Vushe Elias Nhengu

Zimbabwe Power Company • Hwange, Zimbabwe

I work in the Main Electrical Control Room, being responsible for safe, secure and efficient operation and monitoring, on continuous basis, of power system and power station's auxiliary supply network, and ensuring that the generating plant meets the power system requirements. • Manage and perform controlled Switching operations (on SCADA/DCS and Direct Wire Board) on Transmission, Distribution and Station's auxiliary supply networks. • Manage the power purchase agreement; coordinate start up and shut down of generating plant and directs the loading of turbo-generators to meet national grid system requirements schedules and variations in liaison with the grid controllers. • Configure, operate and monitor the power station's auxiliary power supply network/supply boards so as to ensure availability and security of generation plant. • Monitor and inspect parameters on SCADA, and regulate or adjust transmission lines, bus-bars, transformers, reactors, tap-changers and generators loading to stay within prescribed limits and detect abnormal operating conditions • Complete and maintain station records and daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities and developing reports on shift turnover, plant operation and availability, non-compliance and generation updates. • Ensure availability of emergency power supplies to ensure safety to plant equipment and personnel, and in order to facilitate quick turn-around during emergency power outage. • Assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.

Zimbabwe Power Company • Hwange, Zimbabwe

Was responsible for the effective, efficient, and safe operation and monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis to ensure that the plant meets its generating requirements and that it is in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. • From the control room, remotely operated, monitored and tracked the operations of plant on SCADA/DSC, and carried out start up and shut down of generating power plant and auxiliary equipment as required according to laid down procedures. • Maintained, monitored and regulated fuel, boiler air, boiler water and steam flows, temperature and pressure to ensure efficient and optimum generation at all times. • Troubleshot and performed corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure, and responded to emergency situations. • Monitored environmental and safety performance to comply with legislature and standard requirements. • Maintained a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and wrote reports on plant operation and non-compliance. • Analysed, monitored and recorded instrument readings, parameters and equipment malfunctions, with an aim to improve efficiency, performance and reliability. • Directed Power Plant Operator in the local operation of equipment for starting, stopping, or regulating boiler-turbine-generator units and auxiliary equipment • Took part in plant isolation, de-isolation and commissioning.

Zimbabwe Power Company • Hwange, Zimbabwe

Was responsible for outside operational activities. • Inspected plant equipment, valves, gauges, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure, air and fuel flow and emissions to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency. • Cleaned and lubricated generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools. • Operated auxiliary plant and equipment as required (including fuels system, cooling water system, and compressed air system). • Assisted in plant mechanical isolation and de-isolation as required, carrying out fault finding and fault reporting.

Zimbabwe Power Company • Hwange, Zimbabwe

Carried out activities supportive to power generation in Coal and Ash Handling department. • Safely operated and monitored coal handling plant and equipment (such as conveyors belts, tripper-cars, vibro-feeders, junction towers, magnetic separators etc.) to make sure Boilers have sufficient coal all the time. • Safely operated and monitored ash handling plant (such as ESPs, ash and grit reticulation equipment, sluicing pumps, clinkers grinders, slurry pumps etc.) to ensure that efficient operation of furnaces and ESPs. • Assisted in scheduled or forced maintenance activities, performed preventive maintenance, maintained safe and clean work environment, identified and corrected hazards.