solar-power-plant-operator/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — solar power plant operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-8013.00 (Power Plant Operators) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3131; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

• [Core] Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
• [Supplemental] Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
• [Core] Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
• [Core] Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
• [Core] Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
• [Core] Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• [Core] Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
• [Core] Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
• [Core] Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• [Supplemental] Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
• [Core] Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
• [Core] Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
• [Supplemental] Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
• [Core] Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.
• [Core] Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
• [Supplemental] Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
• [Supplemental] Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
• [Supplemental] Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
• [Core] Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
• [Supplemental] Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
• [Supplemental] Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.
• [Supplemental] Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
• [nan] Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.
• [nan] Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.
• [nan] Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.
• [nan] Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.
• [nan] Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.
• [nan] Repair or replace gas piping.
• [nan] Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.
• [nan] Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Clean production equipment.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Exchange information with colleagues.
• Inspect equipment or systems.
• Lubricate production equipment.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
• Monitor conditions at energy-producing landfills.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Operate energy distribution equipment.
• Operate energy production equipment.
• Operate natural gas generation equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Record operational or production data.
• Repair production equipment or tools.
• Replace worn equipment components.
• Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.