"Powering up" - Issue 5

"Welcome to Issue 5 of "Powering up", your weekly source of industry insights and updates!

In every issue, we will bring you weekly insights from an Engineer and Five Great Posts across LinkedIn !!

Each week we will put 15 specific questions to an Engineer. The questions will cover who they are and how they feel about the Electrical industry.

Let's dive in and explore the exciting developments, insights and what's happening in our ever-evolving industry!"

"Weekly Insights From an Engineer" - Ian Chell

We are thrilled to highlight an outstanding individual who has been creating a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Let's extend a warm welcome to Ian Chell, whose fresh perspective adds a unique dimension. With an impressive journey as an Engineer in the Healthcare industry, starting as a Radiology Engineer and progressing to become a Training Consultant, he has built a remarkable track record.

About Ian

I started my career as an apprentice with Siemens Energy and Automation in 1976 and then moved to the medical division in London in 1981, where I spent 17 years as an x-ray engineer.?I then moved to MHRA as a senior medical device specialist and was then promoted into the Department for Health in 2004 as a policy lead for radiations in my final career role.?

I am now semi-retired, but operate a training venture called Medical Locations.?I am also an independent government adviser on electrical safety, provide expert witness support to the Police (medical locations and devices) and a visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University in Biomedical Engineering.??

1. What sparked your interest in the electrical industry, and what led you to pursue a career in this field?

I was very interested in engineering as I went to a Technical High School, which was an educational concept for industrialised areas from the 60’s to the late 70’s and as I was interested in electricity from an early age (and had a couple of shocks from taking live electrical equipment apart at an early age – no RCD’s then), I decided that I wanted to do electrical and electronic engineering.?I was very lucky with getting an apprenticeship with Siemens Energy and Automation and apprentices often made one-off projects - I even spent time in the R & D lab., which was responsible for the design of the satellite earth station control gear built for Goonhilly Downs.?They had PCB making equipment and we could build anything we wanted.?We even built car alarms and other LED stuff for our clapped-out 60’s cars as well as diverse testing such as SF6 breakers, ship shore supply controls (it needs to synch AC) and Sun Car tuning equipment but one test that really helped me for a recent police investigation was volt-drop testing of high current contacts using current injection.?Being taught in the late 70’s also meant I was taught old school motor drive techniques such as Ward-Leonard speed control.?I have only ever met one another engineer who knew this and he was trained by the Coal Board.?Learning old-school technology helps towards your whole-systems knowledge.

2. Can you share some of the most fascinating projects you've worked on as an electrical specialist? What made them stand out?

Working on cardiac x-ray equipment requires you to know many electrical disciplines.?I was lucky to have Siemens product training at their global training centre in Germany.?This equipment requires you to have power knowledge, high frequency switching control, mechanical skills, motor drive skills, analogue and digital video signal knowledge, image quality skills for the live display and the cine camera knowledge (which I used to enjoy doing the QA), radiation physics and how the switched HT generates the x-rays from 3-phase into HVDC.?I am old enough to have serviced x-ray equipment that used thermionic triode valves to switch HT DC which is the only equipment that was capable of switching HVDC before modern semi-conductor technology. This may not mean much to you, but to have a pure DC waveform that can switch >100kVA in 10mS pulses is very important for the radiation physics.

3. Over the course of your career, what technological advancements in the electrical sector have impressed you the most?

i.?That power can be transmitted over distance as DC like the latest undersea energy cables.?The main benefit is not having to synch AC to Europe or other countries.

ii.?Medium frequency switching first developed at a commercial level by Siemens in the late 70’s.?This system converted mains, 3-phase to DC then used a bank of thyristors to alternate the current through the HV transformer primary which stepped up the voltage and then rectified to give the DC for the x-ray tube.?Because it was switched at around 5kHz, this gave the first non-thermionic control that meant minimal ripple on the HV DC waveform (which gives a higher quality x-ray beam).

Iii, the mid-point of the secondary winding of a HV transformer for an x-ray “generator”.??This simple feature enabled the x-ray tube current to be measured without the ammeter being up out of reach at tube potential and instead be at earth.?In museums, it is worth looking for the ammeter that is high up in the old x-ray room because it is at up to 100kV above earth – a definite shock risk!?The mid-point also meant that tube current could be regulated as technology progressed.

4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the electrical industry? Are there any resources or forums you find particularly valuable?

Networking and how I teach my skills.?LinkedIn can be useful but I am quick to unfollow people who use it like Facebook.

5. What are some of the most common misconceptions or myths about electrical systems that you often encounter, and how do you address them?

Non-electrical leaders who do not prioritise or appreciate the importance of electrical systems and people who do not fully appreciate equipotential bonding requirements especially when medical devices are used in homes.

Another area that falls between the cracks is known as microshock -?I call this sinoatrial node disruption current (SNDC) and is caused by small AC currents.?Medical devices are now designed and built to minimise this risk to the patient but if the medical location wiring installation does not comply, this increases the risk of microshock/SNDC.?Literature is out of date so I have published my own description on my website ---Link --> https://medical-locations.co.uk/about/final-testing

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6. Throughout your journey in the electrical field, have you encountered any particularly challenging situations or complex problems that required innovative solutions? How did you overcome them?

A field service engineer never has the luxury of factory facilities so you had to always think how can I make a repair that meant patients could have their x-rays again until the new part could be obtained.?I can think of many examples but my best stories come from my trip to Angola in 1986 when the civil war was ongoing.?I was asked to fit a basic x-ray “screening” x-ray set up in a diamond mine.?All of the test equipment went missing and other parts such as the earth cable.?It’s not a good idea normally but one of the onsite blokes suggested we use the wire rope for the earth cable from a crane that had been blown up in a recent guerrilla attack on the mine.?I won’t go into all the other non-conventional methods I used - it wasn’t unsafe but I understand it was all blown up in an attack on the mine a couple of months after I installed it.?War does hone your perspective on priorities.

7. As an electrical specialist, what advice would you give to someone just starting their career in this industry?

Learn how to use a DVM like it is your third hand.?Learn how to measure voltage in the right range looking at mV drop and drops in the return or neutral path.?I have developed a teaching board for this purpose for where I teach at Birmingham City University to intimately grasp V=I.R and W=V.I – I also try to teach V on-load = V off-load – (I.R).?This lesson sorts out who will be take up biomedical engineering as a career in a hospital and not just passing the degree.

8. Can you share a memorable experience where your expertise in electrical matters had a significant impact on someone's life or a project outcome?

It is slightly off-piste but I used my electronics knowledge to help specify a new version of radiation dosimeter for the emergency responders called the Responder EPD which was issued to Ambulance and Police following the terrorist attacks in London.?The original EPD was always measuring accumulative dose and this version only started measuring over a certain dose rate which meant they only needed to be read with a trigger incident and meant they could be not personal issue.?

9. In your opinion, what are the most exciting emerging technologies or trends in the electrical domain, and how do you see them shaping the future?

I won’t spend too long on this subject but I have strong views on electric car charging. ?I think it is great but I’m sure you will agree that street-level wiring capacity needs a complete review.?Yes, there are some great short-term solutions like the Octopus Intelligent system, but stop the hype and put engineers in charge of it all, just like when we built the future-proofed UK national grid – I state this with rose-tinted glasses on.

10. How does the role of an electrical specialist intertwine with environmental sustainability? How do you contribute to eco-friendly practices in your work?

Sorry, but x-ray production is 99% inefficient, so despite what you do in the rest of the hospital, radiology completely undoes most carbon offsets in style.??I do think hospitals and big buildings should move to an SELV power grid for lighting alarm, security and IT supply.?A working party is required by NHS England and other devolved Health leads to set out new wiring standards so that LED fittings don’t need expensive PSU’s which regularly fail for example.?

11. Have you had any international experiences or collaborations in the electrical field? How did cultural differences impact your work, and what did you learn from these experiences?

Not with electrical but in the medical device world which is not for this audience.?I think leaving the EU will certainly improve electrical safety in the UK.?I have first-hand experience of this.

12. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities that you believe lie ahead for the electrical industry as a whole?

The UK needs to quickly roll out the new SMR nuclear reactors that Rolls-Royce now offer.?These are pre-built in their factory and can be built much quicker than a large-scale reactor plant.?They can be quickly installed on current decommissioned sites where there is a grid connection and cooling water.?This would also bring a lot of instant work and decent apprenticeships of many disciplines.

13. Can you share an amusing or quirky anecdote from your time working in the electrical industry?

Plenty – I’ve seen my shadow with an outer blue light coming from loose earth wires that fell onto the three-phase (not my fault), I’ve seen HT cable failures that give spectacular Frankenstein type ionisation displays along their length, but I think my one memorable event was when an x-ray tube arced because the vacuum had depleted.?I was called to a fault at Hackney Children’s Hospital and as part of my fault finding, I did a high-power exposure and the mains cables started to smoulder.?I quickly switched the main isolator but they still smoked.?I considered activating the hospital fire alarm but I took one last look at the cables and decided they were in a “cooling” phase as the flame had stopped and were only smoking.?I didn’t realise until later that night that my decision to not to hit the fire alarm meant that the fire engines were not diverted from the Kings Cross escalator fire.

14. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, how do you ensure that you remain adaptable and prepared for potential disruptions in the electrical sector?

Listen to other people in your profession.

15. In your perspective, how crucial is interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the electrical industry, and can you provide examples of successful collaborations you've been a part of?

My medical locations training course is not just about the electrical installation requirements.?The major reason why mistakes are common with BS7671 710 installations issues are because there are two empires – Estates and Clinical engineers.

Job number one that I teach, which is a project “gateway”, is for the electrical design or estates to ask clinical engineering a number of questions that I have developed and hand out on my course as a template. ?In short, it is about if, and how many, medical devices with applied parts will be used. ?These questions can only be answered by medical engineers.?I have recent feedback that after training all the hospital multi-site trust electricians and estates project officers, they are now encountering problems with medical/clinical engineers not willing to answer the questions.?It is their responsibility to say if devices have applied parts and to also state susceptibility to disconnection and mains failure.?Part of my training is to clearly define job responsibilities on both sides.?My legal/policy training also helps to clarify the bottom line on risks and legal and professional responsibilities.

Once this form is filled in, the design engineers have the primary information to decide if it is a group one or two medical location and how to specify the various circuits and supplementary connection points.?

I have to be frank and say that some estates engineers can be too focussed by only sticking to a mentality that they adhere to BS7671 710 or derogations, and do not appreciate the overlapping medical device requirements.?I don’t mince my words in order to teach biomedical students and explain these collaboration failures so that they understand that the two empires need to interact more!

Another hurdle is the regulatory system.?Did you know that even though homes are regulated by the building regulations, there is no statutory legislation for hospitals??The medical device regulatory system ends at the three-phase connection or the 3-pin plug.?The only means is by the UK duty of care system which I won’t elaborate on now.??

Thank you Ian.

If you'd like to find out more about Medical locations, visit Ian's website here --Link-> Medical Locations (medical-locations.co.uk)

A link to his pocket guide can also be found here --> Pocket Guide for Medical Electrical Installations July 2023

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, if would like to be featured in an edition of "Powering up" please reach out to?Ricky Flynn.

Tech Corner

If you haven't taken advantage of the frequently asked questions/free guidance offerings from the IET, you should definitely do so. Link-->Frequently asked questions about the Wiring Regulations (theiet.org)

They provide extremely valuable resources that cover a wide range of topics, including:

• General Questions
• Consumer units and protective devices
• Cables and fire protection
• Earthing and Bonding
• Electric vehicle charging installations
• Inspection and testing

What are Harmonics?

In electrical systems, harmonics are periodic voltage and current waveforms that have frequencies that are integral multiples of the fundamental frequency (50Hz in the UK). These multiples are known as the 2nd harmonic (100Hz), 3rd harmonic (150Hz), 4th harmonic (200Hz), and so on.

Harmonics are primarily caused by non-linear loads, such as power electronics, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and rectifiers, commonly found in industries, data centres, and office buildings...

These non-linear loads draw non-sinusoidal current from the grid, distorting the voltage and current waveforms and leading to the presence of harmonics in the system.

Impact of Harmonics?

The presence of harmonics in electrical systems can have various adverse effects, including:

• Increased Energy Losses: Harmonic currents create additional losses in power cables and transformers, reducing energy efficiency and increasing operating costs.
• Equipment Overheating: Harmonic currents can lead to increased heating in electrical equipment, potentially causing premature failure and reducing the overall lifespan of devices.
• Voltage Distortion: Harmonic currents can cause voltage distortion, leading to flickering lights, malfunctions in sensitive equipment, and increased stress on electrical components.
• Resonance and Instability: Harmonics can trigger resonance in the system, resulting in voltage and current amplifications and possible system instability.

Mitigation Strategies:

To address the challenges posed by harmonics, various mitigation strategies are available:

• Filtering: Passive filters, such as harmonic traps and tuned filters, can be installed to reduce harmonic currents and voltage distortion.
• Active Power Filters: These devices continuously monitor the current waveform and inject equal and opposite currents to cancel out harmonics.
• Isolation Transformers: Specialised transformers can be employed to mitigate harmonics by reducing harmonic content in the system.
• Proper Load Planning: Designing the electrical system with consideration for non-linear loads and locating them strategically can minimise harmonic impact.
• Conducting Audits: Regular harmonic assessments and power quality audits can identify potential issues and help implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Harmonic Standards and Guidelines: Complying with relevant harmonic standards and guidelines ensures that electrical systems meet required specifications.

Conclusion:

Understanding and mitigating harmonics in electrical systems is a crucial step towards achieving enhanced energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring reliable electrical infrastructure in the UK.

CPD

As professionals, we all strive to stay ahead in our respective fields, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

CPD is more than just a buzzword; it's a commitment to lifelong learning and a powerful tool for personal and career development. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting your journey, CPD offers a multitude of benefits that can't be overlooked. Here's why I believe CPD is essential:

Skills Advancement: CPD enables us to continually update and enhance our skills, keeping us relevant and adaptable in today's ever-changing world. Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices ensures we deliver the best results for our clients and employers.

• Career Progression: Demonstrating a dedication to CPD shows employers and peers that we are proactive and committed to our professional growth. It can lead to new opportunities, promotions, and greater responsibilities.
• Innovation and Creativity: Engaging in CPD often exposes us to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. This fosters creativity, encouraging us to think outside the box and come up with ground breaking solutions.
• Networking Opportunities: CPD events, workshops, and conferences bring together like-minded professionals, creating valuable networking opportunities. Collaborating with others can lead to partnerships, mentorships, and valuable industry connections.
• Enhanced Confidence: The more we learn and develop, the more confident we become in our abilities. Confidence is a key driver for success, empowering us to take on new challenges with enthusiasm and determination.

By recording your CPD activities, you can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and development, which is highly valued by employers and professional bodies.

Moreover, recording your CPD allows you to reflect on your learning journey and identify areas where you may need to focus more attention.

This self-assessment can help you identify gaps in your knowledge and skills, set goals for improvement, and ultimately enhance your professional performance.

In addition, many professional bodies require their members to record their CPD activities to maintain their accreditation or membership.

By staying up-to-date with your CPD requirements, you can ensure that you remain a valued member of your profession and are recognised for your ongoing learning and development.

If you require any assistance on how you can best approach your development or CPD visit me online --Link-->CEngEngineer

Five Great Posts across LinkedIn within the Industry

Mark Sellens

Ricky Howell EngTech TMIET

Darren Crannis MEng (Hons) DIS MIET

David Watts

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

"We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of "Powering Up". We strive to provide you with valuable information that helps you stay informed and excel in your professional journey.

If you have any suggestions, topic requests, or feedback, we'd love to hear from you. Drop?Ricky Flynn?a message, comment, or connect with him on LinkedIn—he's always eager to engage in meaningful conversations.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more inspiring content in our next issue!"

Be Safe!