Two years ago, Jose Daconti started a Linkedin professional group named “Overhead Transmission Lines” with the purpose of discussing and exchanging technical information about all electrical, mechanical, civil, environmental, legal and economic aspects of overhead transmission. As the personality of the group, Daconti has grown the membership to more than 3500. The group is active with fresh discussions, jobs and references every day.
Daconti’s global experience within the overhead transmission sector, along with other power system areas, has brought him to the position of senior staff consultant at Siemens PTI. Most of his work over 35 years has been in electric power system planning, generation interconnection studies, overhead transmission line design, and power system electromagnetic compatibility. A big part of Daconti’s current job is education. He presents courses such as the Fundamentals of Overhead Transmission Line Design in Schenectady, New York.
The course provides participants with a fundamental understanding of the electrical and mechanical design of AC 69-765 kV transmission lines with a special emphasis on the basics. Several of the presented concepts are of special importance to those working with overhead line software tools.
“Overhead transmission lines are the backbone of the high-voltage electric power system and are being built at a booming rate not only in the United States, but also worldwide. Overhead transmission line skilled professionals will continue to be on demand for the next decades,” Daconti said.
The experience that Daconti has acquired through the consulting aspect of his job allows him to bring theoretical knowledge and practical information to the classroom. He also possesses 25 years of experience at CHESF (Brazilian electric utility comprising 14 hydroelectric power plants and 11,000 miles of high voltage lines), which allowed him to become involved in electrical studies, conceptual design, detailed design, and environmental consulting related to 230kV and 500kV overhead transmission lines. His MSEE (Honors Degree) in overhead lines electrical studies and graduate studies at Cornell University in Electric Power Systems have given him a strong technical background that helps him answer students’ deepest questions.
At Siemens PTI, Daconti has taught courses on Power Circuit Analysis, Fundamentals of Overhead Transmission Line Design, Electromagnetic Transients and Insulation Coordination, Environmental Aspects of Overhead Lines, Electromagnetic Compatibility between Overhead Lines and Pipelines, etc. A new course on overhead transmission line operation and maintenance is under preparation, and planned to be offered in Schenectady, New York, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2013.
Daconti’s passion for electrical engineering began with his studies at one of the greatest technical high schools in Brazil. “I was only 15 years old, strongly motivated and embraced the engineering field, which allowed me to pursue my dreams of becoming an electrical power systems engineer.”
Now he tells students to do the same. “Study and work hard. Invest in your future. Never quit fighting for your dreams,” Daconti said.
At Siemens PTI, Daconti enjoys applying his skills to solve real-world problems faced by the electric industries in many countries. When he is not teaching power systems courses, he is teaching his son Leonardo. “I enjoy staying with my family and teaching my son Leonardo, who will lead our family in the future,” he said.
