Cristopher Sanhueza, MSc, is a Senior Electrical Engineer and Researcher who has authored a series of whitepapers, technical reports, and knowledge contributions in the fields of power system protection, high-voltage testing, renewable energy integration, and large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
His work, developed across Chile, the United States, and Australia, reflects both technical depth and global applicability, contributing to the advancement of best practices in protection engineering and the integration of emerging energy technologies into high-voltage networks..
Technical Reports & Whitepapers
Documenting global expertise in HV protection, testing, and renewable integration.
2012 – USA | BHP Billiton – Mining Pipeline Heating Systems
Role: Designed and installed electrical heat-tracing systems for mining slurry pipeline networks, reducing energy losses and improving reliability.
Impact: Improved efficiency and reduced operational costs in mining transport infrastructure.
2013 – USA | Anglo American – Industrial HV Substations
Role: Conducted Omicron-based testing of CTs, VTs, and protection relays in industrial substations supporting mining operations.
Impact: Ensured reliable HV protection for industrial facilities, reducing risk of downtime.
2014 – USA | Rail Thickener Heating System – Tailings Pipeline (Thermon, World-First)
Role: Led the design and commissioning of a world-first integrated heating and protection system for a mining tailings pipeline.
Impact: Delivered a pioneering solution improving process stability and energy optimization.
2015 – USA | Thermon – Heat-Tracing & HV Protection Integration for BHP/Anglo American
Role: Developed hybrid solutions combining CompuTrace® heat-tracing with HV protection relays.
Impact: Enhanced safety and reliability for large-scale industrial clients.
2016 – Chile | Transelec – Cerro Navia 110 kV Substation
Role: Performed relay coordination and grading studies for a critical HV substation in Santiago.
Impact: Reduced nuisance trips and prepared infrastructure for renewable interconnections.
2017 – Chile | Transelec – Alto Jahuel 220 kV Substation
Role: Executed transformer differential protection (87T) testing and stability checks.
Impact: Improved reliability of major power transformers under renewable load variations.
2018 – Chile | Transelec – Cerro Negro Norte Solar-Hybrid Connection
ole: Implemented IEC 61850 protocols and GOOSE messaging for HV protection and interlocking.
Impact: Enabled smart grid automation and renewable integration into the national grid.
2019 – Chile | Codelco Chuquicamata – Arc-Flash Risk Mitigation
Role: Conducted arc-flash studies under IEEE 1584 and implemented advanced relay settings.
Impact: Improved worker safety and reduced operational risks in one of Chile’s largest mining facilities
2022 – Australia | Diamantina Power Station (QLD, 132 kV Substation)
Role: Led commissioning and HV testing of substation assets.
Impact: Enabled reliable integration of gas and renewable generation into the Queensland grid.
2023 – Australia | WICET (Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal)
Role: Directed relay protection upgrade and secondary testing for HV systems.
Impact: Ensured grid compliance and enhanced reliability of one of Australia’s largest coal export terminals.
2024 – Australia (Adelaide) | CSIRO Renewable Energy Research Facility
Role: Conducted HV testing, protection coordination, and renewable grid-integration studies.
Impact: Advanced Australia’s renewable research capacity with safe and reliable HV systems.
2025 – Australia (Adelaide) | Grid-Scale BESS & HV Testing Program
Role: Led end-to-end HV testing, protection validation, and relay coordination for a 30 MW / 60 MWh BESS.
Impact: Strengthened South Australia’s grid stability and renewable energy transition.
2025 – Australia | Jandakot Bus Depot – EV Charging HV Integration (Perth)
Role: Designed and commissioned HV integration for large-scale electric bus charging infrastructure.
Impact: Enabled sustainable public transport electrification through safe and reliable HV connections.
Papers in Preparation (IEEE & CIGRE)
Ongoing research shaping the future of HV protection, BESS, and renewable integration at global forums
Published Books
Book Three
A comprehensive volume exploring advanced topics in the field of study.