Will AI Replace Power Plant Operators?

Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Repair or replace gas piping.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.