SAMUEL ORAKPOR
Dereham,England
Summary
Results-driven Power Systems Engineer with extensive experience in Power Systems Design, Planning, and Analysis, specializing in Customer Connections, Renewable Energy Integration, Grid-Forming Inverters, and Power Quality Assessments. Proven track record in delivering end-to-end Grid Connection Feasibility Studies, managing stakeholder engagements, and executing substation asset installation and refurbishment projects. Skilled in conducting power systems studies, reviewing grid connection applications, and ensuring full compliance with National Grid Connection Standards (G99, CUSC, STC, SQSS). Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and delivering projects within time, cost, and quality constraints.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Substation Engineer
National Grid UK
09.2023 - 04.2025
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to manage the installation, refurbishment, and maintenance of critical 400kV high-voltage (HV) substation assets, including transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, and GIS
- Demonstrated a deep understanding of HV substation components, employing specialized knowledge to diagnose, troubleshoot, and implement effective solutions for complex issues, thereby minimizing downtime and enhancing the overall resilience of the transmission infrastructure
- Applied best practices in asset management, including condition monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies, to optimize the lifespan and performance of key assets, aligning with industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Assisted in managing customer-stakeholder engagement, ensuring clear communication and smooth delivery of project expectations and deliverables
- Maintained safety protocols and ensured compliance with industry regulations, fostering a culture of safety and reliability, and contributing to the successful and incident-free operation of HV substations under the purview of the UK National Grid
- Provided technical consultation & solutions for HV protection and control frameworks, enhancing grid reliability and minimizing power outages
Power Systems Consultant - Networks & Innovation
TNEI Services Limited UK
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Performed power system studies for customer grid connection feasibility, including load flow analysis, fault level studies, and dynamic stability assessments using DigSILENT, PSCAD, and IPSA
- Developed a model for transformer energization and conducted simulations to validate the voltage ramp approach ('soft start') of mitigating the high inrush currents emanating from transformers energization
- Carried out simulation studies on black start restoration using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and WTG ensuring successful power restoration during grid collapse via the interconnection of renewable energy sources alongside simulation
- Designed and analyzed grid-forming inverters and their voltage control capabilities to enhance distributed generation integration into the grid
- Supported stakeholder engagement meetings, translating complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for clients and stakeholders
Project Engineer
MacSylva Energy Solutions LTD
02.2017 - 12.2022
- Provided applied engineering and technical consultation for commercial and industrial customers in the area of power systems studies, power quality analysis, installation, commissioning, and maintenance
- Oversaw power systems components' installations and commissioning to ensure conformance to design and equipment Specifications in compliance with best-practice safety and quality standards
- Oversaw operations and schedule system preventive and corrective maintenances to ensure continuous and reliable power and energy delivery
- Collaborated with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
Senior Field Support Engineer
Royal Power & Energy LTD
01.2015 - 02.2017
- Planned the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of heavy-duty industrial Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs), Power Transformers and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATSs)
- Oversaw the installation, commissioning and maintenance of Switch Gears, Bus Bars, and Control Panels
- Executed electrical Power Audit for new and existing sites, Earthing services, installation of lightening and surge current arrestor
- Installed and maintained UPS/battery banks and hybrid-solar system for commercial and industrial purposes alongside installation of rectifiers for telecommunication purposes
Facility/Maintenance Engineer (Independent Contractor)
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
12.2013 - 08.2014
- Performed the maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of generator/utility supply synchronization panel and power factor compensation panel
- Monitored the overall facility assets using a facility management software (MINI-MIENT) to ascertain the operational status of each asset at every point in time
- Maintained power transformers (33KVA and 11KVA), power generators (650KVA and 1000KVA), industrial chillers and industrial steam boilers
- Designed and installed electric circuits/panels for controlling various electric machines for various industrial operations (Diversified machine control) including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems
Education
Master of Science - Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering
University of Staffordshire
Stoke-on-Trent 04.2001 - /2023
Master of Engineering - Power System Engineering
University of Nigeria
Nsukka 04.2001 - /2019
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
University of Nigeria
Nsukka 04.2001 - /2013
Skills
- Power Systems Studies
- Power System Optimization
- Economic Dispatch
- Project Management
- Renewable Energy Integration
- Grid-Forming Inverters
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Data Analyses
- BESS
- Protection and Control
- Simulation Tools (DigSilent, PSCAD, IPSA)
- Programming & Scripting (Python)
- Regulatory Standards (SSQS, CUSC, STC, Grid Code, Distribution Code)
- Customer Connection
- Feasibility Studies
- Power Conditioning
- Electrical Design
- Technical Assessment
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Team Collaboration
- Communication Skills
Accomplishments
- Conducted various power system studies using DigSILENT (Power Factory), PSCAD, and IPSA to demonstrate the frequency and voltage control capability of specified power generators at PoC based on G99 recommendation in support of the National Grid ESO 'Distributed ReStart' Project.
- Utilizing DigSILENT and Python, developed a transformer energization model and simulated a voltage ramp approach of transformer energization ('soft start') to mitigate the high inrush currents from transformers during energization.
- Played a key role in the early detection of compromised high-voltage (HV) protection schemes due to deteriorating current transformers (CTs) within the 400kV transmission network, preventing potential large-scale failures.
- Played an active role in the installation, refurbishment and maintenance of HV assets including Super Grid Transformers, Circuit Breakers, Isolators, and Earth Switches, ensuring optimal operational efficiency and minimum downtime in National Grid substations.
- Authored a thesis titled Optimal Placement of Embedded Generators in Distribution Networks for Power Loss Minimization and Voltage Profile Improvement, supporting future energy transition and grid connection improvements.
Affiliations
- Energy and Utility Skills Register (EUSR), 09/23
- Member, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET), 10/23
- National Grid Persons, 11/23
- National Grid Competent Person, 05/24
- NEBOSH General Certificate, In View
Timeline
Substation Engineer
National Grid UK
09.2023 - 04.2025
Power Systems Consultant - Networks & Innovation
TNEI Services Limited UK
03.2023 - 08.2023
Project Engineer
MacSylva Energy Solutions LTD
02.2017 - 12.2022
Senior Field Support Engineer
Royal Power & Energy LTD
01.2015 - 02.2017
Facility/Maintenance Engineer (Independent Contractor)
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
12.2013 - 08.2014
Master of Science - Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering
University of Staffordshire
04.2001 - /2023
Master of Engineering - Power System Engineering
University of Nigeria
04.2001 - /2019
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
University of Nigeria
04.2001 - /2013
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