Ahmed Gamil is a Senior industry expert and an electrical power engineer specialist in power transformer technology. He holds a Masters’ degree in Electronic, Electrotechnology and Communication Technology from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He is a member of IEC 60076-2 working group and has been nominated as an author of the new CIGRE Green Book on “Transformer Life Management”. He was previously also been a part of the Automobile industry where he even has a patent to his name. He has worked in several prestigious organizations such as SGB-SMIT where he built the R&D division from scratch.
Let’s start the interview!
Q. Tell us about yourself
Ahmed: Hi, my name is Ahmed Gamil and I’m from Egypt. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree from Egypt, I came to Germany in 1999 to pursue my Masters’. I started with power transformers in 2004 with the completion of my MSc degree in testing and modelling of power transformers based geometry for liquid breakdown strength. I briefly worked in software development and gained experience in project management and leadership as well. After 12 years, now I have decided to work in consulting and look forward to the future.
Q. What inspired you to join this sector?
Ahmed: When I was a student I realized we don’t have the real picture of what we are studying. Say, transformers are known as static machines. But in reality, I understand that this is a multi-physics and multi-functional machine. So, you may not know about everything, but you have to know something about everything. When I started with the design of power transformers I realized that you have a lot of physics and doors for science for learning in all direction, even IT. This multi-function component gave me the scope to have a multi-function role. That’s what inspired me.
Q. What trends do you think will rule in the next 5 years in this sector?
Ahmed: There is a new expression in the power transformer marker where we can it a smart transformers. At least in the near future of power transformer, it will not remain as a simple equipment but it is contributing to the grid. It will be related to sustainability, stability of grid and CO2 emission. So, in this context the two trends which will rule are to be smart and to be green that is target to reduce carbon emission and meet climate protection.
Q. Can you elaborate why?
Ahmed: The two potential for the trends is to look in to advanced material and digitalization. We need to look in to the scope of life extension and as far as smart transformers are concerned, we should be able to look in to it and have a two-way communication of things.
Q. Most of the people think maintenance and reliability are the same thing. What are your thoughts about it?
Ahmed: As I said before, we have two trends of digitalization and green-tech. But when it comes to decision making, irrespective to the technical support, you cannot make a decision about transformers without knowing anything about transformers.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you would give to a junior professional to succeed in your sector?
Ahmed: Be patient and to listen and to think before they are reacting to this. Give yourself time and I think future would be for the best.
Know something about everything, but know everything about your thing.
ahmed gamil