Dr. Chen’s Interdisciplinary Solar Power Research Is Featured in Tennessee Engineer

Dr. Chien-Fei Chen’s interdisciplinary team is featured in Tennessee Engineer for their research in the residential adoption and use of solar panels at the intersection of socio-economics, politics, science, and engineering.

Read the article here. 

Dr. Tao Hong, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Gives Final Power and Energy Seminar of Fall Semester on Nov. 20

Dr. Tao Hong, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, will give the final CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) for the Fall Semester on Friday, November 20, from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM and the link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Tao Hong, Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Title: “Energy Forecasting: Research and Practice”

Abstract: Forecasting has been an essential part of the power and energy industry. Researchers and practitioners have contributed thousands of papers on forecasting electricity demand and prices, and renewable generation (e.g., wind and solar power). In this talk, Dr. Tao Hong will discuss the trends of academic research and industry practice, and offer his recommendations about publishing high-quality research papers and building a career as an energy data scientist.

Key reference: T. Hong, P. Pinson, Y. Wang, R. Weron, D. Yang and H. Zareipour, “Energy Forecasting: A Review and Outlook,” in IEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy, vol. 7, pp. 376-388, 2020, http://doi.org/10.1109/OAJPE.2020.3029979

Bio: Dr. Tao Hong is Associate Professor, Graduate Director and Research Director of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department, Director of BigDEAL (Big Data Energy Analytics Laboratory), and NCEMC Faculty Fellow of Energy Analytics at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is Director at Large of International Institute of Forecasters (IIF), Founding Chair of IIF Section on Water, Energy and Environment (SWEET), General Chair of Global Energy Forecasting Competition (gefcom.org), Past and Founding Chair of IEEE Working Group on Energy Forecasting, and author of the blog Energy Forecasting. Dr. Hong received his B.Eng. in Automation from Tsinghua University in Beijing and his PhD with co-majors in Operations Research and Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Jay Liu, PJM, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, November 13

Dr. Jay Liu, PJM, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, November 13, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM and the link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Jay Liu, Senior Lead Engineer, PJM

Title: “Infrastructure Transformation Toward a Reliable and Resilient Power Grid” 

Abstract: The electric power industry is under transformative changes toward high efficient, service oriented, and sustainable future. Climate change has induced increasing risk to power grids with higher frequent natural hazards which are threats to power grid resilience. High penetration renewables and DERs, along with the rapid growth of natural gas generation, have not only aggressively changed the fuel mix in our grids, but also have brought in new challenges and opportunities in the system and market operation. For example, Inverter-based Resources (IBRs) could induce low inertia and low-fault current into the power system, larger scale natural gas generation would need extensive Gas-Electric coordination, etc. On the other side, the aging infrastructures in our power grids would need to be hardened and rebuilt to meet the transitional supply-demand patterns. Competitive Transmission Planning is a new battle ground in the US power system developments which aims for a more cost and technical effective infrastructure investment and operation model. At this presentation, we will have a holistic review on the above transitional trends in the industry, and discuss the call of technology innovation and researches to meet these challenges. The most recent published IEEE PES Technical Reports and the IEEE PES Industry Survey result will be referenced.

Bio: Dr. Jay Liu is a Senior Lead Engineer at PJM. He has near 30 years experiences in power industry working on infrastructure planning, implementation and operation. He has developed, coordinated and integrated more than 20GW conventional and renewable energy resources into the power grids. He also participated and coordinated more than 2000 transmission and distribution projects through the planning and implementation phase, including the recent competitive planning projects at PJM. He obtained his B.E. and M.E. degrees both in power system from Southeast University in Nanjing China, in 1992 and 1996 respectively. He got his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 2004. He also obtained his MBA degree from Penn State University in 2010. Prior to PJM, he worked at ISO New England as Lead EMS Engineer.  Dr. Liu is a Senior member of IEEE.

Dr. Daniel Gerber, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, October 30

Dr. Daniel Gerber, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, October 30, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. Dr. Gerber will give a 30 minute presentation and then have a 20 minutes Q&A. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Daniel Gerber, Research Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs

Title: “DC Power Distribution in Buildings” 

Abstract: This presentation explores the use of DC power distribution in buildings.  DC microgrids have gained recent academic appeal for zero-net-energy (ZNE) and grid-interactive efficient buildings.  Though DC has many advantages, researchers and developers have previously cited concerns about efficiency, cost, and a lack of products.  This presentation details the efforts at LBNL to study the energy and cost savings in a DC building.  The research involves precise electrical models of buildings and converters, and ultimately shows that DC has the potential for 12% savings in commercial ZNE buildings with storage.

Bio: Daniel Gerber is a Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs.  He received his BS and PhD in electrical engineering from MIT (2010) and UC Berkeley (2017), respectively.  Daniel’s PhD dissertation topic was on developing a fully on-chip LED driver with novel techniques such as multilevel converters, sigma-delta control, and active ripple cancellation.  His postdoctoral work at LBNL focused on DC power distribution, and he was the technical lead on much of LBNL’s studies in the efficiency and economics of DC power.  Daniel also developed several DC power analysis tools and built up the LBNL DC testing lab.  His other interests span power electronics, power systems, microgrids, controls, and networked buildings. 

Upcoming seminars are: 

CURENT Industry Conference – November 6 – No Seminar

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13 – TBD

Dr. Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on October 23

Dr. Brian Sohn, Carson-Newman University , will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, October 23, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Brian Sohn, Assistant Professor, Carson Newman University

Title: “Learning with Phenomenology” 

Abstract: In this interactive webinar, the speaker shares practices of phenomenology that may assist in learning new and difficult material in personally meaningful ways. Examples from research and demonstrations are included such as a group examination of the Necker Cube. The classic warning about a little knowledge being dangerous is updated for our current context. There will be time for questions at the conclusion of the discussion.

Bio: Dr. Brian Kelleher Sohn is an assistant professor at Carson-Newman University in the Department of Education. He has a Bachelor of Arts in physics from The Colorado College, a Master of Arts in teaching from Morehead State University, and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Tennessee. His most recent research and publications focus on transformative learning and phenomenology. 

Upcoming seminars are: 

TBA – October 30

CURENT Industry Conference – November 6 – No Seminar

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13 – TBD

Dr. Masood Parvania, University of Utah, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, October 16, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Masood Parvania, Director of Utah Smart Energy Laboratory, Presidential Scholar Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research and Advancement of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Title: “Advanced Stochastic Optimization and Machine Learning Models for Enhancing the Cyber-Physical Resilience of Power Distribution Systems” 

Abstract: Power distribution systems are under growing threats, ranging from large-scale outages caused by natural disasters to cyber-attacks. This talk will first present a stochastic mixed-integer conic programming model for preparatory operation of power distribution systems with distributed energy resources for enhancing resilience against large-scale physical threats such as hurricanes. The talk will then present a deep neural network model for integrated classification and location of faults and cyber-attacks in power distribution systems. The talk will conclude by presenting a novel Incremental Extreme Learning Machine (I-ELM) model to detect zero-day cyber-attacks in power distribution systems.

Bio: Dr. Masood Parvania is the Director of Utah Smart Energy Laboratory, and the Presidential Scholar Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research and Advancement of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the University of Utah. His research interests include the operation, economics and resilience of power and energy systems, and modeling and operation of interdependent critical infrastructures. Dr. Parvania serves as an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, the IEEE Power Engineering Letters, and the IET Renewable Power Generation. He is the Chair of IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Utah Chapter, the Chair of IEEE PES Bulk Power Systems Operation Subcommittee, and the Vice-Chair of IEEE PES Risk, Reliability, and Probability Applications Subcommittee.

Upcoming seminars are: 

Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University – October 23 – Professional Development: Listening and Learning in New Domains

TBA – October 30

CURENT Industry Conference – November 6 – No Seminar

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13 – TBD

CURENT LTB Selected as 2020 R&D 100 Award Recipient

The CURENT Large Scale Testbed (LTB) for cyber-physical power grid simulation led by the CURENT research center (headquartered at The University of Tennessee) has been selected as a recipient of the 2020 R&D 100 Awards, which are known as the most prestigious innovation awards program for the past 56 years, honoring 100 great R&D revolutionary ideas and products each year in science and technology.

The CURENT LTB is a closed-loop software platform that continuously simulates the dynamics, communication, and control of modern power grids with high penetration of renewable energy. Since released in 2019, the LTB has received four licensed users (including two pending) and also played a critical role for research demonstrations to assist with 5 successes of funded proposals led by external users totaling $3.8 million in which the LTB lead Dr. Fangxing “Fran” Li serves as a collaborating site-PI or co-PI.

Congratulations to the award-winning team, Prof. Fran Li (Lead), Prof. Kevin Tomsovic (Co-Lead), Dr. Hantao Cui, Prof. Joe Chow, and Prof. Ali Abur!

Below is a diagram of the LBT Main Architecture.

More information about R&D 100 Awards can be found at https://www.rdworldonline.com/rd-100-award-winners-announced-in-process-prototyping-and-software-services-categories/.

Dr. Fran Li, University of Tennessee

Dr. Kevin Tomsovic, University of Tennessee

Dr. Hantao Cui, University of Tennessee

Dr. Joe Chow, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

D. Ali Abur, Northeastern University

Dr. David Gao, University of Denver, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, October 9

Dr. David Gao, University of Denver, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, October 9, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. David Gao, Full Professor and Director of Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Laboratory, University of Denver

Title: “Power System Frequency Control and Stability Analysis with Increasing Renewable Energy Penetration Level” 

Abstract: With the ever-increasing penetration level of renewable energy generation units and the replacement of traditional synchronous generators, the issues associated with the deteriorated performance of power system frequency regulation and potential grid frequency instability become more significant. In this seminar, the inertial control algorithms are discussed and analyzed for a renewable energy generation unit. The concept and design of Virtual Synchronous Generator are comprehensively discussed in order to enhance small-signal stability and frequency stability of power systems with high renewable energy penetration level. By imitating the mathematical model of a synchronous generator, some undesirable features are inevitably introduced in Virtual Synchronous Generator control. The conflict between fast varying wind power input and slow dynamics of Virtual Synchronous Generator controlled inverter is further discussed. Virtual Synchronous Generator with multiple virtual rotating masses is proposed in order to improve the active power tracking performance as well as to boost inertial control of a wind power generator. The performance of proposed inertial control is verified in IEEE benchmark power system with wind power integration.

Bio: Dr. David Wenzhong Gao is a tenured Full Professor and Director of Renewable Energy and Power Electronics Laboratory with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Denver, Colorado. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering, from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA, in 1999 and 2002, respectively. His current teaching and research interests include renewable energy and distributed generation, microgrid, smart grid, power system protection, power electronics applications in power systems, power system modeling and simulation, and hybrid electric propulsion systems. He is an Associate Editor for IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, and Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy. He was an editor of IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy. He is the General Chair for the 48th North American Power Symposium (NAPS2016) and the IEEE Symposium on Power Electronics and Machines in Wind Applications (PEMWA 2012).

Upcoming seminars are: 

David Gao, University of Denver – October 9
Wind Control

Masood Parvania, University of Utah – October 16
TBD

Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University – October 23
Professional Development: Listening and Learning in New Domains

TBA – October 30

Jingling Sun, University of Tennessee and Yu Yan, University of Tennessee – November 6
TBD and Zero-Voltage Switching for a Dual-Active-Bridge-Based Bidirectional EV Charger

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13
TBD

DCNNN Project by CURENT Researchers Honored as R&D 100 Finalist

DCNNN Project by CURENT researchers was honored as a R&D 100 Finalist

September 21^st, 2020

The project DCNNN (Deep Convolutional Neural Network for N-1) led by CURENT’s Dr. Fran Li was honored as one of the R&D 100 Finalists. Each year less than 200 projects are selected from numerous applications as the finalists to compete for the R&D 100 Awards, a renowned worldwide recognition honoring the most exceptional technology innovations.

DCNNN, a collaborative project among UT, ISO-New England and Old Dominion University, employed deep convolutional neural network to solve power system security assessment with more than 100 times faster than traditional model-based approach for large power grids with more than 1000 nodes.

Congratulations to the research team: Dr. Fran Li (Lead), Dr. Yan Du (Chief Developer & 2020 PhD graduate of Dr. Li), Dr. Jiang Li (Team Member from ODU), Dr. Tongxin Zheng (Team Member from ISO-New England), Mr. Haoyuan Sun (Team Member, GRA of Dr. Li), Dr. Hantao Cui (Team Member, CURENT research assistant professor)!  

More information about R&D 100 Finalists can be found at https://www.rdworldonline.com/finalists-for-2020-rd-100-awards-are-unveiled/

Logan Settles, Diversity Educators, University of Tennessee, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, October 2

Logan Settles, Chair, Diversity Educators, University of Tennessee, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, October 2 from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Logan Settles, Chair, Diversity Educators, University of Tennessee

Title: “Promoting the Awareness and Understanding of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multiculturalism on Campus and in Workplaces” 

Abstract: The primary goal of this talk is to increase the awareness of diversity-related issues while creating a dialogue that explores the campus definition and perception of diversity. Workshop participants will be able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of one’s own identity, culture, and heritage and seek to learn more about others, (2) confront prejudices and discrimination by promoting multicultural sensitivity, and (3) communicate effectively with a diverse student population.

Bio: Logan Settles is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Political Science and Sociology. She serves as the Chair of Diversity Educators and Vice-Chair of the Black Cultural Programming Committee for the Office of Multicultural Student Life.

Upcoming seminars are: 

David Gao, University of Denver – October 9
Wind Control

Masood Parvania, University of Utah – October 16
TBD

Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University – October 23
Professional Development: Listening and Learning in New Domains

TBA – October 30

Jingling Sun, University of Tennessee and Yu Yan, University of Tennessee – November 6
TBD and Zero-Voltage Switching for a Dual-Active-Bridge-Based Bidirectional EV Charger

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13
TBD

Andrea Mammoli, EPRI, Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, September 25

Andrea Mammoli, EPRI, will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, September 25, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Andrea Mammoli, Principal Project Manager, EPRI

Title: “Inexpensive thermal storage at the smaller scale” 

Abstract: The energy system is undergoing radical transformation. We are shifting away from dispatchable fossil resources to variable, if somewhat predictable renewable generation. The IoT is allowing unprecedented state estimation and controllability of devices. Batteries are becoming increasingly inexpensive. Yet, a substantial fraction of energy is still used to heat and cool buildings, often at the wrong times. Thermal storage could form an interesting sustainability alliance with battery storage to improve our ability to manage energy while providing energy services when they are needed. While thermal storage for large commercial buildings has been around for decades, at the small commercial and residential scale it has never crossed the technological valley of death, despite valiant attempts. In this talk, we will present a concept to overcome two of the main barriers to commercial success: cost and battery-like performance. This is done via a combination of geometry and materials. The heat transfer mechanisms that lead to the high performance of the system are discussed, followed by potential manufacturing and integration opportunities.

Bio:  Andrea Mammoli is Principal Project Manager in the Customer Technologies program at Electric Power Research Institute, and Area Lead for Project Set X – tools and technology development. He leads projects ranging from development of innovative near-zero-GWP heat pumps for CEC to deployment of AI to detect equipment degradation using AMI data. Prior to joining EPRI in 2019, Andrea was Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Mexico, and Director of the Center for Emerging Energy Technologies. During more than two decades spent at UNM, Andrea led research in complex fluids at low Reynolds numbers, solar thermal energy systems, building energy management and optimization, and finally design of microgrids focusing on the community scale. Andrea obtained his Bachelor of Engineering in 1991 and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering in 1995, at the University of Western Australia. He subsequently spent two years at Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellow, before joining UNM. He is currently on the editorial board of Energies journal and has authored over 150 peer reviewed journal and conference papers.

Upcoming seminars are: 

Multicultural Student Life Educators – October 2
Diversity and Inclusion: Cross-cultural Communication 

David Gao, University of Denver – October 9
Wind Control

Masood Parvania, University of Utah – October 16
TBD

Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University – October 23
Professional Development: Listening and Learning in New Domains

TBA – October 30

Jingling Sun, University of Tennessee and Yu Yan, University of Tennessee – November 6
TBD and Zero-Voltage Switching for a Dual-Active-Bridge-Based Bidirectional EV Charger

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13
TBD

Katie Wiley Gives CURENT Power and Energy Seminar on Friday, September 18

Katie Wiley will give the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) on Friday, September 18, from from 12:20 pm to 1:10 pm. The seminar will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty through email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Katie Wiliey, Career Coach with Tickle College of Engineering, University of Tennessee 

Title: “How to Present Yourself Professionally” 

Abstract: This presentation will teach you how to refine your professional materials, start your internship/job/grad school search, and present yourself in a professional manner.

Bio: Katie Wiley is a career coach who works with the Tickle College of Engineering students who are exploring their internship and post-grad options and employers looking to hire engineering students. She serves on the CliftonStrengths Facilitation Team in partnership with staff from the Center for Leadership & Service. She is also on the Chancellor’s Commission for Women.

Before working in the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration, Katie was an academic advisor in industrial engineering and the hall director of Fred D. Brown Jr. Residence Hall.

Katie is passionate about the student experience, strong interpersonal relationships, servant leadership, and the volunteer spirit. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, and travelling.

Upcoming seminars are: 

Andrea Mammoli, EPRI – September 25
TBD 

Multicultural Student Life Educations – October 2
Diversity and Inclusion: Cross-cultural Communication 

David Gao, University of Denver – October 9
Wind Control

Masood Parvania, University of Utah – October 16
TBD

Brian Sohn, Carson Newman University – October 23
Professional Development: Listening and Learning in New Domains

TBA – October 30

Jingling Sun, University of Tennessee and Yu Yan, University of Tennessee – November 6
TBD and Zero-Voltage Switching for a Dual-Active-Bridge-Based Bidirectional EV Charger

Dr. Hong Tao – November 13
TBD

Dr. Tomsovic Kicks Off CURENT Power and Energy Seminar for Fall 2020

Dr. Kevin Tomsovic will kick of the CURENT Power and Energy Seminar (ECE 496 and 691) for Fall 2020 on Friday, August 28. The seminar will be from 12:20 pm to 1:10 p and will be available via ZOOM. The ZOOM link will be sent to CURENT students and faculty via email. Contact Wendy if you need a link.

Presenter: Dr. Kevin Tomsovic, CURENT Center Director, University of Tennessee

Title: “Changing Testing and Simulations Needs for Grid Modernization” 

Abstract: Power system analysis has long relied on large scale computer simulations for operation and planning of the grid. These simulations rely on a set of well-understood physical models and generally agreed upon simplifications, such as, the separation of transmission and distribution, ZIP models for aggregate loads, and so on. Recent trends in the grid requires a rethinking of the models and these underlying assumptions. Grid changes include: (a) the increasing number of power electronic interfaced devices both for renewable resources and for new loads; (b) the emerging importance of the analysis of the communication network for understanding operations; (c) a more actively controlled distribution system; and (d) new performance requirements for both reliability and resilience. Their are competing approaches to this need ranging from fully integrated models to independent simulators that share minimal information. This talk will review our approach in the research center CURENT using both software and hardware testbeds. 

Bio: Kevin Tomsovic is currently CTI Professor in the Dept. of EECS at University of Tennessee, and director of CURENT，a National Science Foundation and Department of Energy Engineering Research Center. He received the BS from Michigan Tech. University, Houghton, in 1982, and the MS and Ph.D. degrees from University of Washington, Seattle, in 1984 and 1987, respectively, all in Electrical Engineering. From 1992-2008, he was a Professor at Washington State University in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Visiting university positions have included National Cheng Kung University, National Sun Yat-Sen University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. He held the Advanced Technology for Electrical Energy Chair at Kumamoto University in Japan from 1999-2000 and was a Program Director at the National Science Foundation in the Electrical and Communications Systems division of the Engineering directorate from 2004-2006. He is a Fellow of the IEEE.

It is with sincere sadness that we inform you of the death of CURENT student and recent Ph.D. graduate Handong Gui.  Handong passed away in Shanghai, China on July 27 of an apparent heart attack. Handong was an excellent student and a kind person. He was known for always being helpful, patient and cheerful.  He is missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial is being organized and details will be given as soon as possible.  

Handong’s Memorial Website on Ever Loved – https://everloved.com/life-of/handong-gui/

Xiaojing Xu and Gerald Jones give final presentation in Summer 2020 REU Lecture Series

Join us for the final lecture in CURENT’s Summer 2020 REU Lecture Series. Zoom link is here and password is 298268. All interested students are welcome to attend. On Tuesday, July 21, Xiaojing Xu and Gerald Jones from the University of Tennessee, will present Understanding the Barriers of Rooftop Photovoltaic Adaption. 

For more information about the series and upcoming lectures, please visit the Summer 2020 REU page.

July 21, 2020 – Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Understanding the Barriers of Rooftop Photovoltaic Adaption
Xiaojing Xu and Gerald Jones, University of Tennessee

Abstract: Rooftop Photovoltaic (RPV) or solar power generation is one of the most widely accepted renewable technologies and understanding the reasons and barriers to its adoption is one of the often-studied questions researched today. From researchers to policy makers understanding what causes people to adoption solar power or not will help encourage and influence the spreading of the renewable technology. Our multidisciplinary group leveraged a Machine learning and statistical analysis tools to help tackle a big data set known as Deep Solar provided by Stanford that identified the number and location of rooftop solar installations at the census tract level across the continental US. This study used census tracts as analysis units and investigated the major influencing factors among a variety of variables including policies, demographic features, population features, geography and climate, dwelling features, energy usage, energy price, commuting habits, etc. We compared the influencing factors in TVA-service area and a broader area. The effect of price was compared in areas with different levels of residential solar penetration, and varying levels of solar adoption incentive programs. Our findings indicated that things that many of the aforementioned  can help indicate the level of solar adoption at the census tract level among other factors. 

Bio: Xiaojing Xu has a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with a focus on social psychology and decision making. Her current lines of research include identifying the drivers of and barriers to adopting home energy management systems and renewable technologies, developing customer segments for tailored demand response programs and rewards, promoting office energy efficiency by examining the triad of individual, group, and building-related factors, and exploring the energy affordability issues of low-income communities.

Bio: Gerald Jones has BS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is currently working toward a masters in Computer Science with a focus on machine learning. His current research focus is analyzing the most influential and predicatively powerful factors related to various metrics of solar adoption across the US and from a state by state and regional perspective. 

Dr. Chien-fei Chen and Xioajing Xu are part of a multidisciplinary research team put together to investigates who uses solar and why. 

Read more

WADC Demo mentioned in T&D World Magazine Article 

The WADC Demo is mentioned in a T&D World Magazine Article called “NYPA’s AGILe Lab Speeds Up Smart Grid Innovation.” CURENT  faculty and students who worked this are Dr. Yilu Liu, Dr. Lin Zhu, Dr. Yi zhao,  Chenwei Zhang and  Dr. Huangqing Xiao.

Read the article

Dr. Leon Tolbert Awarded SEC Faculty Achievement Award for the University of Tennessee

Please join CURENT in congratulating Dr. Leon Tolbert for winning the 2020 SEC Faculty Achievement Award for the University of Tennessee. To receive an SEC achievement award the faculty member must have achieved the rank of full professor; have a record of extraordinary teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level; and have a record of research that is recognized nationally and/or internationally. The story that has been prepared and distributed by SEC is here.

Congratulations Dr. Tolbert!!

Announcing the NASPI (North American American Synchrophasor Initiative) Webinar Panelist Discussions

NASPI is holding a series of Webinar Panelist Discussions on April 15 and 16. All students and faculty are welcome to attend.

April 15 – 8:00am PDT / 11:00am EDT (1.5 hrs)
National Infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence on the Grid (NI4AI)
Moderator: Sascha von Meier, UC Berkeley
Description: This webinar will introduce the ARPA-E funded NI4AI effort, built on PingThings’ PredictiveGrid platform. Using case examples involving different types of data analytics from academia and utility practice, Sascha will highlight the role of geographic scope, heterogeneity, and real vs. synthetic data for creating new intelligence about the grid. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute comments and ideas about how this budding infrastructure can best serve their needs.
Panel will consist of: Sean Murphy (CEO, PingThings), Prof. Luigi Vanfretti (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and Dr. Kevin Jones (Dominion Energy).

April 15 – 10:00am PDT / 1:00pm EDT (1.5 hrs)
Use of Synchrophasor Technology in Control Rooms: Opportunities and Challenges
Moderator: Sarma NDR Nuthalapati, Co-Chair, NASPI Control Room Solutions Task Team
Description: There are significant efforts taking place in using Synchrophasor Technology in control room operations. This panel will discuss some of the opportunities and challenges in taking technology to the control room.
Panel will consist of: CAISO: Aftab Alam, San Diego Gas and Energy (SDG&E): Tariq Rahman and Greg Zweigle, American Transmission Co (ATC): James Kleitsch.

April 16 – 8:00am PDT / 11:00am EDT (1.5 hrs)
Future Requirements for the Measurement of Frequency and
ROCOF
Moderator: Allen Goldstein, NIST
Description: In electrical power systems around the world, accurate and
timely measurement of Frequency and ROCOF have been rapidly gaining
importance. With increasing requirements for power system automation,
and an increasing shift towards inverter-based resources, several
organizations have been independently looking into the future performance requirements for
frequency and ROCOF. This virtual panel of experts will focus on the future requirements for
the accuracy of Frequency and ROCOF on the grid, in both transmission and distribution
systems. Additionally, information to help understand the challenges in determining F and
ROCOF measurements in a timely manner will also be presented.
Panel will consist of:
• Dr. Guglielmo Frigo of EPFL and Dr. Gert Reitveld, representing the EURAMET study on
ROCOF requirements: http://www.rocofmetrology.eu/ and work being done at EPFL
and METAS, the Swiss National Metrology Institute.
• Dr. Gustavo Brunello of GE, representing IEC TC8 / TC96 JWG 12: which is drafting an IEC
standard for Frequency and ROCOF measurement performance for various use cases in
distribution systems.
• Dr. Filipe Wilches-Bernal of Sandia National Labs, representing the DOE funded project
on “Numerical Algorithms for Estimating Frequency to Enable Synthetic Inertia”. The
results of which are helpful in understanding the challenges of frequency and ROCOF
estimation.

April 16 – 11:30am PDT / 2:30pm EDT (1.5 hrs)
Program updates
Moderator: Jeff Dagle, PNNL
Description: Overview of the use of synchrophasor technologies, tools, and
applications to operate a more resilient and efficient electric grid continue
to evolve. Listen to what the leaders have to say about what they are doing
to continue the advancement of time-synchronized telemetry. Expected
updates from DOE, EPRI, FERC, NERC, EIDSN, and the NASPI technical task
team leaders.

Three CURENT power electronics faculty (Dr. Kevin Bai, Dr. Daniel Costinett and Dr. Helen Cui) will be hosting an international student competition, IFEC 2021. (See http://energychallenge.weebly.com/ for the 2020 example.)  The competition will consist of four to eight undergraduate student teams who will demonstrate their solar inverter technology on CURENT’s HTB.
The competition will be held in Knoxville in July or August 2021. More details to come.

Additionally, CURENT is seeking industry sponsorships (Silver 1K or Gold 5K)  to help offset the cost of this competition. Sponsors will help support the costs associated with the students teams plus judges (approximately 60 people) for two days in Knoxville, TN.  This is a good opportunity for utility companies to interact with our students and other international teams and to understand the cutting-edge solar inverter design and grid power quality control. Sponsorship benefits and additional details will be coming soon. 

Click here to be directed to the event page which will be updated as we have more details. 

10/19/2020 – Due to the impact of COVID-19, the IFEC committee decided to postpone the event for half a year, from July 2021 to April 2022. Please check back. 

Dr. Daniel Costinett is Recipient of 2020 Tickle College of Engineering Outstanding Service to the College Award. 

Dr. Daniel Costinett is the 2020 winner of the Tickle College of Engineering Outstanding Service to the College Award. He is being recognized for his outstanding efforts to increase the diversity of the college through his work with CURENT.  In particular, it is noted that his contributions were found to be “critical and formidable” to improving the culture of inclusion in CURENT.  Dr. Costinett also helped in the writing of the college diversity action plan.

Let’s give a solid CURENT congratulations to Dr. Costinett!

Dr. Chien-fei Chen Awarded Tickle College of Engineering Outstanding Service in Outreach and Engagement Award

Dr. Chien-fei Chen is a 2020 winner of the Tickle College of Engineering Outstanding Service in Outreach and Engagement Award. Her important work in education outreach to the local community, including the Young Scholar’s Program, the Research Experiences for Teachers and the Adventures in STEM Program, are noteworthy. In addition, Dr. Chen has helped the college on many occasions through assisting with many college-wide outreach efforts to members of underrepresented populations of students, including the HITES and eVOL programs, GEM GRAD Lab, Breakfast of Champions and others.

Dr. Chen will receive her award during the awards dinner currently scheduled for November 5, 2020.

Please join us in wishing Dr. Chen congratulations! 

Dr. Anne Skutnik Awarded 2020 Tickle College of Engineering Commitment to Inclusive Community Award 

Dr. Anne Skutnik has been awarded the 2020 Tickle College of Engineering Commitment to Inclusive Community Award for making an influential impact in providing diversity and inclusion awareness through CURENT.  She has been inspirational in leading efforts to improve communication to diverse backgrounds, identify strategic programming to increase underserved populations in undergraduate/graduate programs, and aligning with university/college commitments to diversity and inclusion. Her collaborative efforts with the college diversity program have enhanced inclusion by engaging the Knoxville community and providing awareness of CURENT to underserved communities.

Dr. Skutnik will receive her award during the awards dinner currently scheduled for November 5, 2020.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Skutnik. 

Dr. Tolbert to Present at UT Mic/Nite

Dr. Leon Tolbert will give a Pecha-Kucha presentation titled “What Will Power Our Future?” on Wed., March 11 during UT Mic/Nite. More details and to RSVP – https://micnite.utk.edu/?fbclid=IwAR32D9Hm7a4WjJWynsQrGnw2KkV0J-mF8qFMhMSHNABRIBXb1WQB1mEY9dk

Be Our Valentine!

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with coffee, hot chocolate & your CURENT colleagues. 

Join us Wednesday, February 12th in Min Kao 124 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We’ll have coffee, tea, a hot chocolate bar and snacks. Have a warm beverage, some caffeinated conversation and enjoy a little CURENT Valentine break.  

All CURENT students, faculty and staff are invited.