The “Gold Woman” of Vietnam’s Electricity Sector

It was nearly noon on a scotching summer day and sweat was burning our eyes. Regardless, engineer Nguyen Thi Nguyet attentively listened to the sounds created by the 220KV-transformer placed at the Soc Son 220KV-transformer station and checked each detail of the machine. She stopped working only when the sun was at its highest. Her eyes were sparkling with joy and pride in her child - the first 220KV-transformer in
Graduating from the
Named as a “gold woman” of
In 2003, Nguyet was assigned to carry out a State-level scientific project of researching, designing and manufacturing a 220KV-transformer, the preferred size in the national electric grid. She confided: “When I was assigned with the task, I shivered with worry because there seemed to be nobody in the country with the knowledge to construct this type of machine. We did not even know its internal composition. Also, the 220KV-transformer is more complicated and sophisticated and much heavier than the 110KV- transformer I have produced. Moreover, I had neither document nor experience. Generally speaking, I had “bare hands”. Under these circumstances, to avoid risks, many people thought that the project should not be undertaken. However, after 14 years of researching and enduring untold difficulties and sometimes having the idea of discontinuing the work, Nguyet produced a transformer with a capacity of 220KV, the first of this type in
Manufacturing the 220KV-transformers requires very specialized technique that is only successful in countries that have advanced machinery. Apart from the human factor, there should be laboratories and specialized state-of-the-art technical equipment. All processes, from designing the cover to the technique of winding the wire, installing and adjusting the parameters, must be precise, as anything less could result in the unit exploding and causing extremely dangerous consequences.
The successful manufacturing of the 220KV-transformer, receiving i - Certificate of Creative Labour in 1986 and 2004 - First VIFOTEC (Vietnam Fund for Supporting Technological Creations) Prize in 2004 - A typical person who was praised in the programme “Glorious Vietnam 2004”. - Certificate of merit awarded by the Prime Minister in 2005.
nternational recognition, has marked a rapid development of the Vietnamese electricity sector. It is significant not only in terms of technology but also in enhancing the sector’s status and ability in integrating with other countries in the world. Engineer Nguyen Thi Nguyet’s achievements
- Prize awarded by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to a female inventor with the best achievements in 2004.
Success follows success. In 2005, engineer Nguyen Thi Nguyet was successful in repairing three 500KV-transformers at the Yaly Hydro Electric Plant, which had been normally undertaken by foreign experts.
Saying goodbye to her, we realized that residing in this small and simple woman are her burning dreams and ambition. Hopefully, in the near future Nguyet will realize her dream of manufacturing the 500KV-transformers.