Philip Krein

Title: Review of Charging Power Levels and Infrastructure for Plug-In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, and Commentary about Unidirectional Charging

Date: 04-30-2012

Abstract: This presentation reviews the current status and implementation of battery chargers, charging power levels and infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids. Charger systems are categorized into off-board and on-board types with unidirectional or bidirectional power flow. Unidirectional charging limits hardware requirements and simplifies interconnection issues. Bidirectional charging … Read More

Christian Sanchez

Title: Estimation of Thevenin Equivalent (TE) Parameters

Date: 04-16-2012

Abstract: This presentation discusses the estimation of Thevenin equivalents based on current and voltage measurements. These measurements are taken as outputs of an unknown system and are used to estimate a Thevenin equivalent. We illustrate with a small DC system and the measurements used. The requirements on these measurements to avoid computational problems are given. We test the robustness of each esti … Read More

Siwei Cheng

Title: Health Monitoring and Fault Detection of Claw-pole Generators

Date: 04-02-2012

Abstract: The ‘claw-pole’ type synchronous generator is the heart of virtually all automotive electric power systems. The failure of such a generator is considered to be a so-called “walk-home” incident leaving a motorist stranded. Timely and accurate detection of generator problems will not only decrease “walk-home” incidences but will also significantly decrease misdiagnoses, thereby resulting … Read More

Stanton Cady

Title: Robust Implementation of Algorithms For Distributed Generation Control of Small-Footprint Power Systems

Date: 03-26-2012

Abstract: This presentation discusses the development and implementation of distributed algorithms suitable for controlling generators in a small-footprint power system. These algorithms are utilized to determine the amount of real power each generator needs to provide to regulate the electrical frequency. We created a hardware test bed to implement the algorithms using low complexity devices capable of per … Read More

Saurav Mohapatra

Title: Electromechanical Wave Propagation in Power Systems

Date: 03-12-2012

Abstract: Electromechanical wave propagation phenomena have been observed in large-scale power systems such as the Western Interconnect. Simulations using the WECC planning model have also exhibited similar phenomena. In the first part of this presentation a 76-bus “equivalent” will be discussed, which is based on the WECC planning model. This reduced order model has been able to retain certain dynamic … Read More

Trevor Hutchins

Title: The Effects of Geomagnetic Disturbances on the Electric Grid

Date: 03-05-2012

Abstract: High-impact, low-frequency (HILF) events pose a threat to the United States electric grid. For example, solar storms that generate coronal mass ejections can induce a change in the earth’s magnetic field. Geomagnetically induced ground current (GIC) then enters the power grid and cause unusual real and reactive power flows, voltage fluctuations, frequency shifts, undesired relay operations, high … Read More

Kai Van Horn

Title: Optimized Demand Response Resource and Utility- Scale Energy Storage Utilization in Day-Ahead Energy Markets

Date: 02-27-2012

Abstract: In this presentation, I will describe the salient characteristics of the optimized utilization of demand response resources (DRRs) and utility-scale energy storage (USES) devices by independent grid operators (IGOs) in the hourly day-ahead electricity markets (DAMs). The hour-to-hour fluctuations of load result in volatile hourly prices in the DAMs. Such volatility in hourly prices may be attenuat … Read More

Tutku Buyukdegirmenci

Title: System-Level Power Loss Sensitivity to Various Control Variables in Vector-Controlled Induction Motor Drives

Date: 02-20-2012

Abstract: This talk addresses induction machine drive-system power-loss, and its sensitivity to various control variables. Previous discussions on power-loss have considered either machine losses or inverter losses. We combine the machine and the inverter power-losses in order to characterize power-loss sensitivity of the overall system. This sensitivity investigation is intended to be a case study for the … Read More

Matt Magill

Title: Examination of Design Strategies for Inverter-Driven Induction Machines

Date: 02-20-2012

Abstract: This talk will discuss factors that must be considered for the proper design of inverter-driven induction machines (IDIMs). When an induction machine is excited using a power electronics- based converter, its operating characteristics become vastly different than those experienced in fixed frequency and voltage settings where conventional designs are well established. In order to develop machine a … Read More

Robert Pilawa-Podgurski

Title: Improving Energy Yield Through Sub-module Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Applications

Date: 02-13-2012

Abstract: This talk will describe the benefits of distributed power electronics in solar photovoltaic applications. We will explore the benefits of small, intelligent power converters integrated directly into the solar panel junction box to enhance overall energy capture in real-world scenarios. To this end, we will present a low-cost, high efficiency (above 98%) power converter that enables intelligent con … Read More

Pradeep Shenoy

Title: Differential Power Processing Architecture for Improved Efficiency and Reliability of DC Conversion Systems

Date: 01-23-2012

Abstract: This talk explores an energy conversion architecture that significantly reduces power losses by processing differences only in current. Microprocessor power delivery and utility-scale solar photovoltaics are two applications that can benefit substantially from such an approach. A Department of Energy ARPA-E grant was recently awarded for further research on this concept. Since differential power c … Read More

Paul Kenis

Title: Electrochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide into Value-Added Chemicals

Date: 12-05-2011

Abstract: Significant reductions in CO2 emissions and the development of alternative energy sources are critical to both minimize green-house gas effects and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We have developed a flow reactor for the efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 into (1) C1 fuels such as formic acid or methanol to enable storage of electrical energy in chemical form (an approach to dea … Read More

Saurav Mohapatra

Title: Equivalent Modeling Techniques to Study the Frequency Wave Propagation Phenomenon in Large-Scale Power Systems

Date: 11-28-2011

Abstract: Transient models of large-scale power systems are complicated. Although they provide a detailed representation of the system, the amount of data generated can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is of interest to create smaller test systems (reduced or “equivalent” models) which reflect trends and properties that are similar to the large-scale model. This presentation will focus on one property of … Read More

Katherine Kim

Title: Voltage-Offset Resistive Control for Photovoltaic Applications

Date: 11-28-2011

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) systems must be able to maintain stable operation and produce optimal power even under rapidly changing environmental conditions. In these systems, dc-dc converters are used to control PV panel operation at the maximum power point (MPP). Voltage-offset resistive control (VRC) exhibits inherently low sensitivity to irradiance changes and is easily implemented on a boost converter. … Read More

Issac Castillo

Title: Active Demand Response Resources: The New FERC Compensation Rules and Their Implications For Market Players

Date: 11-14-2011

Abstract: The utilization of demand response resources (DRRs) has increased dramatically over the past decade. To date, DRRs have been utilized in response to signals from a utility or Independent System Operator (ISO) to reduce load during high demand conditions with limited supply resources so as to avoid a reliability event. However, increasing prominence of energy markets has led to an increasing amount … Read More

Kai Van Horn

Title: Active Demand Response Resources: The New FERC Compensation Rules and Their Implications For Market Players

Date: 11-14-2011

Abstract: The utilization of demand response resources (DRRs) has increased dramatically over the past decade. To date, DRRs have been utilized in response to signals from a utility or Independent System Operator (ISO) to reduce load during high demand conditions with limited supply resources so as to avoid a reliability event. However, increasing prominence of energy markets has led to an increasing amount … Read More

Rhett Mayor

Title: Accelerating Optimal Machine Design Through Parametric Thermo-Mechanical Models

Date: 11-07-2011

Abstract: The rapid expansion of the application domain for electric machines resulting from increased electrification throughout all modes in the transport sector has significantly stressed existing machine design methodologies due to the compounding expectations of short development timelines and nontraditional, highly application specific design requirements. The thermal design of the machine is often th … Read More

Maryam Saeedifard

Title: High-Power Voltage-Sourced Converters

Date: 10-31-2011

Abstract: The increasing demand for electric power and the economic access to remote large-scale renewable energy resources have revived the interest in High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. The HVDC systems based on the Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) constitute a futuristic promising technology for (i) the expansion of the power networks for large cities; (ii) the integration of renewable energy res … Read More

Brett Robbins

Title: Parallel Newton Scheme for Dynamic Power Grid Simulations

Date: 10-24-2011

Abstract: We analyze the convergence properties of a parallel Newton scheme for the numerical solution of differential systems. The scheme concurrently solves the time-coupled nonlinear systems arising from the application of implicit discretization schemes. We have found that the scheme acts as a tracking algorithm that converges to a moving manifold given by the solution of the nonlinear system at the cur … Read More

Siming Guo

Title: Wide-Area Complex Load Model Parameter Estimation via Phasor Measurements

Date: 10-24-2011

Abstract: The ability of the power grid to withstand disturbances such as faults and outages impacts directly customers’ uninterrupted electricity supply service. Power system operators routinely use dynamic models of the power grid to determine if the responses of generators, loads, and transmission devices under transient conditions are within tolerable limits. The focus of this presentation is on param … Read More

Sairaj Dhople

Title: A Set-theoretic Approach to Propagate Parametric Uncertainty in Markov Reliability Models

Date: 10-17-2011

Abstract: The parameters of a Markov reliability model, i.e., component failure and repair rates, are seldom perfectly known. This talk focuses on a set-theoretic method to propagate parametric uncertainty to reliability and performability indices that result from Markov reliability models. In the proposed framework, we assume that upper and lower bounds on parameter values are inferred from engineering jud … Read More

Xiangyu Ding

Title: Observer Based Fault Detection for D-STATCOM Systems

Date: 10-10-2011

Abstract: The topic of this presentation will be on piecewise-linear fault detection filter for the Hex-bridge circuit. The two- level inverter (six-pulse or Hex-bridge) circuit is one of the most widely used power electronic circuit for three phase rectification or inversion. Its application ranges from inverters systems, motor drives to High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems and Flexible AC Transmissi … Read More

Quanyan Zhu

Title: A Game-Theoretic Framework for Control of Distributed Renewable-Based Energy Resources in Smart Grids

Date: 10-10-2011

Abstract: Renewable energy plays an important role in distributed energy resources in smart grid systems. Deployment and integration of renewable energy resources require an intelligent management to optimize their usage in the current power grid. In this paper, we establish a game-theoretic framework for modeling the strategic behavior of buses that are connected to renewable energy resources and study the … Read More

Longya Xu

Title: Design Strategies for Inverter-Driven Induction Machines

Date: 10-03-2011

Abstract: Progress in PM, switched reluctance, and synchronous reluctance machines has demonstrated a great potential of designing an optimal electric machine dedicated for inverter driven conditions. In this presentation, design strategies for inverter-driven induction machine are discussed. A sample design of an induction machine is conducted according to the design strategies. Performance analysis result … Read More

Brian Johnson

Title: Interleaving of Parallel Connected Inverters and Low-Cost Circuit Design

Date: 09-26-2011

Abstract: We focus on the coordinated deployment of multiple inverters to achieve system level objectives and cost reductions. The methodology developed is applicable to highly distributed energy systems which utilize dc sources such as photovoltaics, fuel-cells, and batteries. Such system result in the following benefits: a very low distortion ac current waveform is produced; filtering component requiremen … Read More

Yue Cao

Title: 11-level Cascaded H-bridge Grid-tied DC-AC Inverter Interface with Solar Panels

Date: 09-19-2011

Abstract: The presentation shows a single-phase 11-level (5 H-bridge) cascaded multilevel DC-AC grid-tied inverter. Each inverter bridge is connected to a 200 W solar panel. OPAL-RT lab was used as the hardware in the loop (HIL) real-time control system platform where a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm was implemented based on the inverter output power to assure optimal operation of the inverte … Read More

Kate Rogers

Title: Property Preserving Equivalents

Date: 09-19-2011

Abstract: When examining large interconnected power systems, performing extensive analysis on the full network is often not practical or desirable. Reduced models of the larger system, referred to as network “equivalents,” can be constructed. The goal of this research is to produce models that preserve the important structure of the system to be modeled in such a way that the accuracy of the result is a … Read More

Mary Cain

Title: Electric Transmission Policy and Power Systems Engineering

Date: 09-12-2011

Abstract: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil, and licenses non- federal hydroelectric projects. This talk will focus on the interesting and challenging power engineering issues in electric transmission policy at FERC. These include transmission planning, computational challenges in electri … Read More

Karl Reinhard

Title: Effective Presentations: The Articulate Engineer

Date: 08-29-2011

Abstract: The effective engineer must be able to influence people in today’s complex, rapidly changing world through both formal and informal public speaking. The aim is to offer insights to the competent engineer who wants to make more persuasive presentations. The articulate engineer relies more on clarity of thought and carefully tailored presentations and less on stacks of PowerPoint slides. Karl will … Read More

Yingying Kuai

Title: Level Shifter Configuration for Multi-Ratio Switched-Capacitor Voltage Regulators

Date: 04-25-2011

Abstract: Switched capacitor voltage regulators (SCVR) are promising candidates for on-die, point- of-load applications. They put lower voltage stress on transistors for better than 85% efficiency, and are amenable to integration on silicon for cost-effectiveness and miniaturization. The main drawback of SCVRs is that line voltage regulation is realized at the expense of conversion efficiency. A Multi-ratio … Read More

Yannick Degeilh

Title: Simulation of Power Systems with Integrated Wind, Demand Response and Storage Resources

Date: 04-18-2011

Abstract: The presentation describes the development and testing of a simulation methodology for the emulation over longer-term periods of integrated wind, demand response and utility-scale storage resources into the power system. In addition to the modeling of conventional sources of uncertainty in probabilistic simulation, the proposed approach explicitly represents intermittency and resource variability … Read More

Stanton Cady

Title: Robust Implementation of Distributed Algorithms for Control of Distributed Energy Resources

Date: 04-18-2011

Abstract: As the number of distributed energy resources deployed increases, we envision utilizing them in order to provide ancillary services for power systems. Specifically, devices such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or power electronics grid interfaces may be controlled in such a way that they are capable of providing services beyond their primary functions. If appropriately controlled, these re … Read More

Xichen Jiang

Title: Assessing Threats to PMU Synchronization and Algorithms through GPS Spoofing

Date: 04-11-2011

Abstract: As the current power system updates and revamps to meet new Smart Grid standards, reliability will be a pivotal issue. The integration of new technology will increase the complexity of the existing system and add additional sources of uncertainty. One such technology that has been receiving considerable attention is the synchronized phasor measurement units (PMU), which are synchronized through Na … Read More

Komal Shetye

Title: Validation of Transient Stability Results

Date: 04-11-2011

Abstract: Determination of the transient stability properties of a power system for a set of contingencies is of vital importance. However, it is widely known in the industry that different transient stability packages can give substantially different results for seemingly identical models. The goal of this work is to develop validation methodologies for transient stability packages with a focus on the West … Read More

Tobias Geyer

Title: Control and Modulation Schemes for High-Performance Electrical Drive Systems

Date: 04-04-2011

Abstract: Variable speed drives are a key component in wind turbines, hybrid and electric vehicles, modern train engines, diesel-electric ships and rolling steel mills. Industrial customers increasingly require drives with reduced current and torque distortions, increased efficiency, improved reliability, as well as higher power, voltage and output frequency. To meet this demand, multi-level converter topol … Read More

Thomas Jahns

Title: Interior PM Synchronous Machines: Historical Perspectives, Current Status, and Future Directions

Date: 03-14-2011

Abstract: Interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous machines have experienced a surge of popularity during the past decade that began with the introduction of the Toyota Prius powertrain in 1997. However, IPM machines themselves have a much longer history that can be traced back many more years to the first half of the twentieth century. It is an instructive exercise to review some of the key milestones i … Read More

Tom Nicol

Title: Privacy Protection Through Limited Load Signal Distortion

Date: 03-07-2011

Abstract: While improved methods of Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring can be beneficial in a Smart Grid environment (tracking down wasted energy, identifying anomalous device behavior, verifying load-shed, etc) such tools can be misapplied by unauthorized agents. As Smart Meters are deployed, the amount of data available for such abuse will skyrocket. Currently, energy consumers rely on legal constraints and di … Read More

Xiangyu Ding

Title: Fault Detection Filter Design for Static Synchronous Compensators

Date: 03-07-2011

Abstract: This paper proposes the use of observer-based fault detection filters for static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) health monitoring. In absence of faults, the detection filter outputs asymptotically converge to the STATCOM state variable actual values. When a fault occurs, the filter output diverges from the state variable actual values, and the filter residual error gives accurate information ab … Read More

Kieran Levin

Title: Observer-Based Fault Detection in Switching Power Converters: The Explicit Solution

Date: 02-28-2011

Abstract: This work presents a fault diagnosis method for power electronics systems that extends classical observer based fault-sensitive detection filters for linear time-invariant systems and applies them to switched-linear systems commonly encountered in power electronics. Hardware implemented integrator based models and other explicit solvers will be discussed. We focus on computationally efficient meth … Read More

Rajesh Bhana

Title: Photovoltaic Resource Modeling for Longer-Term Simulation

Date: 02-28-2011

Abstract: This presentation presents the probabilistic photovoltaic resource model for incorporation into the probabilistic simulation framework. The presentation focuses on the identification of solar production patterns at various locations in the power generation system and their use in the construction of a comprehensive model for the representation of solar resources in a simulation methodology for lon … Read More

Mark Pruitt

Title: Illinois Power Agency: Alternative Structures to Wholesale Power Transactions

Date: 02-21-2011

Abstract: The Illinois Power Agency was chartered in 2007 to address the price shock experienced by consumers due to the end of the rate freeze protections enacted in 2007. Since that time, the Agency has established new methods and practices for procurement planning and contract selection on behalf of Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois Utilities’ 5 million residential and small commercial ratepayers … Read More

Soobae Kim

Title: Mixed Power Flow Analysis Using Both ac and dc Models

Date: 02-14-2011

Abstract: This presentation introduces a mixed approach with AC and DC power flow models for power flow studies. Power flow problems are solved using the AC model in some part of system, whereas using the DC model in other parts. The proposed approach can increase computation speed while still maintaining detailed solutions in areas of interest based on mixed AC and DC power flow models. In other words, thi … Read More

Christine Ross

Title: Aspects of Permanent Magnet Machine Design

Date: 02-07-2011

Abstract: The design of permanent magnet machines is a multidimensional and iterative process involving electrical, operational, mechanical, and thermal design parameters. This presentation addresses some aspects of permanent magnet machine design practices. Major aspects of permanent magnet machine design include selecting the permanent magnet material and machine topology to meet the design specifications … Read More

Pradeep Shenoy

Title: Improving Performance and Efficiency of Microprocessor Power Supplies

Date: 01-24-2011

Abstract: This presentation discusses methods from improving the performance and efficiency of microprocessor power supplies. The first section examines techniques to improve performance by focusing on the regulation of the microprocessor supply voltage. To overcome the challenges posed by the incredibly fast load slew rates, the addition of communication between the power supply and the microprocessor lead … Read More

Rajesh Bhana

Title: Probabilistic Modeling of Solar Electricity Resources for Power System Planning

Date: 11-15-2010

Abstract: Energy production from photovoltaic and solar thermal generators is primarily dependent on two variable inputs -­‐ solar radiation and temperature. Consequently, the output of these generators is also variable and the simulation of power systems with such resources can be computationally intensive. Probabilistic simulation reduces this computation by clustering the input data to find typical re … Read More

Matthew Magill

Title: Electric Machines as Metamaterials

Date: 11-15-2010

Abstract: This presentation considers the application of metamaterials to the design process for electric machines. As the complexity of machine designs increases, so do the number of control variables needed to fully characterize the device. As a result, within the early stages of machine design the determination of optimal geometric and material property combinations becomes an overwhelming task. In an ef … Read More

Tutku Buyukdegirmenci

Title: High Performance Induction Machine Control: Issues and Solutions

Date: 11-08-2010

Abstract: This talk addresses various aspects of the design of high performance and well-conditioned induction motor drive systems. We present a thorough comparison of scalar and vector control methods on the basis of parameter sensitivity and peak capabilities. Detailed analysis indicates that direct torque control (DTC) has the least parameter dependency among the vector control methods. The comparison of … Read More

Philip Krein

Title: The Grainger Center for Electric Machinery and Electromechanics at the University of Illinois

Date: 11-01-2010

Abstract: This presentation presents activities and reviews plans of the Grainger Center for Electric Machinery and Electromechanics (CEME) at the University of Illinois. As one of the nation's largest endowed programs in an electrical engineering discipline, the CEME seeks to enhance education, research, and technology associated with electromechanical energy conversion and related electrical energy topics … Read More

Ali Bazzi

Title: Designing Better Induction Motor Drive Systems

Date: 10-25-2010

Abstract: This talk addresses the design of better induction motor drive systems from improvements in a number of directions. We study thoroughly real-time loss minimization techniques (LMTs) and categorize and compare LMTs. Results indicate that average energy savings exceed 5% in applications such as propulsion and hybrid vehicles. We develop a complete drive reliability model to assess the effect of loss … Read More

Christine Chen

Title: Assessing Renewable Resource Penetration on Power System Small-Signal Reachability

Date: 10-18-2010

Abstract: We propose a method to assess the impacts of operational uncertainty on power system dynamic performance caused by variability in the system supply side output levels. Operational uncertainty is common in power systems, e.g., in demand variability. However, with the increased penetration of renewables, operational uncertainty will also extend to a significant portion of the supply side, whose impa … Read More

Brett Robbins

Title: Decentralized Control of Distributed Energy Resources

Date: 10-18-2010

Abstract: With the introduction of new power generation technologies and government requirements to increase the penetration of renewable energy, distributed energy resources are going to play a pivotal role in the electrical grid. Currently, the control of these systems is limited to maintaining a particular power factor and disconnecting in the presence of contingencies. With the appropriate control strat … Read More

Yannick Degeilh

Title: Simulation of Time-Dependent Resource Integration into the Existing Grid

Date: 10-11-2010

Abstract: The presentation deals with the development and testing of a simulation approach with the ability to emulate the integration of wind and demand response resources into the power system over longer-term periods. In addition to explicitly representing the usual sources of uncertainty, the proposed approach incorporates the modeling of intermittency effects and resource variability into the transmiss … Read More

Steve Pekarek

Title: A Multi-rate Field Construction Technique for Efficient Modeling of the Fields and Forces within Inverter-Fed Induction Machine

Date: 10-04-2010

Abstract: In recent research, a field construction technique (FCT) was derived to enable more efficient evaluation of the magnetic fields and forces within induction machines. Using the FCT, the results of two finite element (FE) solutions are used to establish basis functions for the flux densities in the machine. The basis functions are then used to predict the magnetic fields and forces under arbitrary s … Read More

Pradeep Shenoy

Title: Improving Efficiency and Performance of DC-DC Converters Through Control: Multiple Module Converters and Converter Augmentation

Date: 09-27-2010

Abstract: This presentation will examine a few methods to improve the efficiency and performance of dc- dc converters. Devices ranging from microprocessors in data centers and telecommunication equipment to solar panels and audio amplifiers use dc-dc converters. Local control of multiple module converters with ratings-based load sharing will be one method discussed, and experimental results for a 48 V input … Read More

Kate Rogers

Title: Clustering of Power System Data and its Use in Load Pocket Identification

Date: 09-20-2010

Abstract: When lines in a power system are constrained, the sensitivity of the power flows on these lines to generator output provides information about how the constraints divide the system and about the ability of sets of generators to increase revenue without increasing dispatch. Clustering is used to identify generators into groups with the potential for market advantage. We discuss the implementation o … Read More

Sudipta Dutta

Title: Optimal Storage Coordination for Minimal Wind Generation Schedule Deviation

Date: 09-20-2010

Abstract: With growing wind penetration, integration of storage units with wind power is being considered critical to improving the reliability of wind farms in meeting committed generation schedules. However, operational constraints such as limited energy of storage units, in addition to the inherent variability of wind power, limit the maximum generation commitment that can be met reliably by a wind farm … Read More

Grant Covic

Title: Inductive Power Transfer: Powering our Future

Date: 09-17-2010

Abstract: Inductive power transfer (IPT), is an old concept long thought to be impractical or even impossible except at very low power levels. But with modern technology that impracticality has been set aside in order to release some benefits of the concept – power transfer without wires. The vehicular application of loosely coupled systems has been developed over the last two decades at the University o … Read More

Chris Reeg

Title: Load Modeling For Resource Planning In The Competitive Environment

Date: 09-13-2010

Abstract: Non-­‐intrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a method of detecting the current energy consumption in a building by deploying a single set of sensors on the main building supply. In contrast to intrusive monitoring, no end-­‐use device sensors are used. We show that NILM can be implemented on currently available commercial devices to provide meaningful feedback both to the user and supplying uti … Read More

Thomas Nicol

Title: Smart Grid Privacy Vulnerabilities

Date: 09-13-2010

Abstract: Advanced techniques of non-­‐intrusive load monitoring (NILM) can provide power consumers with opportunities to easily and accurately track their own energy usage. However, opportunities have a down side. Since detailed monitoring only requires information about the overall power draw over a period of time, any such source of information may be used for other than intended purposes. While some … Read More

Katherine Kim

Title: Low Transient-Sensitivity Photovoltaic Control

Date: 08-30-2010

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) control schemes aim to maintain maximum power point operation under any environmental changes. This is often achieved using maximum power point tracking algorithms, which are numerous and can be implemented in many different ways. Little attention has been paid to examining the natural characteristics of the PV and finding a control scheme that has the lowest sensitivity to typic … Read More

Siew-Chong Tan

Title: Sliding Mode Repetitive Control of PWM Voltage Source Inverters

Date: 10-29-2009

Abstract: A fast response low harmonic distortion control scheme that combines the useful features of the sliding mode control and the repetitive control to achieve excellent transient and steady-state system performances in voltage source inverters is proposed. The principle of s domain equivalent control is adopted to integrate the two methodologies and to facilitate the design and analysis of the propose … Read More

Sebastian Smater

Title: A Framework for Assessing the Reliability of Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Date: 10-12-2009

Abstract: During the last decade, wind power generation has seen a rapid development. According to U.S. Department of Energy achieving 20% of wind power penetration in the U.S. by 2030 will require: i) enhancement of the transmission infrastructure, ii) improvement of reliability and operability of wind systems and iii) increased U.S. manufacturing capacity of wind generation equipment. This research will c … Read More