IEEE PI2 Austin, October 2024 – Disastrous Substation Engineering Projects – Lessons Learned

Balcones Country Club 8600 Balcones Club Dr, Austin

Register here! Topic: Disastrous Substation Engineering Projects - Lessons Learned The beauty is in the details, especially in relay and control design, where even the smallest mistake can lead to disastrous results. In this discussion, we’ll look at some real-world incidents that could have been averted through a better-quality control process, underscoring the importance of self-checks, following procedures, and cultivating a strong thought process to achieve high-quality designs and implementations. As advancements in technology and process automation diminish the hands-on involvement of engineers, we’ll also confront the unique challenges awaiting the next generation—challenges of design and the seamless transfer of knowledge. Presenter: Feisal Buitrago Sandoval Biography: Feisal has a Bachelor and a Master of Science in electrical engineering and is registered as a Professional Engineer in Texas. He started working in the power industry in 2008 as a Relay & Control Engineer, designing substation projects in Colombia, where he is from, and gaining strong technical skills. During this time, he had the chance to work on projects for clients across the globe: United Arab Emirates, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, and Panama; building his understanding of the requirements and challenges that each region faces. He has utilized both IEEE and IEC standards, helping him gain tools to approach design from different perspectives. After years of design experience, Feisal moved to the field to work as a Commissioning Engineer where he led the testing and commissioning of major apparatus and relay testing projects, providing him a broader understanding of the power system. Feisal currently works as an Engineering Manager, supporting transmission projects for the Texas region.