Practical Perspectives on Contemporary Challenges in Power Systems Engineering

By Jemmatech Engineering Consultants

In power systems engineering, theory is just the beginning. Real-world impact is measured by practical implementation: high-performance designs, foolproof systems, and innovations that endure. At Jemmatech Engineering Consultants, we don’t just talk about engineering problems; we solve them in the field, project by project.

This article gives you a practical perspective on contemporary challenges in power systems engineering. Using real-life examples from our own consulting and industry experience, we’ll show you how today’s most complex engineering problems are addressed under real-world conditions.

Case Study: Integrating Solar Power into an Aging Industrial Grid

The Problem:

A mid-sized manufacturing company in Nigeria was spending thousands of dollars per month on diesel generators due to the unreliability of the electrical grid.

They wanted to migrate to solar power, but their current electrical distribution system wasn’t designed for renewable energy.

Technical Challenge:

Their electrical system was outdated, with poor load management and a lack of smart meters. A sudden influx of solar energy would have caused a system imbalance and potentially led to inverter failure.

Our Practical Solution:

Jemmatech redesigned its internal electrical system by:

• Installing hybrid inverters with smart energy management features
• Implementing real-time monitoring through SCADA integration
• Upgrading their distribution panel for efficient load-sharing
• Designing a battery backup system capable of supporting critical operations for 6 hours off-grid

Result:

The company now operates on over 65% solar power during the day and has reduced its diesel costs by 80%. We also offer expansion options for companies that wish to expand their operations or adopt a 100% renewable energy system.

Real-life example: Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in residential communities

Problem:

A gated community in Lagos wanted to install EV charging stations for its residents. However, the distribution transformer serving the community was already operating at near capacity.

Technical challenges:

Connecting high-power EV charging stations without overloading the system required a detailed load analysis and predictive design.

Our practical solution:

• We conducted a load audit across the entire community.
• We implemented hourly charging programs to distribute demand.
• We designed a microgrid integrating rooftop solar panels and local battery storage.
• We installed Level 2 EV charging stations with current limitations to prevent voltage spikes.

Result:

The community now allows up to 10 EVs to be charged per day without grid interruption. Residents have peace of mind knowing they are contributing to a green and sustainable future.

Keywords: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, charging management, urban energy planning.

3. Practical example: Improving power quality in a hospital.

Problem:

A private hospital in Port Harcourt experienced frequent breakdowns of sensitive medical equipment and devices, triggered by voltage dips.

Technical challenge:

Irregular voltage levels and harmonics from nearby industrial activity were causing instability and noise in the power supply.

Our practical solution:

• Installation of dynamic voltage recovery (DVR) systems
• Use of active harmonic filters to eliminate voltage distortion
• Integration of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) into critical circuits
• Implementation of a dedicated grounding system for diagnostic equipment

Result:

The power quality now meets Class A standards. Their MRI scanners and surgical devices operate without interruption, improving patient safety and hospital reliability.

Cybersecurity in Practice: Smart Grid Pilot Project for an Energy Supplier

The Problem:

A regional energy supplier in West Africa wanted to transition to a smart grid to reduce energy theft and improve billing accuracy. However, digitalization exposed the company to cyber threats.

The Technical Challenge:

With thousands of smart meters and remotely controlled substations, a cyberattack could paralyze the entire grid.

Our Practical Solution:

• Development of a multi-layered security architecture with secure protocols (TLS, VPN)
• Implementation of role-based access control (RBAC) for all field technicians
• Deployment of intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor suspicious activity
• Training of employees on cyber hygiene best practices

Result:

The smart grid implementation was a success. Billing accuracy has improved, and technical and non-technical losses have been reduced by more than 30%. Since its implementation, no major cyber incidents have been reported.

From Campus to Job: Bridging the Skills Gap

The Problem:

A local university was training electrical engineering graduates, but many lacked practical experience with modern tools such as programmable logic controllers, smart meters, or grid simulation software.

The Technical Challenge:

Without practical skills, these graduates struggled to find employment or contribute effectively to technical teams.

Our Practical Solution:

• We partnered with the university to upgrade its laboratory equipment.
• We donated training in solar, automation, and electric vehicle technologies.
• We established a Jemmatech internship program offering practical, hands-on experience.
• We implemented short courses in cybersecurity, IoT, and renewable energy design.

Result:

Within one year, more than 75% of program graduates were employed or running their electrical engineering firms. Employers report better career preparation and improved problem-solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the key challenges facing electrical engineering today?

A: Key challenges include integrating renewable energy, managing power quality, modernizing aging infrastructure, cybersecurity for smart grids, and supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Q2: How does Jemmatech solve real-world electrical engineering problems?

A: Jemmatech’s engineering consultants address real-world challenges by developing practical systems, from hybrid solar arrays to electric vehicle fleets, using smart technologies such as AI, SCADA, and predictive load management.

Q3: Why is modernizing electrical infrastructure important?

A: Most existing systems were not designed for modern needs such as electric vehicles, distributed energy, and smart devices. Upgrading them improves reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Q4: What is power quality, and why is it important?

A: Power quality refers to stable, undistorted voltage and frequency. Poor quality can damage sensitive equipment, cause downtime, and increase operating costs, especially in critical environments like hospitals.

Q5: How do smart grids improve energy systems?

A: Smart grids use digital technologies to monitor, communicate, and automate energy flows. They improve reliability, reduce losses, and enable real-time decision-making for both utilities and consumers.

Q6: What measures are being taken to address the shortage of skilled engineers?

A: Jemmatech partners with institutions to offer hands-on training, internships, and industry-relevant courses in areas such as automation, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and smart grid technologies.

Q7: How does Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology work?

A: V2G enables electric vehicles to not only charge from the grid but also release stored energy during peak demand. This promotes load balancing and improves energy efficiency.

Conclusion

At Jemmatech Engineering Consultants, we don’t believe in textbook engineering theory. Our mission is to develop practical, proven, and effective solutions to real-world challenges, whether it’s a rural electrification project or the development of a cutting-edge smart grid.

The future of electrical systems engineering relies not only on complex concepts, but also on local adaptation, practical experience, and strategic thinking. If you’re facing electrical engineering challenges, from grid instability to electric vehicle integration, know that smart, practical solutions exist, and we’re here to help.