Profession geothermal power plant operator

Geothermal power plant operators operate and maintain equipment, often steam-driven turbines, which produce electrical energy. They monitor measuring equipment to ensure the safety of operations, and that the production needs are met. They also react to system problems, and repair faults. They may regulate the generators to control the flow of electricity to the power lines.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Electric current

    Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.

  • Electricity

    Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

  • Electrical power safety regulations

    The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.

  • Geothermal power plant operations

    The different steps in the production of electricity from geothermal energy and the function of all the components of the required equipment such as pumps, compressors, heat exchangers and turbines.

  • Thermodynamics

    The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..

  • Geothermal power generation methods

    Different ways to extract the thermal energy stored in the earth in order to produce electricity by extracting steam to activate turbines, by extracting hot water and converting it into steam, or by using a binary system that transforms a secondary liquid into steam.

  • Electric generators

    The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.

Skills

  • Operate steam turbine

    Operate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring the equipment during operations.

  • Maintain electrical equipment

    Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

  • Monitor electric generators

    Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.

  • Wear appropriate protective gear

    Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

  • Apply health and safety standards

    Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

  • Regulate steam pressure

    Regulate steam pressure and temperatures according to specifications.

  • Monitor valves

    Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.

  • Troubleshoot

    Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

  • Control steam flows

    Admit steam through lines or fuel to furnace to heat drier.

Optional knowledge and skills

report on production results maintain records of maintenance interventions replace large components renewable energy technologies ensure safety in electrical power operations liaise with engineers coordinate electricity generation electricity consumption arrange equipment repairs resolve equipment malfunctions respond to electrical power contingencies operate forklift read engineering drawings perform minor repairs to equipment ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule develop strategies for electricity contingencies

Source: Sisyphus ODB