Power System Expert from Germany

Five years ago, I moved from Germany to Finland and started my master's studies at the Aalto University in Espoo. Right after the beginning of my doctoral studies there, a leading development engineer from Ensto reached out to me. Ensto had just started the development of a new generation Arc Suppression Coil (ASC). At this point, the company was looking for experts from the Aalto University who could support their research and development project. As my focus in the studies was exactly on ASCs, I was able to offer my expertise to Ensto for mutual benefit.

Broad Expertise within Power Systems

I joined Ensto about 2,5 years ago and have been mainly focusing on the ASC project. I am the leading designer of the ASC prototype. Still, my days also include developing the intelligence in the ASC controller and a big range of other tasks. My expertise covers broad know-how in power system protection, fault detection, and power systems in general. I don't have a typical workday – every day differs from the other.

Arc Suppression Coil 2.0

ASCs effectively lower fault currents and help to self-extinguish electric arcs. Electric arcs form, for instance, when trees touch overhead lines, and they cause harm to people and nature in the form of wildfires. There have been ASCs on the European markets for decades, but Ensto's new ASC is super quick: it changes the inductance during the fault in a matter of milliseconds to lower the impact of the fault. This has not been done before, and I am super excited about the potential applications for this new type of ASC. Next, we will make a pilot installation in Poland, start marketing the new solution and increase awareness in Ensto’s markets. 

High Spirit and Talented Colleagues

I am interested in continuously broadening my understanding of power systems and learning new things. Before my studies, I worked as an electrician and during that time, developed an understanding of the importance of electricity in our everyday lives. I enjoy working at Ensto as here, the aim is to help distribution networks become safer, smarter, and more reliable. This will be increasingly important in the future, ensuring the increasing need for electrifying our energy systems. Our spirit is high, and my colleagues are enthusiastic, motivated, talented, and funny. It is not only about the topics we are working on but the combination of research and the implementation of the findings or novelties in the real world.  

Patience Is a Virtue?

During my time with the ASC project, I learned that development takes time and patience is needed. Furthermore, there is always a difference between research findings and the actual implementation of those findings. In theory, many things can be put into practice. However, the actual implementation of those research findings can be challenging. That is why it is so fruitful to have a team consisting of people from technical universities and the business world − it is a win-win with mutual learning. These years have taught me a lot, and I have gained much business-related experience while working at Ensto. 

Family As Basis for Wellbeing

I live in Tampere with my wife and our kid. During my free time I enjoy sports – in Germany I used to play soccer, but now it's hard to find time for that. The work and the doctoral thesis efficiently fill all the time available. In addition to exercising, I take care of my wellbeing by spending time with my family and trying to get enough sleep.

David Sevsek

The writer of the blog works as a Senior Research and Development Engineer at Ensto in Finland, specializing in Arc Suppression Coils.