10+ System Design Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Soiling loss is the reduction in solar panel efficiency due to dirt, dust, or other debris covering the surface. Mitigation involves regular cleaning and maintenance.

• Soiling loss is the decrease in energy output of solar panels caused by dirt, dust, or other debris blocking sunlight from reaching the photovoltaic cells.

• Mitigation strategies include regular cleaning of the solar panels to remove dirt and debris, as well as positioning the panels at an angle to allow for self-c...read more

SPD stands for Serial Presence Detect, which is a standardized way to access information about memory modules.

• SPD provides information about memory module size, speed, manufacturer, and other details.

• There are different classes of SPD, such as DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4.

• SPD data is stored on a small EEPROM chip on the memory module.

• System BIOS reads SPD data to configure memory settings for optimal performance.

The amount of overloading that can be done depends on the specific system and its components.

• The amount of overloading that can be done varies depending on the system's design and capacity.

• Overloading beyond the system's capacity can lead to performance degradation, system failure, or damage to components.

• It is important to carefully consider the maximum load that a system can handle before overloading it.

• Examples of overloading include exceeding the maximum weight limit of a...read more

CUF stands for Capacity Utilization Factor and is used to calculate the efficiency of a system or component.

• CUF is calculated by dividing the actual output of a system or component by its maximum possible output.

• Formula: CUF = (Actual Output / Maximum Possible Output) * 100%

• For example, if a solar panel has an actual output of 500 kWh and a maximum possible output of 1000 kWh, the CUF would be 50%.

Bifacial modules can generate electricity from both sides, while monofacial modules only generate from one side.

• Bifacial modules can capture sunlight from both the front and back sides, increasing energy production.

• Monofacial modules only have one active side for capturing sunlight.

• Bifacial modules are more efficient but also more expensive than monofacial modules.

• Examples of bifacial modules include LG NeON 2 BiFacial and Trina Solar Duomax.

• Examples of monofacial modules inc...read more

Communication protocols are rules and conventions for exchanging data between devices.

• Communication protocols define the format, timing, sequencing, and error checking of data exchange.

• Examples of communication protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and MQTT.

• Protocols can be categorized as wired (e.g. Ethernet) or wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi).

Calculate the number of strings and modules in a system design

• Calculate the total number of modules required for the system

• Determine the number of strings needed based on the module specifications

• Consider factors such as voltage, current, and power ratings when calculating strings and modules

RS485 cables are used in industrial automation, building automation, and control systems for reliable long-distance communication.

• Used in industrial automation for connecting sensors, actuators, and controllers over long distances

• Commonly used in building automation systems for HVAC control, lighting control, and access control

• Ideal for control systems requiring reliable communication over long distances

• Can support multiple devices on the same bus

• Examples include Modbus commu...read more

Protections involved in an ACCB panel include overload protection, short circuit protection, earth fault protection, and overvoltage protection.

• Overload protection: prevents excessive current flow through the panel.

• Short circuit protection: detects and interrupts short circuits to prevent damage.

• Earth fault protection: detects leakage current to ground and isolates the circuit.

• Overvoltage protection: safeguards against voltage spikes that could damage equipment.

ONAN cooling is a method of cooling used in transformers.

• ONAN stands for Oil Natural Air Natural cooling

• In ONAN cooling, the transformer is cooled by circulating oil inside the transformer tank and allowing natural air to cool the oil

• This method is commonly used in smaller transformers where the heat dissipation is not as high

Losses associated with PVsyst include shading losses, mismatch losses, and soiling losses.

• Shading losses occur when shadows from nearby objects or structures fall on the solar panels.

• Mismatch losses happen when different solar panels in an array have varying performance levels.

• Soiling losses occur when dirt, dust, or other debris accumulates on the surface of the panels, reducing their efficiency.

PV module refers to the basic building block of a solar panel, consisting of multiple solar cells connected in series and parallel.

• PV modules can be made using different technologies such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

• Monocrystalline modules are made from single-crystal silicon, offering high efficiency but higher cost.

• Polycrystalline modules are made from multiple silicon crystals, providing a balance between efficiency and cost.

• Thin-film modules use lay...read more

Short term goal is to gain experience in system design and long term goal is to become a lead system design engineer.

• Short term goal: Gain experience in system design through hands-on projects and mentorship.

• Long term goal: Become a lead system design engineer by continuously learning and taking on more responsibilities.

• Example: Short term - Completing a certification course in system design. Long term - Leading a team in designing a complex system.

My 5 year plan is to advance my skills in system design, take on more challenging projects, and eventually move into a leadership role.

• Continue learning and improving skills in system design

• Take on more complex and challenging projects to expand knowledge and experience

• Work towards gaining leadership skills and eventually move into a leadership role

• Network with professionals in the field to learn from their experiences and insights

Preparation of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) involves listing all materials, labor, and equipment needed for a project.

• Identify all items required for the project

• Quantify the amount of each item needed

• Estimate the cost of each item

• Sum up the total cost to create the BOQ