NEVER IN THE DARK · MIKE
Mike — Electrical Engineer
Senior Electrical Engineer · 8 years at Zwart
For Mike, the control system must do what the installation needs it to do
A generator that should be slowing down starts running faster instead. It can happen if the speed controller is connected incorrectly. A small mistake, with potentially serious consequences. Mike van Lieshout designs and programs the control systems for emergency power installations and checks that everything does what it should.
“My role is essential because we make sure that everything that has been purchased and built starts up and is controlled in the right way.”
From drawing to working installation
As a Senior Electrical Engineer, Mike creates drawings of control panels, describes how a system should work and develops the software that controls the generators. He then tests the control system and provides support when needed if problems arise on site.
He works closely with project managers, project engineers and other specialists. If a component changes during a project, the drawings and settings need to be updated too. Because what starts on paper must ultimately come together in an installation that works when it matters most.
Room to develop
Mike joined Zwart as an intern more than eight years ago. His grandparents knew the company, which gave him the opportunity to gain experience there. When he started, the engineering department had just four engineers, and there was still plenty of software development to be done.
Mike was given the space to get involved: trying new things, testing them and developing processes. “I feel I get a lot of freedom here. I get to develop things, try things and do a lot of testing.”
Eighteen generators. One working system.
One project Mike is particularly proud of is a data centre in Frankfurt with eighteen generator sets. He was involved in almost every part of the control system, from the drawings and software to commissioning on site.
During testing, he discovered and corrected small errors, including in the timing of alarm signals. After all the hours he had put into the project, he could see the result.
“It’s a great feeling to have spent so many hours on it and see that everything works in the end.”
What Mike keeps running: the control system that makes sure every part of an emergency power installation does what it should, at the right time.
Unseen. Essential.
NEVER IN THE DARK · JOB
An emergency power installation is more than an engine. Job designs the mechanical systems around it, making sure the fuel supply, ventilation and structure work together.
NEVER IN THE DARK · HAROLD
For Harold, a technical detail must never bring an entire project to a halt.
