Equans interview prep Flashcards
What is renewable energy and some examples?
Energy derived from sources that meet contemporary needs without jeopardising energy access for future generations i.e solar, wind, hydro, geothermal. Finite energy sources/non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels and nuclear.
Factors to consider when sizing cables
Be able to withstand a short circuit:
Depends on fault current amount, insulation of the cable, the time duration of the fault
Current carrying capacity:
Must be able to deliver the expected load current
Voltage drop across cable:
Cable has some resistances and reactances causing a voltage drop, should remain within an acceptable limit to ensure connected equipment function properly (i.e motor)
Insulation material:
Air cables require UV and mechanical protection, also protection against heat and moisture
Describe what three-phase is
The three phases are offset by 120 degrees so when the net signal is averaged out it is more constant/linear compared to a single sine wave.
Three phase power and resistance triangles (real, imaginary, complex)
P=(root3)IVcos(theta)
cos(theta)=power factors
theta=angle between voltage and current
More power for the same amount of wire
Constant torque (power output)
AC and DC transmission
DC:
-No need to frequency match when transmitting power between systems (no Hz in DC)
-Requires more infrastructure as power is generated and received in AC (DC converters required at both ends)
-Smaller cables required in DC as AC has skin effect (actual current only travels in a small ‘skin’ portion of the cable)
-No reactive power in DC so less losses
-AC->DC rectifier (full wave or half wave) diodes to control current flow in one direction (capacitor to smooth the signal)
-DC->AC inverter, uses a 4 switch switching controller to switch the current flow (PWM to make it sine wave like)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself progressing within the company to more managerial/senior roles where I will have more responsibility on projects and imparting my knowledge and expertise to train fresh engineers working at the company.
Gaining chartership and maybe pursuing my Masters degree alongside my standard work duties.
Describe the skills you learnt in your plumbing work experience
Learnt how waste management systems are designed, hot and cold water copper-intake pipes from boiler, waste pipes connected to the sewage system, in residential buildings and their requirements (p-traps)
Learnt how to solder copper piping to repair leaks (abrasive to sand down the connection, apply flux, heat the pipe, apply the solder around)
Location of stop valves
Different materials used in waste systems such as ABS and PVC and how to properly prime PVC to ensure the glue properly adheres.
Liaised with clients to make sure they understood the scope of the project (how long it would take)
Why this graduate scheme/role?
-Scheme structure: Having immediate impact on REAL WORLD PROJECTS (2-4) to develop my practical skills
-Training: in LEADERSHIP and MANAGEMENT skills to develop myself into and Engineering Manager
-Support for CHARTERSHIP
-Join and expand my network with other graduate from projects such as THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
-Support from the Early Careers team and from the “buddy system”
-Interested in sustainability principles and how they can be applied to buildings
maximising natural light
sourcing energy from renewables like solar
rainwater captures for irrigation systems
upgrading legacy diesel pumps with electric
Why this company
Projects such as:
Cambridge University Hospital where Equans delivered a 2.3 MW solar grid, improving its net zero goals and improving it’s power resilience in case of outage on the grid. (my COMSOL solar project)
Company’s value of sustainability by helping their clients achieve net zero and 30% of the company vehicles
being converted to EVs, this value strongly aligns with me (solar cell project), (rover project, rechargeable batteries - as they reduce the number of manufactured and disposed of batteries, made the chassis out of plastic 3D printed so it can be recycled)
What are the main markets and customers of Equans?
Corporate
Manufacturing and Industrial
Healthcare (cambridge, middlesex university hospitals)
Nuclear
Education
What kind of activities you expect to do on a daily basis while working at Equans?
Develop and implement solutions to reduce our clients’ emissions helping them reach net zero
Ensure compliance with our safety policies are being met by contractors
Assist contractors in the planning of invasive electrical activities like large isolation
How would you resolve conflicts?
Acknowledge the Conflict Early
Stay Calm and Neutral to find the root cause of the issue, ensuring not to pick sides and make it feel like targeted bullying
Listen Actively to All Parties to hear all sides of the issue to come to the most objective solution
Encourage Open Communication so resentment doesn’t foster if someone is dealing with something
How would you handle people that are not willing to change?
Understand the Root Cause of Resistance
Communicate the “Why” Behind the Change
Highlights data, success stories and wins of using new said approach
Encourage a Growth Mindset by promoting and rewarding adaptability in our team to find more efficient solutions
presentation: How to build better relationships with the students at the University and the community?
mobile app and digital signage:
To keep the university informed of upcoming works and opportunities to collaborate with Equans, transparency will reduce frustration and
