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Zahra Rahimpour

Renewable and Distributed Energy Researcher

Zahra Rahimpour

Degree

PhD Thesis in Electrical Engineering

University

University of New South Wales

Workplace

University of New South Wales

My passion was to become an electrical power engineer and design huge power transformers that, back then, I used to see on big trucks rolling down the highways. Although I knew there were few women studying this major at university, I did not let that stop me.

Who am I

I am a Renewable and Distributed Energy Researcher at UNSW. The focus of my research is on the technical and economic impacts of distributed energy resources on electricity networks using data analysis and pattern recognition techniques. Recently, I have submitted my PhD thesis in electrical engineering. During my PhD and master's degrees at the University of Sydney, I studied how buildings' envelopes can be exploited as a storage system and used with rooftop PV systems to reduce the electricity cost of householders while offering them comfortable indoor temperature. Before joining the University of Sydney, I worked for ten years as a power transformer design engineer. This included three years at Ampcontrol transformers in Newcastle and seven years at in Iran Transfo Corporation in Iran. As a power transformer design engineer, I designed oil-type electrical transformers for transmission and distribution electricity networks and dry-type transformers for the mining sector of Australia. During my work experience in both Iran and Australia, I always was the only woman in the engineering team.

Why I chose a career in power

I had two main motivations. One was my cousin, who was studying electrical power engineering at the time, and he inspired me to become an electrical engineer. My second motivation was that the Middle East's largest power transformer manufacturer was located in the city where I resided. My passion was to become an electrical power engineer and design huge power transformers that, back then, I used to see on big trucks rolling down the highways. Although I knew there were few women studying this major at university, I did not let that stop me.

Where it all started

Studied at the University of Zanjan completing a Bachelor's degree, (Electrical and Electronics Engineering). Completed a PhD Thesis in Electrical Engineering from the University of Sydney

My work experience.
What's next?

I worked for ten years as a power transformer design engineer. This included three years at Ampcontrol transformers in Newcastle and seven years at in Iran Transfo Corporation in Iran. Currently a Renewable and Distributed Energy Researcher at UNSW. The focus of my research is on the technical and economic impacts of distributed energy resources on electricity networks using data analysis and pattern recognition techniques.

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