Student Profiles
Victor Mtembo: MSc Sustainable Electrical Power Graduated November 2011
I recently graduated with a Distinction in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power from Brunel University.
My first engineering degree was in Electrical Machines and Apparatus from Technical University in Bulgaria. After completing this degree I returned to Zimbabwe, my home country where I worked for a few years in engineering related positions. On coming to the UK I worked in different jobs with no connection to engineering at all. After about eight years away from engineering I decided to revive my engineering career and undertake a Masters course that would refresh my knowledge, while at the same time empowering me with new skills. A number of factors made me choose Brunel over other universities. They offered the type of Electrical Engineering course I was looking for. This, at very competitive fees, compared to other universities offering similar courses. It also helped that the course is accredited by the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) and the Energy Institute. The proximity of the University to Slough where I live, and positive feedback from friends who are former Brunel students, did the rest for me.
The course was very intense and covered most aspects of Power Systems Engineering. The facilities at Brunel are very good with a new Sustainable Electrical Power lab. At Brunel there are many computer laboratories available, with an MSc-dedicated computer lab in the Michael Sterling Building. The library is of a very high standard with access to online publications and research papers.
The administrative staff in the Taught Program Office in the Michael Sterling building and the Computer Centre were very helpful. The lecturers always kept their doors open for any questions that I took to them. They always encouraged me to aim high and do better at all stages of the course. The library staff and the Brunel Graduate School were always helpful. I attended many seminars organised by the Graduate School to fill in the gaps in knowledge and skills not covered on the core course.
The Placement and Careers Service was very useful in preparing me for searching for a job at the end of my course. They ran presentations from employers and recruiters who gave me an insight into what opportunities were available for me to pursue. I attended seminars which helped me improve my CV and application writing. I also attended seminars on interview techniques.
My dissertation was entitled, ‘A Novel Econometric Model for Peak Demand Forecasting’. This involved using historical socio-economic data such as temperature, GDP, population and Consumer Price Index to predict Peak Electricity Demand for Zimbabwe for the next 5 years. The topic involved working with databases. I also had the opportunity to consult statisticians from the Mathematics Department. Dr David Cappitt helped me understand statistical concepts which were crucial to carrying out my dissertation successfully. This has proved helpful in my new role where power system analysis involves working with a lot of data.
I chose this topic because it involves something which Power Systems Engineers do in order to be able to plan and manage the electrical supply system.
The MSc Sustainable Electrical Power has helped me realise my dream of re-launching my engineering career after a ten year hiatus. I got a job as a Power System Engineer with the National Grid, which I started two weeks before graduation. It was a pleasant surprise for me to win the best exam performance prize which was coincidentally sponsored by National Grid. I am now planning to get Chartered Engineering status within the next two to three years. I hope to get back to education for my PhD after about 5 years. I want to cement my position in the engineering profession and be highly regarded.
My job title is Power System Engineer at National Grid. My day to day activities are power system analysis and modelling on the Integrated Energy Management System - IEMS.
The Brunel MSc modules of Power System Analysis and Security, Power System Stability and Control and Power System Operation and Management are very central to the work I do. The computer laboratory workshop exercises gave me the practical skills and knowledge of using power system analysis software. It looks like the MSc course was designed with this job in mind.
To conclude, taking the MSc was one the best decisions I have ever made. The course prepared me well for the Power System Engineering job that I hold today. Doing this course has enabled me to gain skills and knowledge which have allowed me to get back to Engineering. It has allowed me to fit seamlessly into my new job.
Darshak Shah graduated on the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power in 2010
I graduated on the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power in 2010. I also finished my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering-2006 in India my home country. Since my undergraduate studies I have been very much interested in electrical power systems. After finishing my first degree I had two years of experience in the electrical field. During my professional career after my first degree I gained practical experience in electrical power systems, which increased my interest in further studying power systems. I was searching for a university that could provide me better knowledge and empower my academic background. I was very much impressed by the structure of the course at Brunel University. I could tell that it is perfect combination of present and future power system studies.
It was very good experience to complete my MSc at Brunel. I can say that the course structure and contents of all modules are excellent. There were very good lectures by different speakers from industry. Technical visits during the time of study also gave a better understanding of the real life power systems applications.
During my postgraduate studies I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to do my dissertation at EDF ENRGY NETWORKS. My dissertation was on the study of Connecting Embedded Generation to distribution networks with the use of DIgSILENT software. I must say, the knowledge taught of different power factory softwares at Brunel is really worthwhile and has increased my confidence in power system studies. Nowadays all electrical utilities effectively use power system softwares for power system analysis, to ensure and maintain the electrical network capacity, reliability, efficiency.
Now I am working as Graduate Power System engineer at ERA Technology. ERA Technology has its own power system software - ERACS. I am working on ERACS for modelling power system network and doing load flow analysis, fault analysis, protection analysis and protection coordination and transient analysis. My current job profile fully reflects what I have learnt at Brunel University.
Varun Vaddeboina graduated on the MSc Sustainable Electrical Power in November 2010
I am currently working as a Graduate Engineer at Sinclair Knight Merz. Firstly, I would like to thank the academic staff of Brunel Institute of Power Systems for equipping me with in-depth knowledge in analysing power system networks and also training me with extensive use of power system analysis softwares, which is exactly what I am using in my job today.
To begin with, I am an international student. I finished my under graduation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from a leading university in Andhra Pradesh, India. The main reason that impressed me to join this IET accredited, highly intensive MSc course is its strong industrial links with UK top electrical companies. My first success immediately after joining Brunel was being elected as a course representative. This built up a lot of confidence in me as it strengthened my relationship with fellow students.
The course is divided into different modules with each module predominantly relating to current industrial issues of the UK power market. It extensively deals with Sustainable forms of electrical power generation through to analysing transmission and distribution networks. In fact this course was designed by industry professionals to authentically reflect the sort of work carried out within the industry. The lectures were highly organised to enlighten students with the very basic concepts to in-depth understanding of electrical power systems. Industrial guest lecturers were arranged after completion of each module to discuss the current issues in the industry relating to that specific module. Industrial visits to National Grid (NG) 400/275 kV substation at West Weighbridge, NG Control Centre and Didcot Power Station proved to be extremely useful to discuss the practical issues with technical staff at power stations.
The most important part of this course which helped me to get placed in this competitive UK power market is the MSc dissertation. The course’s strong industrial links with National Grid, Centrica, SKM, EDF energy, Converteam, ABB etc. made it possible for the students to choose from a range of industry led MSc projects. I was fortunate to be selected for the industrial project led by Centrica. It was a real time project based at Langage power station which involved the study of inrush currents generated when large transformers are energised from electrically weak areas of Transmission Networks. Successful completion of the project, together with best project and best poster presentation awards, made it easy for me to find employment after my MSc. The professors were very helpful at every stage of the course through to the dissertation, without their support I would have not been in my current position today.
Thanks to Brunel University for offering excellent facilities for graduates within the campus. The labs are open 24x7 with all the softwares installed and every postgraduate can have access to Brunel Graduate School, where individuals are trained on different areas like dissertation report writing, improving communication skills etc. Overall it was a tremendous experience studying at Brunel and if I ever get a chance to pursue higher education my obvious choice will be Brunel.
Marellie Akoury graduated in MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power in November 2009
There are two types of challenges that one has to face up to in life; those thrust upon us and those of our choosing. Studying in Lebanon, a very competitive country in the Middle East with one of the highest literacy rates in the world wasn’t my choosing; however I chose to strive for excellence. The perception that Engineering is a not a profession traditionally chosen by women is not one I made nevertheless; it is my career of choice. My working life begun when I secured employment abroad in Qatar, right after completing my Electrical Engineering Bachelor’s degree at the Lebanese American University (LAU). I was immediately thrust into the deep end as an Electrical Engineer on the Utilities Package of Qatar’s prestigious but challenging New Doha International Airport project. This meant being involved in the safe and timely installation, testing and commissioning of Electrical-Mechanical installations for the Central Utilities Plant.
After around two years of site experience, I decided to pursue an MSc with emphasis on sustainability to increase my knowledge and research skills. I sought a deeper understanding of existing technologies; which would empower me to contribute to the development and implementation of new sustainable energy, power systems and strategies. Studying in the UK was a natural choice as it offers very high standards in education and with its international reputation. The engineering school at Brunel University responsible for the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power strongly represented the best there is.
I was impressed by the way the course structure and content are linked to each other particularly the advanced concepts of sustainable electrical power systems, from energy generation to distribution management. During my course, I had access to great network of support from fellow students, tutors, lecturers and professors. I was able to carry out both theoretical and practical studies and research with the abundance of academic resources, infrastructure and cutting edge facilities. In addition to this, the software used during the workshop sessions, the site visits and industrial presentations broadened my knowledge in sustainable energy, power electronics, electricity market, power system management and smart grids. I was enthralled by the fact that the course was closely linked to the needs of industry and approved by the IET.
I was fortunate to be selected to do an industrial based project with National Grid entitled “Online Visualisation of State-Estimated Transmission System Voltages”. The aim of study was to provide National Control Centre with suitable PC-based graphing package which would provide control engineers with immediately understandable visualisations of voltage conditions and assist in taking corrective measures for unfavourable voltage conditions in real time while taking into consideration Human factors.
On completion of my course, I gained employment with National Grid as an iEMS Network Analysis & Data Interfaces Engineer. Our team is responsible for ensuring that the IEMS tool used in the UK national control room accurately reflect the performance of the Electricity Transmission System under varying scenarios.
While at Brunel, I relished exploring the incredible heritage and cultural diversity. I even had the pleasure of being elected as the student representative of my class and my academic efforts were culminated by receiving the best overall student prize from EDF.
During my spell at Brunel, I gained additional skills and knowledge which I believe will enhance my career. Because of this, I overwhelmingly recommend the Brunel Study experience!
Gabriel Diaz graduated with Distinction in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power in July 2009
I can simply describe my time at Brunel University as a life-changing experience; it proved to be the right step for me to get into the Power System industry in the UK.
My background in Electrical Power Systems comes from Venezuela; my country of origin. There, I completed undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering in one of the country’s top Universities. I also gained valuable industry experience in Distribution Networks, having worked for over two years as a commissioning engineer for a contractor of the National Electricity Company.
Upon my arrival to the UK, my initial intentions were to complete a specialisation in Electrical Power Systems in order to update and enhance my knowledge of the subject. However, the drastic changes that the world is currently experiencing owing to climate change have made me think about the future of electricity and the directions in which engineering could possibly move in the coming years, as our natural and mineral resources continue to run out.
My search for a course that involved these characteristics led me to the MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power, taught at Brunel University. I was aware, thanks to friends and also external publications, of the distinguished reputation that the University possesses. Furthermore, the recognition of Brunel as a great institution for international students, which holds its own Institute of Power Systems, considerably heightened my interest in studying there.
The modular structure of the course ideally suited my needs as I would be living off-campus. During the lectures, I could obtain all the necessary information to prepare our assignments, and then in my own time, further research and investigate a topic. In addition, the on-line facilities to access the lectures at any time helped me a great deal.
I must say that for me, the best aspect of the course were the strong links that the coordinators have developed with the electricity industry within the UK. I was fortunate enough to be selected to complete my dissertation project with National Grid UK. The project involved extensive research in partnership with the Met Office, concerning solar radiation metering and its impact on the electricity demand in the UK. The outcomes we achieved were actually considered and implemented by National Grid in their forecasting methodologies.
Once I had finished the course it didn’t take me long to find a job. Having received offers from some of the top UK electricity companies, I chose to join National Grid as my first engineering post in the country. Within my current role as a Regional Outage Planner for Southern England and Wales, I have to coordinate, prepare and refine outage plans for the assets that integrate our High Voltage transmission network. This requires a great number of detailed analyses involving thermal/voltage constraints, fault levels and stability studies amongst others. These help to ensure a secure and economical system configuration that complies with the UK’s security and quality of supply operational standards.
This MSc course has helped me find the right direction for my career development in the UK. Therefore, I would highly encourage any academic with an interest in sustainable electrical development and HV power systems to strongly consider coming to Brunel University. It certainly worked for me!
Faithful Chanda graduated in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power in July 2009
My name is Faithful Chanda. I came to the UK in 2002 to accompany my spouse who had come to work here. In 2005 after successfully completing my Bachelor’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford I started working for the NHS in Harlow as a Biomedical and Electronic engineer. I did not find it very fulfilling having worked for a power company as a Telecoms Engineer. My immediate reaction was to find a university that would provide me with the necessary skills and training that would eventually lead to employment in a power company. Listening to a cross section of people and looking at reputable universities, Brunel was my instant choice. Brunel is reputed for its standing as a university of excellence, good teaching facilities and excellent connections with industry. When I joined Brunel it was immediately clear to me that I had come to the right university.
At Brunel, they expose you to different software tools which offer you good preparation for the needs of industry today like DigSilent Powerfactory, Powerworld and IPSA. The course was very well designed in terms of the course content and the practical assignments. The teaching philosophy was a good blend of lectures from the university based staff, guest lecturers from the industry and from other universities, and technical visits. My dissertation was on “Long Term Energy Scenario Analysis for the UK”. It involved the understanding of how the UK will prepare itself in the next few decades to provide alternative sources of energy in the light of new rules and protocols on carbon emissions.
Before I graduated from Brunel I was fortunate to be offered a job by National Grid as a Power System Engineer based in Warwick. I joined the company on 1st October 2008. In this role I am carrying out detailed power system studies using DigSilent. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to use DigSilent at Brunel because it really made my first few days a bit relaxed at the National Grid.
I graduated in July 2009 with an MSc (Merit) Sustainable Electrical Power. I was also awarded the National Grid sponsored prize for ‘Best Exam Performance in the MSc Sustainable Electrical Power 2008’. I would encourage anybody who is interested in electrical power or power systems to join this MSc course, and take the advantage of an excellent education and a brilliant university life at Brunel. My experience at Brunel University had been one of satisfaction and fulfilment and certainly well worth the time and money.
Chandra Gunputh graduated in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power in September 2007
My name is Chandra and I am originally from the paradise island of the Indian Ocean Mauritius. I graduated in Electrical and Power Electronics Engineering from the University of Mauritius in 2005 and worked for almost 2 years in the automation industry for power stations and sugar mills back home. After gaining this initial work experience my intention was to pursue further studies in the field of power engineering and develop both my analytical and technical skill set. After being awarded the IEE Master Scholarship by the IEE institution (now currently known as the IET institution), I chose to take the MSc in Sustainable Electric Power at Brunel University for the following main reasons: my wish to gather international experience, the location, i.e. London; experience a different perspective of life and finally, but not least, Brunel’s international reputation for its quality of teaching and research, and also the Brunel Institute of Power Systems’ long-standing links with major UK power engineering employers: National Grid, EDF energy, Converteam Ltd and ABB to name only a few. In addition, I got the opportunity to stay with my family in London without paying high living expenses.
This MSc was suitable for me with its wide range of modules that include many case studies concerning UK power systems including new "green" ways of improving the present system. This year has helped me fulfil my professional ambition and further my learning process. The Brunel staff are kind, cordial and are always ready to listen and help students. I am extremely grateful to my supervisors and lecturers for their insightful suggestions and support for the one year course. The lecturers are immensely encouraging, getting all of us involved in various activities both academic and non-academic (site visits to National Grid, presentations from industry people EDF Energy, PB Power, etc.). During my four months dissertation period, I was working with PB Power in their building services department for which I am grateful to the engineers and staff for their advice and support.
After my one year MSc course, I decided to join Converteam Ltd on their graduate trainee scheme, since the company is growing rapidly in the renewable energy sector, as well as their excellent profile in electric power, propulsion and vessel automation systems and other engineering and process automation services in general. Well, I am enjoying my employment at Converteam. I have been involved for three weeks in a small industrial project at Rugby college, before spending two weeks with the shop floor people. I have have also worked for several months designing 4 pole synchronous generators up to 58MVA as well as motors. I am completing my electrical engineering placement for the graduate scheme and will soon be starting a commercial placement.
Jignesh Surati graduated in September 2007 with an MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power
I am an international student, recently finished studying at Brunel University in West London, where I received a Masters of Science in Sustainable Electrical Power. Prior to entering Brunel University I held a Bachelors of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from a leading university in India. I was very passionate about my field of study (especially about my specialisation in Electrical Engineering) and wanted to explore it in more detail. I also wanted to experience studying at such a top-notch UK educational institution.
I became interested in the power system aspects of Electrical Engineering when I came to know about this course, which imparts knowledge of Sustainable forms of generation along with Power systems. This course was up to date with the cutting edge of technology and no similar course was offered any where in India.
The first thing that impressed me about Brunel University was the quality of the tutors on the course. Cutting edge technology like the Bloomberg facility helps give students a taste of how things would be done in a live environment. Topics like ‘Sustainable forms of power generation along with the power system’ have proven to be extremely relevant to the current job-market. The overall attitude of the University has been positive and helpful and I am very pleased that I made the decision to study at Brunel University. Brunel Institute of Power Systems gave me a good breadth and depth of technical and business knowledge. It also gave me recognition that I am an individual with my own skill set and aspirations.
The seminars, poster and oral presentations we had, have boosted my self confidence. Also, the course’s strong industry links such as, Converteam Ltd, ABB Ltd., National Grid, EDF Energy etc., are evident throughout the course, with talks from industry members being a common occurrence. In addition, some parts of the course modules were set by industry members to accurately reflect the sort of work that would be undertaken in the real world.
Since graduating, I have been working with the ABB Ltd. U.K. as a Graduate Electrical Engineer. ABB gave me a chance to hit the ground running from day one. After finishing two months workshop training, I got the role of Project Co-ordinator for the new project concerning SAP implementation in ABB U.K. The Graduate program has been an amazing opportunity to gain a diverse range of valuable skills in a global engineering organisation. The huge diversity of the program has broadened my perspective of the engineering opportunities that exists and has continually provided me with challenging learning experiences.
My decision to pursue a Masters of Science in Sustainable Electrical Power from Brunel University proved to be a life-altering decision and has been a critical step on the road towards realising my goal as a professional Engineer. If anyone from India is hoping to study at Brunel University, for whatever subject it may be, please follow through! It is a brilliant, vibrant place that you will most certainly fall in love with. I’ve had a fantastic time and I am immensely sad to be leaving in just a year! I would love to be a part of Brunel forever
Gaurab Mitra graduated in September 2007 in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power
I am an international student from India, graduated from the MSc Sustainable Electrical Power at Brunel University. After my graduation in electrical engineering from India, I was planning to obtain a post graduate qualification in electrical power from an institution, which would not only enhance my knowledge in the field, but also equip me with the capability to solve practical problems. This was when I learnt about this course being taught at Brunel University, which not only taught the aspects of electrical power but also the effects and implications of renewable generation. This course not only catered to my interests, but offered something extra in terms of issue that are of global concern. The reputation of Brunel University as a good engineering university was unquestionable and I decided to take up the course.
My experience after joining Brunel University was one of satisfaction. Although, we were the first batch, the course was very well designed in terms of the course content and the practical assignments. The teaching delivery was a good mix of lectures from the University based professors, guest lecturers from the industry and from other universities, and technical visits. It not only taught me about the subject, but I also came to know about the present industrial situation in my field.
The Brunel Institute of Power Systems has considerable research and development links within UK industry, and a number companies were invited to select students for industry led MSc projects. Following an informal interview, I was lucky enough to get an industrial project with a company named Converteam. My project was on Power Park Modelling for Transmission Line Parameters. It involved the modelling of Converteam's products to match the grid code of National Grid, who are the transmission system owner and operator for England, Wales and Scotland. The technical work involved in the project gave me a very good insight into the topic. I also had to deliver technical presentations to engineers in the company and present a technical poster, which honed presentation skills.
The knowledge that I gained from this course has also helped me secure a position as a graduate trainee electrical engineer with EDF Energy, a major distribution network owner and operator in London and the Southeast area of the UK.
After finishing my dissertation, I started on my new role within EDF Energy. It has been a great experience at EDF Energy. The company’s two years’ graduate scheme is accredited by IET and will ultimately lead me to chartered engineering status (CEng). The graduate programme provides a very good transition from the academic life at university to a work life. I have been attending a lot of courses since I joined EDF Energy, including a PRINCE2 course, which is a globally recognised course on project management. As they say the learning never stops!
I would encourage anybody who is interested in electrical power or power systems to join this MSc course, and take the advantage of an excellent education and a brilliant university life.
Nick Mills is a current (2006-2008) part-time student on the MSc Sustainable Electrical Power
Nick Mills is employed by Thames Water working in Research & Development department on a variety of projects ranging from novel inspection of underground assets to embedded electrical generation. Thames Water has a growing interest in sustainability and Nick is now involved with a large generation project.
"The MSc fitted mine and my employer’s requirements perfectly enabling Thames to grow technical expertise in-house. The course content is interesting and well structured. I particularly enjoyed the visiting industrial lectures where the practice was related to the theory."
Dwayne Shann graduated in September 2007 in MSc Sustainable Electrical Power
"Brunel University have made it possible for me to pursue a Masters Degree in Sustainable Electrical Power in the field of Electrical Engineering within the School of Engineering and Design. After a very interesting course, I will be graduating this year (2007). I guess all good things must come to an end. However, Brunel University has created the opportunity and environment required in order to appreciate the need for sustainability, which involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Since Brunel University was very willing to invest in the future, I was also willing to invest my time, energy and resources in this course of study.
The privilege I’m now enjoying as a result of studying this MSc can be summarised as high quality and impressive experienced guidance from lecturers in this field, and gaining practical knowledge in the process.
With the knowledge of the compatibility of today’s power systems and tomorrow’s, I was able to select my dissertation as an industrial based project with the company Troup Bywaters & Anders Mechanical and Electrical consultants, where I will be working in the future as an Electrical Engineer as I have been offered a job with them.
Therefore, with a world view on sustainability in order to preserve the environment gained through the course, I have been given an early gift in my career aspirations, that is, the course has boosted my technical and management understanding of these issues and how to achieve implementing a sustainable infrastructure by using the existing resources through precise engineering.
To open this gift in sustainability is to pursue it at Brunel University, you have nothing to lose, but much to gain."
Garry Smith is a current (2006-2008) part-time student on the MSc Sustainable Electrical Power
Garry Smith works for EDF Energy development branch as a Planning and Design Engineer. He works on a variety of private HV electrical networks.
“My main duties are the design of electrical infrastructure for a variety of clients ranging from London Underground to the MoD. As our clients become more aware of environmental issues, they are increasingly requesting sustainable considerations be incorporated into the design of their electrical networks.
The MSc course meets my needs by providing me with a detailed knowledge of power systems and sustainable power solutions. This particular course seems to have found the perfect balance between academia and industry, I particularly valued the opportunity to become familiar with a variety of network analysis software tools that are used extensively within industry."
