Essential 100 Generator Operator Interview Questions

Q – 1 Do you know what is 2 phase motor?

Ans- A two phase motor is a motor with the the starting winding and the running winding have a phase split. e.g;ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding have a phase split of 90 degree.

Q – 2 Tell me what is the role of a Commutator?

Ans- The function of commutator is to facilitate the collection of current from armature conductors. It converts the alternating current induce in the armature conductors into unidirectional current in the external load circuit.

Q – 3 Do you know what is ACSR cable and where we use it?

Ans- ACSR means Aluminium conductor steel reinforced, this conductor is used in transmission & distribution.

Q – 4 Tell me why do we use compensation windings?

Ans- Compensation windings are used to neutralize the cross magnetizing effect of armature reaction.

Q – 5 Explain me how important is safety to you?

Ans- Safety comes first to me. If a safe environment is ensure inside the factory area, productivity will definitely increase proportionately as workers will get a comfortable place to work in.

Q – 6 Tell us when is the auto-relight function activated?

Ans- Whenever an engine is at or below idle with the fuel control switch in RUN. FCOM 1 70.20.8

Q – 7 Tell us why are you the best power plant operator for us?

Ans- Say them about your skills and the experience you have in this field. Say them that your resourceful knowledge can prove as an asset for the company.

Q – 8 Tell me do you remember your steam tables?

Ans- They measure pressure through temperature, volume of water and steam and amount of energy used by water during vaporization and vice versa.

Q – 9 Tell me how many ignitors are used for in flight starting?

Ans- Dual ignitors are always used for in flight starts. FCOM 1 70.20.8

Q – 10 Tell me why do you want a career as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- Beeing an Engineer, I have to serve my nation with my engineering skills, with out the power nothing we achieved so I choosed this as my career.

Q – 11 Do you know what is commutation?

Ans- The currents in the coils connected to a brush are either all towards the brush (positive brush) or all directed away from the brush (negative brush). Therefore, current in a coil will reverse as the coil passes a brush. The reversal of current in a coil as the coil passes the brush axis is called commutation.

Q – 12 Explain me what is lock out tag out?

Ans- It is a procedure that is used for the protection of the workers and the equipments during the maintenance or repair of the power plant.

Q – 13 Explain me what is the function of brushes?

Ans- The purpose of brushes is simply to lead current from the rotating loop or winding to the external stationary load.

Q – 14 Tell us what is Holding current?

Ans- When scr is conducting current in forward conduction state, scr will return to forward blocking state when the anode current or forward current falls below a low level called Holding current

Note: Latching current and Holding current are not same. Latching current is associated with the turn on process of the scr whereas holding current is associated with the turn off process. In general holding current will be slightly lesser than the latching current.

Q – 15 Tell me what is your long-term career goal?

Ans- I saw myself in many era at last ten years, during at successful project work and troubleshooting of VFD machine.

Q – 16 Explain me what is a feedback in Control System?

Ans- The Feedback in Control System in one in which the output is sampled and proportional signal is fed back to the input for automatic correction of the error ( any change in desired output) for futher processing to get back the desired output.

Q – 17 Explain me in flight, how many attempts will the autostart perform?

Ans- The autostart will make continuous start attemps until the engine either starts or the pilot aborts the start attempt. FCOM 1 70.20.7

Q – 18 Explain are you happy with your career as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- I have done very little but what I have experienced is something that brings me fullfillme.

Q – 19 Do you know what is Latching current?

Ans- Gate signal is to be applied to the thyristor to trigger the thyristor ON in safe mode. When the thyristor starts conducting the forward current above the minimum value, called Latching current, the gate signal which is applied to trigger the device in no longer require to keep the scr in ON position.

Q – 20 Tell me do you enjoy working with your hands?

Ans- Yes, but with in my knowledge I have enjoy it. But I wants to assist someone means surely I will call them. Because team work makes the difficult things to easier.

Q – 21 Explain me do you remember you steam tables?

Ans- Say yes only if you are confident enough with them, they will surely ask you some cross questions on this topic.

Q – 22 Explain me how independently can you work with the power plant?

Ans- Tell that you have proper knowledge about using the power plant and you can also fix almost majority of the technical issues related to it which helps you work independently inside the power plant.

Q – 23 Tell me what made you choose a career as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- The scientific principles behind the generation of electricity captivated my interest since childhood.

Q – 24 Explain me what is the function of anti-pumping in circuit breaker?

Ans- When breaker is close at one time by close push button,the anti pumping contactor prevent re close the breaker by close push button after if it already close.

Q – 25 Explain what do you feel is an acceptable work attendance record?

Ans- On time always. Absent only when illness wont permit working.

Q – 26 Tell me what was your greatest accomplishment as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- It gave me a chance to use my knowledge from the level of education purpose into implementing for a practical use.

Q – 27 Tell me what are the primary engine parameters displayed on EICAS?

Ans- EPR, N1 and EGT. FCOM 1 70.20.1

Q – 28 Explain me what is the difference between an induced draft and forced draft?

Ans- Forced draft installed to force the air inside the plant while the induced draft fetches and pulls the air inside the air.

Q – 29 Explain me about a difficult project and how did you manage to overcome it?

Ans- Give an example about the toughest project of yours and tell all the positive things about it and explain how that helped you to overcome the difficulties.

Q – 30 Tell me why is coal crushed to a powder before being fed into a boiler?

Ans- Because if coal is not crushed the combustion will not take place and also lump coal is very dangerous for the boiler water walls.

Q – 31 Tell me what is your secret to a successful career as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- Mind my own business and remind myself how lucky I am to be working for the company.

Q – 32 Explain me what if there are no compensation windings?

Ans- In the absence of compensation windings the flux will be suddenly shifting backward and forward with every change in load inducing an e.m.f in the armature coils. The magnitude of this e.m.f may be so high as to strike an arc between the consecutive commutator segments. This may further develop into a flash-over around the whole commutator thereby short circuiting the whole armature.

Q – 33 What is iDMT relay?

Ans- It is an inverse definite minimum time relay.In IDMT relay its operating is inversely proportional and also a characteristic of minimum time after which this relay operates.It is inverse in the sense ,the tripping time will decrease as the magnitude of fault current increase.

Q – 34 Explain me what is Control System?

Ans- In a System the output and inputs are interrelated in such a manner that the output quantity or variable is controlled by input quantity, then such a system is called Control System.

The output quantity is called controlled variable or response and the input quantity is called command signal or excitation.

Q – 35 Tell me as a Power Plant Operator, what do you believe is your best asset?

Ans- My experience and skills go a long way in ensuring the efficient and safe running of the power plnt.

Q – 36 Tell me during a manual start, when are fuel and ignition introduced?

Ans- As soon as the fuel control switch is positioned to RUN. FCOM 1 70.20.7

Q – 37 Explain me what has been your greatest accomplishment as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- Achieving powerplant knowledge and becoming a control room operator in three to four years.

Q – 38 Tell us why is a block of coal crushed into powder before burn?

Ans- A block of coal takes a lot of time to burn and give out the energy, but the powdered coal burns uniformly faster and since it is in its powdered form the entire coal burns and there is no waste of coal which leads in achieving greater calorific value.

Q – 39 Tell me what are a few things missing from a natural gas power plant to a coal power plant?

Ans- CHP & stock yard, crushers, coal conveyors, LDO HFO oil elevations, ash slurry disposal units, ash pond, wet or dry ash disposal.

Q – 40 Why should we hire you as Generator Operator?

Ans- It will be an opportunity for me to use my skills and experience to contribute to the success of the company. It is very satisfying to be part of a successful organisation.

Q – 41 Do you know what is rated speed?

Ans- At the time of motor taking normal current (rated current)the speed of the motor is called rated speed. It is a speed at which any system take small current and give maximum efficiency.

Q – 42 Tell me what is stepper motor.what is its uses?

Ans- Stepper motor is the electrical machine which act upon input pulse applied to it. it is one type of synchronous motor which runs in steps in either direction instead of running in complete cycle.so, in automation parts it is used.

Q – 43 Explain after we make electricity, why do we increase the voltage before sending it to the grid?

Ans- Match up the generator with the 500 KV line voltage so you’re not back back to the generator reverse power.

Q – 44 Tell us what things are missing from a natural gas power plant to a coal power plant?

Ans- CHP & stock yard, crushers, coal conveyors, wet or dry ash disposal, ash slurry disposal units, ash pond, LDO HFO oil elevations.

Q – 45 Explain me what is the amount of energy out of the total energy produced that is taken away by the boiler feed pump?

Ans- A boiler feed pump takes away one third part of the energy generated by the power plant.

Q – 46 Tell us if you have any questions for us?

Ans- Your job with them will be to play a role leading from the front. Ask them about what all opportunities will you get with this job. Also ask them about what safety measures the company take does for an employer such as insurances, medical expenses, etc. incase if there is a hazard in the power plant.

Q – 47 Tell me how can you tell the difference between induced draft and forced draft?

Ans- Then fan after boiler with flue gas will have induced draft, and the fan that has duct connecting to boiler will be the forced draft.Forced draft will give positive pressure to boiler and induced will give negative draft to the boiler.

Q – 48 Tell me what excites you the most about a career as a Power Plant Operator?

Ans- To work in a plant in which you begging to love and take ownership of and treat every piece of equipment like a patient.

Q – 49 Tell me how do you define separately excited generators?

Ans- A. A d.c. generator whose field magnet winding is supplied from an independent external d.c. source (e.g., a battery etc.) is called a separately excited generator.

Q – 50 Suppose one lamp connects between two phases it will glow or not?

Ans- If the voltage between the two phase is equal to the lamp voltage then the lamp will glow. When the voltage difference is big it will damage the lamp and when the difference is smaller the lamp will glow depending on the type of lamp.

Q – 51 Tell me why temperature rise test is conducted in bus bars and isolators?

Ans- Bus bars and isolators are rated for continuous power flow, that means they carry heavy currents which rises their temperature. so it is necessary to test this devices for temperature rise.

Q – 52 What are different types of Control Systems?

Ans- Two major types of Control Systems are

1) Open loop Control System
2) Closed Loop Control Systems

Open loop Control Systems: The Open loop Control System is one in which the Output Quantity has no effect on the Input Quantity. No feedback is present from the output quantity to the input quantity for correction.

Closed Loop Control System: The Closed loop Control System is one in which the feedback is provided from the Output quantity to the input quantity for the correction so as to maintain the desired output of the system.

Q – 53 Explain me why Delta Star Transformers are used for Lighting Loads?

Ans- For lighting loads, neutral conductor is must and hence the secondary must be star winding. and this lighting load is always unbalanced in all three phases. To minimize the current unbalance in the primary we use delta winding in the primary. So delta / star transformer is used for lighting loads.

Q – 54 Tell me how do you handle stress and pressure?

Ans- I will manage the stress by means of sorting out the things based on those importance and I planned to complete the work with in the time limit with well planned mentality.

Q – 55 Tell us why does steam have to be heated to the temperature it is, before entering a turbine?

Ans- Heat plays a mojor role in turbine, incase of absence of heat the turbine blades may got damage due to formation of rust. If there is no heat in steam means it has a moisture. So we need the heat.

Q – 56 Explain me why some cooling towers are 300 feet tall and others are like 30×30 cubicle on top of a building?

Ans- It depends on the type of plant and the application the tower has to deal with it.

Q – 57 Do you know which EICAS message indicates that actual thrust is significantly less than the commanded thrust?

Ans- ENG THRUST (L or R). FCOM 1 70.20.16

Q – 58 Tell us why did you decide the career as a power plant operator?

Ans- Being a mechanical engineer I always wanted to work in an environment that provided me with some big opportunities. The career of a power plant operator needs skills as well as experience which I feel I have in me and hence I decided to take a career as a power plant operator.

Q – 59 Explain me difference between a four point starter and three point starter?

Ans- The shunt connection in four point stater is provided separately form the line where as in three point stater it is connected with line which is the drawback in three point stater

Q – 60 Explain me what is the difference between MCB & MCCB, Where it can be used?

Ans- MCB is miniature circuit breaker which is thermal operated and use for short circuit protection in small current rating circuit. MCCB moulded case circuit breaker and is thermal operated for over load current and magnetic operation for instant trip in short circuit condition.under voltage and under frequency may be inbuilt. Normally it is used where normal current is more than 100A.

Q – 61 Explain what is voltage regulation?

Ans- The change in terminal voltage of a generator between full and no load (at constant speed) is called the voltage regulation. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the voltage at full-load.

%Voltage Regulation= (VNL-VFL)/VFL*100

VNL= Terminal voltage of generator at No load.
VFL= Terminal voltage of generator at full load.

Q – 62 Tell us why some cooling towers are 300 feet tall, and others look like a 30 by 30 foot cubicle on top of a building?

Ans- They place it usually at top because the higher the altitude the more effecient the cooling tower will be because its colder at high altitude than ground.

Q – 63 Explain me when is a crossbleed start indication displayed next to the N3 indication?

Ans- If the airspeed is below that recommended for a windmilling start. FCOM 1 70.20.7

Q – 64 Tell me what will you do when your timed schedule or jobs assigned to the plant fail to meet due to some unforeseen forecast conditions?

Ans- This happens generally on every other day in this profession, but the key is not to stay back but move on. I will take some preventive measures to avoid loss of resources.

Q – 65 Tell us have you ever come across a situation when the plant went into some technical issues, how did you manage that?

Ans- Technical issues are very common in a plant, give an example from your past experience where you successfully managed to overcome a technical issue.

Q – 66 Explain where do you think one third of the electricity we generate at this power plant, goes?

Ans- I will clean the machine and check the level of all fluid to prepare for the next working schedule.

Q – 67 Please explain me what is your philosophy towards the work?

Ans- Always put forth your best effort. The work you do is a reflection of the person you are.

Q – 68 Explain what are constant and variable losses?

Ans- constant losses:

☛ Iron losses,
☛ Mechanical losses,
☛ Shunt field losses

Variable losses:

☛ Copper loss.

Q – 69 Tell me why computer humming sound occurred in HT transmission line?

Ans- This computer humming sound is coming due to ionization (breakdown of air into charged particles) of air around transmission conductor. This effect is called as Corona effect, and it is considered as power loss.

Q – 70 Explain why Negative Feedback is preffered in the Control System?

Ans- The role of Feedback in control system is to take the sampled output back to the input and compare output signal with input signal for error ( deviation from the desired result).

Negative Feedback results in the better stability of the system and rejects any disturbance signals and is less sensitive to the parameter variations. Hence in control systems negative feedback is considered.

Q – 71 Explain what is the difference between Power Transformers and Distribution Transformers?

Ans- Those transformers installed at the ending or receiving end of long high voltage transmission lines are the power transformers. The distribution transformers (generally pole mounted) are those installed in the location of the city to provide utilization voltage at the consumer terminals.

☛ Power transformers are used in transmission network of higher voltages for step-up and step down application (400 kV, 200 kV, 110 kV, 66 kV, 33kV) and are generally rated above 200MVA.
☛ Distribution transformers are used for lower voltage distribution networks as a means to end user connectivity. (11kV, 6.6 kV, 3.3 kV, 440V, 230V) and are generally rated less than 200 MVA.
☛ A power transformer usually has one primary and one secondary, and one input and output. A distribution transformer may have one primary and one divided or “Tapped” secondary, or two or more secondaries.
☛ Power transformers generally operate at nearly full – load. However, a distribution transformer operates at light loads during major parts of the day.
☛ The performance of the power transformers is generally judged from commercial efficiency whereas the performance of a distribution transformer is judged from all – day – efficiency.
☛ The rating of a high transformer is many times greater than that of distribution transformer.
☛ In Power Transformer the flux density is higher than the distribution transformer.
☛ Power transformer’s primary winding always connected in star and secondary winding in delta while in distribution transformer primary winding connected in delta and secondary in star.
☛ In The Sub station end of the transmission line, The Power Transformer Connection is Star-Delta.( For the purpose of Step down the Voltage Level)
☛ In the star up of the Transmission line (H-T), The Connection of the power Transformer is Delta – Star (For the purpose of Step Up the Voltage Level) But in case of Distribution Transformer, But Generally it is used in there-phase Step down distribution transformer( Delta – Star).

Q – 72 Explain me will a D.C Shunt Motor operate on an A.C Supply?

Ans- The Shunt winding has a large number of turns so that it has appreciable inductance. When A.C is applied to a shunt motor, the large inductive reactance of shunt winding will reduce the field current too much. Consequently, Shunt motor will not usually run on A.C Supply.

Q – 73 Tell me what is the power factor of an alternator at no load?

Ans- At no load Synchronous Impedance of the alternator is responsible for creating angle difference. So it should be zero lagging like inductor.

Q – 74 Do you know how do you improve Commutation?

Ans- Improving commutation means to make current reversal in the short-circuited coil as spark less as possible. This can be done using

(i) Resistance commutation
(ii) E.M.F. commutation

Q – 75 Explain me how do you define Self Excited Generators?

Ans- A d.c. generator whose field magnet winding is supplied current from the output of the generator itself is called a self-excited generator. There are three types of self-excited generators depending upon the manner in which the field winding is connected to the armature,

(i) Series generator – , the field winding is connected in series with armature winding so that whole armature current flows through the field winding as well as the load.

(ii) Shunt generator – , the field winding is connected in parallel with the armature winding so that terminal voltage of the generator is applied across it.

(iii) Compound generator – there are two sets of field windings on each pole-one is in series and the other in parallel with the armature.

A compound wound generator may be:

(a) Short Shunt in which only shunt field winding is in parallel with the armature winding
(b) Long Shunt in which shunt field winding is in parallel with both series field and armature winding

Q – 76 Explain me what is your greatest strength and how do you feel it will help you in this role?

Ans- Attention to detail and problem solving with a good back to anticipate things before they happen.

Q – 77 Tell me why are you the best Power Plant Operator for us?

Ans- Because of the knowledge I posses. Interpersonal communications, team work, leadership, courage, unselfishness, loyalty, and dependability.

Q – 78 Do you know which rotor vibration is most likely to cause tactile vibration?

Ans- N1. FCOM 1 70.2016

Q – 79 Explain me what can you do to drive the blades of the turbine faster and preventing the damage of the blades?

Ans- Steam should be heated to the temperature it is before making it to enter the turbine because superheated steam produces a lot of energy and also prevents the blades from rusting or damaging.

Q – 80 Do you know who is a power plant operator?

Ans- A power plant operator is a person who operates a power plant. He has got to be good at the technical skills of using the power plant and must be equally talented in distributing the work to the other workers who are working with the power plant.

Q – 81 Tell us after the production of electricity, why do we increase the voltage before sending it to the grid?

Ans- To avoid the transmission losses.

Q – 82 Explain me how do handle the work pressure?

Ans- Say them that you think positive under stress which fills some energy in you and that’s how you face problems.

Q – 83 Explain me when will the ENGINE FAIL message appear on the PFD?

Ans- If actual thrust is less than commanded thrust during takeoff with airspeed between 65kts and V1-6kts. FCOM 1 70.20.16

Q – 84 Tell me what is the temperature steam turns into dry steam?

Ans- Steam a bowl of saturated temperature.

Q – 85 Explain me a difficult project and how you overcame the challenges?

Ans- I was given the to complete the water wash of compressor in 24 hrs with desired valve of conductivity. I worked continuously 20 hours to achieve.

Q – 86 Please explain why do you want to leave your current employer?

Ans- To find a better job (more income), also to get more knowledge and widen my experience.

Q – 87 Do you know what are the different types of generators?

Ans- Generators are generally classified based on their methods of field excitation

(i) Separately excited d.c. generators
(ii) Self-excited d.c. generators

Q – 88 Do you know armature reaction?

Ans- Armature reaction is the effect of magnetic field setup by armature current on the distribution of flux under main poles of a generator.

The armature magnetic field has two effects

a. It demagnetizes or weakens the main flux
b. It cross-magnetizes or distorts it.
The first effect leads to reduced generated voltage and second to the sparking at the brushes.

Q – 89 Tell us what are the advantages of parallel operation of generators?

Ans- 1. Continuity of service
2. Efficiency
3. Maintenance and Repair
4. Increasing plant capacity
5. Non availability of single large unit

Q – 90 Tell me what are the advantage of free wheeling diode in a Full Wave rectifier?

Ans- It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load.

Q – 91 Do you know whats is MARX CIRCUIT?

Ans- It is used with generators for charging a number of capacitor in parallel and discharging them in series.It is used when voltage required for testing is higher than the available.

Q – 92 Tell me what will happen when power factor is leading in distribution of power?

Ans- If their is high power factor, i.e if the power factor is close to one:

a)Losses in form of heat will be reduced,
b)Cable becomes less bulky and easy to carry, and very cheap to afford, &
c)It also reduces over heating of tranformers.

Q – 93 Tell me what are the different types of losses in DC Machines?

Ans- The losses in a d.c. machine (generator or motor) may be divided into three types

1. Copper losses: These losses occur due to currents in the various windings of the machine.

2. Iron or core losses: These losses occur in the armature of a d.c. machine and are due to the rotation of armature in the magnetic field of the poles.

They are of two types

a. Hysteresis loss: Hysteresis loss occurs in the armature of the d.c. machine since any given part of the armature is subjected to magnetic field reversals as it passes under successive poles.

b. Eddy current loss: The voltages induced in the armature conductors produce circulating currents in the armature core known as eddy currents and power loss due to their flow is called eddy current loss. The eddy current loss appears as heat which raises the temperature of the machine and lowers its efficiency.

3. Mechanical losses: These losses are due to friction and windage. These losses depend upon the speed of the machine. But for a given speed, they are practically constant.

Q – 94 Do you know principle of operation of a generator?

Ans- An electric generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electric generator is based on the principle that whenever flux is cut by a conductor, an e.m.f. is induced which will cause a current to flow if the conductor circuit is closed. The direction of induced e.m.f. (and hence current) is given by Fleming’s right hand rule.

Q – 95 Tell me what is your greatest weakness and what steps are you taking to improve?

Ans- Literature…But where this factor needs to be mastered, then there is no way back down.

Q – 96 Tell me what are the secondary engine parameters?

Ans- N2, N3, fuel flow, oil pressure, oil temperature, oil quantity and engine vibration. FCOM 1 70.20.1

Q – 97 Tell us how important is safety to you?

Ans- Safety in this profession is very important for every worker working inside the plant. A small mistake can lead to a big hazard and hence every minor chance of a mistake should be taken seriously.

Q – 98 Explain the methods for starting an induction motor?

Ans- The different methods of starting an induction motor:

a) DOL:direct online starter
b) Star delta starter
c) Auto transformer starter
d) Resistance starter
e) Series reactor starter