Philani Ncube

• Developed comprehensive project plans for 3 completed and 2 running projects, ensuring clear expectations were set for all team members regarding deadlines and deliverables.
• Trained new hires on departmental procedures and best practices, enhancing overall team performance through knowledgeable guidance.
• Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality projects within budget and on time.
• Delivered exceptional results with rigorous quality assurance testing prior to product launch or delivery to clients.
• Formulated strategies for overcoming roadblocks encountered during the execution of complex initiatives.
• Oversaw financial aspects of projects including budgeting, forecasting, and invoice management to maintain fiscal responsibility throughout the project lifecycle.
• Key Projects:

1. Uninterrupted Power Supply Construction

Pre-Implementation Phase
Site survey and assessment
Load calculation and analysis
UPS sizing and selection
Battery sizing and selection
System design and configuration
Development of project scope and timeline
Creation of project budget and cost estimate
Risk assessment and mitigation planning

Design Phase

Detailed system design and engineering
Development of electrical and mechanical drawings
Selection of UPS components and accessories
Design of power distribution units (PDUs)
Design of battery management systems (BMS)
Integration with existing infrastructure

Procurement Phase

Procurement of UPS equipment and components
Procurement of batteries and battery management systems
Procurement of electrical and mechanical materials
Vendor selection and management

Installation Phase

Installation of UPS equipment and components
Installation of batteries and battery management systems
Installation of PDUs and electrical distribution systems
Integration with existing electrical infrastructure
Testing and commissioning of UPS system

Testing and Commissioning Phase

Functional testing of UPS system
Performance testing of UPS system
Load testing of UPS system
Battery testing and commissioning
Verification of system functionality and performance

Project Closure Phase

Final testing and inspection
Documentation and handover to operations team
Training of operations and maintenance personnel
Warranty and maintenance agreement execution
Project evaluation and lessons learned

Ongoing Maintenance Phase

Regular maintenance and inspections
Battery maintenance and replacement
UPS system upgrades and refurbishments
Troubleshooting and repair
Continuous monitoring and performance optimization

Key project deliverables:

UPS system design documents
Installation and commissioning reports
Testing and validation reports
Operations and maintenance manuals
Training documents and records
Warranty and maintenance agreements
Project closure report

Key performance indicators (KPIs):

UPS system availability and uptime
Power quality and reliability
Mean time between failures (MTBF)
Mean time to repair (MTTR)
Energy efficiency and power consumption
System scalability and flexibility
Return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO)

2. Power Transformer Assembly and Erections

Power transformer assembly, erection, and testing:

Assembly:

Receiving and inspection of components (e.g., core, windings, bushings)
Core assembly (e.g., stacking, clamping)
Winding assembly (e.g., layering, connecting)
Installation of tap changers, switches, and other accessories
Assembly of transformer tank and radiators
Installation of cooling systems (e.g., fans, pumps)
Electrical connections and wiring
Final inspection and testing before shipment

Erection:

Unloading and positioning of transformer at site
Foundation preparation and installation of transformer base
Installation of transformer tank and radiators
Connection of electrical cables and wiring
Installation of cooling systems and piping
Connection of tap changers and switches
Testing of electrical connections and wiring inspection and preparation for testing

Testing:
Factory Tests (before shipment)

Routine tests (e.g., voltage, current, power factor)
Type tests (e.g., temperature rise, noise level)
Special tests (e.g., impulse, seismic)

Site Tests (after erection)

Insulation resistance and polarization index
Transformer ratio and voltage drop tests
Winding resistance and impedance tests
No-load and full-load tests

Temperature rise and cooling system tests
Protection and control system tests
Commissioning and final acceptance tests

Testing Standards:

IEEE Std C57.12.00 (General Requirements for Power Transformers)
IEEE Std C57.12.90 (Test Code for Power Transformers)
IEC 60076-1 (Power Transformers - General)
IEC 60076-2 (Power Transformers - Temperature Rise)
ANSI/NETA ATS-2017 (Acceptance Testing Specifications)

Safety Precautions:

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Electrical safety procedures (e.g., lockout/tagout)
Fire safety measures
Environmental protection (e.g., oil spill containment)
Compliance with local regulations and standards

• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, ensuring compliant and competitive contracting approaches.
• Provided expert guidance to colleagues on contract interpretation and application, fostering culture of compliance within the organization.
• Collaborated with legal counsel to develop comprehensive risk assessments for high-value contracts, safeguarding company interests.
• Implemented robust monitoring systems to track ongoing contractual commitments and identify potential issues before they escalated.
• Managed, supervised and controlled execution of contracts ranging from R 150 million to R5 Billion Turbine and Balance of Plant Medupi Power Station Projects.

Was involved in the following power transformer manufacturing process involves several stages:

Design and Engineering

• Receive customer specifications and requirements
• Conduct electrical and mechanical design calculations
• Create detailed designs and drawings
• Select materials and components

Material Preparation

• Core production: Cut and assemble magnetic core materials (e.g., silicon steel)
• Winding production: Prepare copper or aluminum conductors for winding
• Insulation preparation: Cut and prepare insulation materials (e.g., paper, epoxy)
• Tank and enclosure fabrication: Prepare the transformer tank and enclosure

Core Assembly

• Assemble the magnetic core
• Install core clamps and frames
• Apply core insulation

Winding

• Wind the primary and secondary coils
• Install winding leads and terminals
• Apply winding insulation

Assembly

• Assemble the transformer core and windings
• Install tap changers, bushings, and other components
• Connect electrical connections

Testing

• Perform electrical tests (e.g., voltage, current, power factor)
• Conduct thermal tests (e.g., heat run, temperature rise)
• Perform noise and vibration tests
• Conduct impulse and withstand voltage tests

Finishing

• Apply paint and coatings
• Install nameplates and labels
• Prepare for shipping

Quality Control and Packaging

• Conduct final inspections
• Prepare documentation (e.g., test reports, certifications)
• Package and prepare for shipping

Manufacturing Techniques

• Automated winding machines
• Robot-assisted assembly
• Vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) for insulation
• Heat treatment for core and winding stabilization

For the successful installation of transformers in power plants, transmission substations, or distribution systems, my primary responsibility was to oversee the entire erection process, from planning to completion through;

• Cost Estimation: Providing accurate cost estimates for the erection project, including labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Safety Enforcement: Ensuring a safe working environment and implementing safety protocols to prevent accidents.
• Project Supervision: Supervising the erection process, ensuring timely completion, and coordinating with contractors and stakeholders.
• Quality Control: Conducting inspections and tests to ensure the transformer meets quality and performance standards.

Technical Expertise:

• Electrical Design: Understanding electrical designs, schematics, and specifications.
• Transformer Testing: Familiarity with testing procedures to ensure transformer performance and safety.
• Industry Standard: Knowledge of relevant industry standards, such as IEEE and NEC guidelines.

Soft Skills:

• Communication Skills: Effective communication with contractors, stakeholders, and team members.
• Problem-Solving Skill: Ability to troubleshoot issues and resolve problems efficiently.
• Leadership Skills: Capacity to lead and manage teams, ensuring successful project execution.

As Senior Electrical Metering Technician, I installed, maintained, tested, and calibrated electrical metering systems for accurate measurement and billing of electrical energy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and commission electrical meters and metering systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, testing, and calibration.
• Troubleshoot metering issues and resolve errors.
• Conduct site surveys and assessments for metering system upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians.
• Provide technical training and guidance to junior technicians.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Participate in energy auditing and load studies.
• Manage inventory and ordering of metering equipment.

Technical Expertise:

• Electrical metering principles and standards (e.g., ANSI, IEEE)
• Metering system design and installation
• Meter testing and calibration procedures
• Energy management systems (EMS) and smart grid technologies
• Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, TCP/IP)
• Knowledge of electrical safety codes and regulations (e.g., NFPA 70)

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time management and prioritization
• Adaptability and flexibility

As an Electrical Distribution Technician, I installed, maintained, and repaired electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable and safe power delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Install and maintain electrical distribution lines, substations, and equipment.

2. Perform routine maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting.

3. Repair and replace faulty equipment, conductors, and insulators.

4. Conduct aerial and underground line work.

5. Collaborate with lineworkers, electricians, and engineers.

6. Ensure compliance with safety protocols, industry standards, and regulations.

7. Respond to power outages and emergencies.

8. Perform switching and tagging operations.

9. Maintain documentation and records.

10. Participate in training and professional development.

Technical Expertise:

1. Electrical distribution systems (medium- and high-voltage)

2. Line construction and maintenance practices

3. Electrical safety codes and regulations (e.g., NFPA 70, OSHA)

4. Familiarity with smart grid technologies

5. Knowledge of electrical testing and diagnostic equipment

Soft Skills:

1. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

2. Excellent communication and teamwork skills

3. Physical stamina for aerial and underground work

4. Adaptability and flexibility

5. Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces

• Understood and used proper tools and equipment to install and maintain electrical systems.
• Followed all safety procedures and guidelines to promote safety while working on electrical systems.
• Repaired systems, replaced malfunctioning parts, and supported electrical installations.
• Learned and followed latest electrical codes and regulations to deliver compliant electrical systems.

As an Electrical Power Apprentice I had a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and skills in the electrical power industry.

Apprenticeship Overview:

Duration: 4 years

- Combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction

- Mentorship from experienced electrical power professionals

- Exposure to various aspects of electrical power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assist experienced electricians and technicians with installation, maintenance, and repair tasks

2. Learn and apply electrical theory, safety protocols, and industry standards

3. Develop skills in electrical circuit analysis, troubleshooting, and testing

4. Familiarize oneself with electrical power equipment, tools, and materials

5. Participate in safety training and adhere to safety protocols

Apprenticeship Structure:

1. Year 1-2: Foundation training, focusing on electrical fundamentals, safety, and basic skills

2. Year 3-4: Specialized training in electrical power systems, including transmission and distribution. Advanced training, focusing on leadership, project management, and specialized skills

As Senior Electrical Protection Technician, I would install, maintain, test, and repair electrical protection systems for power transmission and distribution networks, ensuring reliable and safe operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and commission protection relays and systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Conduct fault investigations and analyze protection system performance.
• Develop and implement protection system upgrades and modifications.
• Collaborate with engineers and other technicians.
• Provide technical training and guidance to junior technicians.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and company policies.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Participate in emergency response and outage restoration.
• Manage inventory and ordering of protection equipment.

Technical Expertise:

• Electrical power systems fundamentals
• Protection principles (overcurrent, distance, differential)
• Relay logic and programming (e.g., SEL, GE)
• Testing and commissioning procedures
• Industry standards (IEEE, IEC, ANSI)
• Familiarity with smart grid and microgrid technologies

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time management and prioritization
• Adaptability and flexibility