Among the fuel sources used for the generation of electric power in the United States are coal, nuclear, natural gas, fuel oil, hydro (water power), and various forms of renewable energy. Within any of these fuel sources, the technology employed to generate electricity can be equally diverse. For example, gas technology includes steam turbines, combined- cycle turbines, and single-cycle combustion turbines.
Each type of generation has unique operating and cost characteristics that make it more or less suitable to a specific electronic power supply need. Utilities or generating companies usually build generation portfolios comprised of various generation types in order to match the needs of their customers as well as the specific requirements of their geographic location.
During this process and in every step, there is one common requirement: securing the best performance obtainable from the electronic equipment utilized. That is where the job of Performance Engineer enters the picture. These engineers participate in the design and development of a framework and process to determine electrical utility asset (equipment) health and performance. Performance Engineers are responsible for supervising/ conducting tests and inspections to determine the efficiency of power plant equipment (from turbines to generators, from transmission lines and the superstructure that carries them to the switches, breakers, bus bars, and other protective equipment that configure the flow of electric power and provide protection to both the generation units and the transmission grid).
Performance Engineers conduct analyses of system data, equipment data, and process data in order to recommend actions required to measure the performance of electronic systems and to identify opportunities for improvement. They test and inspect equipment (including boilers, turbines, heat exchangers, air compressors, generators, pumps, fans, and air heaters) and analyze data to ensure that the systems and associated equipment are working as intended.
They diagnose faults in the operation of instruments and control machinery to determine if performance problems are due to operations, maintenance, or equipment deficiencies. They develop performance data models and other performance systems for effective monitoring and optimization of the electronic units, systems, and equipment performance.
Performance Engineers assist in planning, scheduling, supervising, coordinating, and reporting on the testing of the components that go into the operation and maintenance of the power plant, substations, and transmission lines. They develop and manage unit performance efficiency tools and recommend unit performance tests, as well as establish performance standards and goals and recommend equipment and operational enhancements. They may be asked to train plant employees in safety regulations and procedures involved in their work.
They prepare reports, analyses, and studies from their work for supervising engineers and other operational management personnel. In addition, they may assist with the preparation and review of the final business plans for recommended equipment modifications or replacements. Performance Engineers also work in other energy industries, such as coal, nuclear energy, and oil and natural gas.
Performance Engineers are either electrical or mechanical engineers by education and training. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual earnings in May 2004 for mechanical engineers ranged from a low of US Dollars 43,900 to a high of US Dollars 97,850, whereas annual salaries in May 2004 for electrical engineers ranged from a low of US Dollars 47,310 to a high of US Dollars 109,070.
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