters.

3:00 PM

I took a short break from my HV work to catch up on emails, which mainly involved discussions about the rating advice that needs to be finalised. I also received a few emails from Transgrid stakeholders regarding the projects I had been handling in my previous role as a Project Developer Graduate.

During this time, I also prepared comprehensive notes for two key projects I had been overseeing in the PD role, particularly in the absence of one of the team members. These notes were essential for the upcoming project handover meeting scheduled for 3:30 pm.

The notes I put together were detailed and structured, covering all the critical aspects of the projects. I documented the tasks and deliverables that had been completed, highlighted any challenges and risks we encountered, and outlined the project timeline along with the next steps. I also included important follow-ups and actions that need attention post-handover.

This preparation was crucial to ensure a smooth transition and to make sure the incoming project manager is fully informed and equipped to take over without any disruptions.

5:00 PM

After catching up on emails, I dedicated some time to refreshing and expanding my Electrical Engineering knowledge, which is crucial for my role as a High Voltage Designer Graduate. Given that I’m currently working on 330/138.6/138.6/11kV transformer rating advices for several Transgrid substations, as well as a 330kV busbar rating advice for the Sydney South Substation, it’s essential to stay sharp on the fundamentals and specifics of high voltage systems.

I delved into online resources and technical forums such as Electronics Hub and Basic Electronics Tutorials to revisit key concepts. My focus was on understanding the critical parameters of transformers, including their voltage ratios, impedance, short-circuit characteristics, and cooling methods. These parameters are vital in accurately assessing transformer ratings and ensuring they meet the operational demands of the substations.

I also reviewed the principles of power calculations, specifically how to convert current (Amps) into apparent power (Mega Volt Amps, MVA), which is a fundamental aspect of transformer and busbar rating assessments. This involved revisiting the formulas and concepts related to three-phase power systems, such as the relationship between line voltage, phase voltage, and the associated currents. Understanding these relationships is essential when determining the loading capabilities and thermal limits of HV equipment.

Additionally, I explored the practical implications of these calculations in real-world scenarios, particularly how they affect the design and operation of substations. This includes understanding how load flow analysis, fault current analysis, and thermal ratings are influenced by these electrical parameters. I also investigated the different software tools and simulation programs used in the industry, such as the Transformer Load Simulator, to ensure accurate modelling and analysis.

This technical refresher not only reinforced my foundational knowledge but also provided deeper insights into the complexities of transformer and busbar ratings. It’s crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of the HV systems I’m working on and for delivering high-quality design solutions for Transgrid's infrastructure projects.

6:00 PM

I realised it was 6pm. If it were up to me, I would work all day long. I am an extreme workaholic and I love my job. Working makes me very happy, and it makes me feel good when certain things are done. I packed up my stuff and left the office.

7:30 PM

I enjoyed a wonderful evening with my family at the Meat and Wine Co restaurant in Parramatta. It was a much-needed break from work, and the perfect opportunity to unwind and savour some quality time together. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making it a truly memorable night with great food and even better company.

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