Keynote Speaker Profiles and Abstracts

Name

Qiang Liu

Organisation

University of Manchester

Position

Reader

Profile

Qiang is a Reader in Power System Plant, Head of the High Voltage Research Group in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He is a senior member of IEEE, the Chair of CIGRE D1.01 Advisory Group on Dielectric Liquids. His research focuses on dielectric fluids and their applications in high voltage power dense equipment including transformers, cable terminations, EV batteries and power electronics.

Presentation Title

Thermal Aspects of Oil-immersed Power Transformers

Abstract

TBD

Name

Andreas Nenning

Organisation

Omicron

Position

Product Manager CIBANO

Profile

Andreas Nenning has a degree in automation engineering and mechatronics obtained by the university of applied science in Dornbirn, Austria. Since September 2013 he has been product manager of OMICRON’s new circuit breaker test set CIBANO 500. He started his professional career with an apprenticeship at the municipal utilities of Feldkirch, Austria. Later he graduated as Master of Science at the university of applied science in Dornbirn, Austria. After that he spent several years abroad working as application engineer and project leader before finally returning to Austria working as product manager in the field of decentralized renewable energy. Andreas is member of the Cigré Working Group A2.32 (Non-intrusive methods for condition assessment of circuit breakers).

Presentation Title

Ageing Switchgear – Latest findings of IEEE Task Forces and Cigrè Working Groups

Abstract

Name

Zhong Fan

Organisation

University of Exeter

Position

Professor

Profile

Zhong Fan is a Professor in Computer Science and Academic Director of the £15M SEND (Smart Energy Network Demonstrator) at Keele University. He will be joining Exeter University in June. Prior to joining Keele, he was Chief Research Fellow at Toshiba Research Europe and led research on IoT, smart grid, cyber security, data analytics, and 5G communications. He has managed and delivered more than 30 projects funded by UKRI, EU, and industry. His current research interests are IoT, digital twins, and applications of AI to smart energy systems. He has published over 170 journal and conference articles and filed 35 patents.

Presentation Title

Smart Energy Living Labs: How ICT and AI can help with the battle against climate change

Abstract

He will introduce one of Europe’s largest smart energy network demonstrators on our campus, and discuss our research on AI applications and digital twins for smart energy systems.

Name

Chris Gould

Organisation

University of Gloucestershire

Position

Academic Subject Leader (ASL) for Engineering and Technology

Profile

Dr Chris Gould is the Academic Subject Leader for Engineering and Technology within the School of Computing and Engineering at the University of Gloucestershire, and is active in research into thermoelectricity, energy harvesting, renewable and sustainable energy technologies, hydrogen generation and storage, and power electronics. Chris specialises in electrical and electronic engineering, and started his career in the electronic semiconductor industry, holding positions in leading companies in a variety of different roles before moving into academia. Chris is responsible for the leadership, management, and strategic direction of the engineering technologies subject community at the University of Gloucestershire

Presentation Title

Energy harvesting technologies for Net-Zero future

Abstract

Achieving Net Zero is a goal several governments around the world have committed to achieve, with the UK committing to become Net Zero by 2050. This talk will highlight the general approach the UK is taking to achieve Net Zero and will focus on how energy harvesting technologies can contribute to a Net Zero future. Energy harvesting technologies generate electrical power from the ambient energy available in the environment around them, using available light, heat or thermal gradients, vibration, RF, and magnetic effects amongst other ambient energy sources to generate power from photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, RF, magnetic generators and other technologies. This talk will cover Net Zero, energy harvesting technologies and techniques, and current and future applications to achieve an energy harvesting Net Zero future

Name

George Chen

Organisation

University of Southampton

Position

Professor

Profile

George Chen received his BEng (1983) and MSc (1986) degrees in electrical engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. After he obtained his PhD degree (1990) from the University of Strathclyde, UK, he joined the University of Southampton as a postdoctoral research fellow and became a senior research fellow subsequently. In 1997 he was appointed as a lecturer and promoted to a Reader in 2002. He is now a full professor of high-voltage engineering at the University of Southampton and a visiting professor of Xi’an Jiaotong University. He has been appointed as the Head of Electrical Power Engineering Research Group since 2017. He is the fellow of IET and Fellow of IEEE. Over 40 years of his professional life, he has developed a wide range of interests in high-voltage engineering and electrical properties of materials and published over 250 peer reviewed journal papers. In particular, Professor Chen has made significant contributions to space charge measurement and interpretation for improving dielectric performance. His current research focuses on three areas: (i) novel dielectrics for HVDC and high energy density storage applications (ii) charge measurements and simulation (iii) breakdown and ageing mechanisms. He is active in the HVDC systems and involved with technical working groups in both IEEE, CIGRE and IEC. Professor Chen serves as the Editors-in-Chief for the IET Nanodielectrics and Associate Editor for several other journals.

Presentation Title

Issues Related to HVDC Insulation Systems

Abstract

HVDC power transmission systems offer several advantages: more efficient for long distance power transmission, suitable for offshore windfarms, power grid interconnection and fault protection etc. With the growing demand of power energy, the voltage level of HVDC systems keeps increasing. The bottleneck that hinders the further development of HVDC is the insulation deployed in various apparatus such as transformers, power cables, GIS etc. One of the key issues for HVDC insulation is the easy accumulation of charge in insulation bulk, on insulation surface and at the interface for composite insulation. The presence of charge alters electric field distribution and causes electric field enhancement in certain regions. The severe electric field enhancement may lead to accelerated ageing and even failure. This presentation features a few examples from our research on HVDC insulation over the years, highlights the importance of understanding charge dynamics and develop new materials or measures that prevent charge accumulation.

Name

Joseph Yan

Organisation

University of Liverpool

Position

Professor

Profile

Joseph is Professor of Applied Electromagnetism in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics. His recent research interests include theory and experiment on SF6 alternative gases, high voltage switching technology for future electrical networks, atmospheric plasma physics, and multi-physics simulation of engineering systems. He is a senior member of the Current Zero Club (International Research Group on Interruption Phenomena of Power Switching Devices) and IEEE.

Presentation Title

Life of a Circuit Breaker – Design, Duty and Maintenance

Abstract

TBD

Name

Haiyu Li

Organisation

University of Manchester

Position

Reader

Profile

Dr Haiyu Li (SMIEEE, MIET) is a Reader in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), UoM. Dr Li has undertaken a portfolio of research in the areas of Power System Digitalisation, Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) research area, with a total value in excess of £5.6m. He was the academic research Work Packages (WPs) PI for three Ofgem UKRI NIC projects, (i) ENWL CLASS (£8m), (ii) ENWL Smart Street (£15m), and (iii) Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) FITNESS (£11m). He was PI for four NG NIA projects – Architecture of Substation Secondary System (AS3), Virtual Substation Acceptance Testing and Training (VSATT) platform, Cyber Resilient Electrical Substation Technologies (CREST) and Cyber Security for Legacy equipment (CSLE). Currently he is PI for NG/SPEN Cyber-SAFEN project and leads UoM WP2 for EPSRC Resilient Future Urban Energy Systems Capable of Surviving in Extreme Events ( RESCURE) project (EP/T021829/1). He has been actively involving a number of CIGRE technical Working Groups (WGs). He has published more than 130 refereed papers in leading journals and conferences, including 2017 IEEE Power Energy Society (PES) transaction Prize Paper. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and IET and a Chartered Engineer.

Presentation Title

Assessment of Current Status of Cyber Security Measures for Substations or Power Systems

Abstract

Potential malicious cyber-attacks to power systems will impose significant societal risks and challenges. The timely detection and defense measures are of crucial importance for safe and reliable operation of cyber-physical power systems. This presentation focuses on the understanding cybersecurity framework and discussing the current status of cyber security measures for power systems, in practical digital substations. The presentation starts with background and explanation of a cyber-attack scenarios, then discuss the issues and challenges. The following introduce NIST cybersecurity framework (USA) and Cybersecurity Assessment Framework or CAF (UK NCSC). The cyber security challenges and research gaps brought by some new requirement of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for power system digitization are analysed and discussed. Finally, some potential cyber defense solutions, such as using Software Defined Network (SDN) technologies to physical isolating infected area or using AI techniques to prevent any OT equipment to make a false tripping due to malicious switching attacks, are proposed and discussed.

Name

Ali Abdulla

Organisation

Omicron

Position

Regional Applications Specialist

Profile

Ali is a specialist in testing solutions for IEC 61850. He is experienced in specifying, designing, installing, commissioning protection relays, surge protection, breakers, arc fault limiting devices, generator control excitation systems and power management systems. OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical power industry with innovative testing and monitoring solutions. 

Presentation Title

Reducing cyber-attack surface in a digital substation

Abstract

The power industry is constantly facing advanced persistent threats, we will try and understand the challenges of securing connectivity access points to reduce the cyber-attack surface. IT and OT system vulnerabilities have been exploited in recent years, we will focus on some case studies and lessons learnt. Understand what is a defence in depth approach and security measures Utilities should consider putting in place.

Name

Christopher Pritchard

Organisation

Omicron

Position

Product Management

Profile

Christopher Pritchard Dipl.-Ing. (FH) was born in Dortmund / Germany. He started his career in power as an electrical energy technician. Christopher received a diploma in Electrical Engineering at the University of Applied Science in Dortmund in 2006. He joined OMICRON electronics in 2006 where he worked in application software development in the field of testing solutions for protection and measurement systems and is now the responsible Product Manager for system-based testing solutions.

Presentation Title

Impact of inverter-based resources on protection systems

Abstract

In recent years and more so in the future we will see a increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) in power systems. As these resources do not behave according to known electromechanical principals, but according to how they are programmed, their impact on protection systems is often unknown.

We will share in this presentation early insights we gained from our research and development, where we try to find practical testing solutions for utility engineers, who have to ensure that the protection system does its job even in inverter dominated systems.

Name

Douglas Gannon

Organisation

RINA

Position

Principal Engineering Consultant

Profile

Doug joined Astra Zeneca as an apprentice in 1998, qualifying as an electrical technician in 2002. In 2007 Doug graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a BEng Honours Degree in Electrical Power Distribution Engineering. After graduating, Doug joined the accredited Babcock Marine graduate programme. In 2009, Doug became the Electrical Systems Support Manager where he was responsible for; maintenance, OPEX improvements, management, modifications and upgrade activities carried out on the extensive HV and SCADA networks at Devonport Royal Dockyard. Doug joined RINA in May 2013 as a Consultant Electrical Engineer in the condition assessment group. Since joining RINA, he has undertaken work in the field of electrical testing, condition assessment, reliability analysis, risk analysis and forensic engineering. Projects have included analysis of transformers, cable systems, switchgear, motors/generators and UPS systems. In 2014, Doug completed an MSc in Power Systems Engineering at Bath University and became a chartered engineer. His final year thesis of his masters, which he achieved a distinction in, focused on transformer testing, condition assessment and life assessment.

Presentation Title

Key steps to optimising the maintenance for electrical assets

Abstract

Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) is a process used to ensure assets deliver the desired level of functionality at the lowest operational cost. The steps used in the process will be discussed and provide the attendees with an overview of how, using failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA), RCM can be used to optimise the maintenance undertaken on their electrical assets at the design stage. I will then discuss how the information obtained during the RCM process and the data generated during the assets operational life can be used to continually maximise profitability by optimising the maintenance undertaken on electrical assets.

Name

Fei Teng

Organisation

Imperial College London

Position

Senior Lecturer

Profile

Dr Fei Teng is the Director of Education at Energy Futures Lab and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London. His research focuses on the power system operation with high penetration of inverter-based resources and the cyber resiliency of digitalized power systems. He has authored more than 80 scientific publications in leading power system journals and conferences. He is the recipient of the IEEE Early Career Award from the Technical Committee on Secure and Dependable Measurement and the Royal Society Kan Tong Po International Fellowship. His research has been funded by EPSRC, ESRC, Innovate UK, Research England, the Royal Society, EDF Energy, Hitachi, and National Grid ESO.

Presentation Title

Cyber-resiliency of digitalised power grids

Abstract

The digitization of the power grid is one of the key components to support a cost-effective transition toward “Net-zero”. However, the increasing cyber-physical dependency causes potential vulnerabilities against cyber-attacks that may lead to catastrophic damages to the power grid. It is hence critical to understand such vulnerabilities and develop capabilities to maintain the safe operation of power grids under those attacks. This talk will introduce a cyber-resiliency framework that includes prevention, detection, mitigation, recovery and the interactions among them. We will then focus on presenting a proactive defence strategy that blends physics and data for attack detection and a “safe-mode” operation strategy for attack mitigation.

Name

Matt Deakin

Organisation

Newcastle University

Position

Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow

Profile

Dr Matt Deakin am a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow in the Electrical Power group in the School of Engineering at Newcastle University. His broad research interests include the development of new technologies to enable net zero power and energy systems, particularly exploring hybrid technologies which aim to efficiently maximise the utilization of existing assets. He is particularly interested in power electronics-based solutions (soft open points, ac/dc networks, multiport converters), the modelling and capabilities of demand side flexibility, and the role of interconnection in providing capacity in distribution networks and in resource adequacy problems.

Presentation Title

A Smart Energy Network Digital Twin

Abstract

The Smart Energy Network Demonstrator has been now been collecting very high resolution measurement data across the Keele University microgrid for more than one year. This talk will discuss the outcome of efforts led from Newcastle University to develop a Digital Twin of this system, aiming to support university decision making to minimize environmental impact and maximise utilization of renewables. Network congestion is shown to be causing high levels of solar curtailment, although there are a range of innovative solutions that have potential to mitigate against this issue.

Name

Ashley Griffin

Organisation

Omicron

Position

Training and Applications Engineer

Profile

Ashley is a training and applications engineer at OMICRON Electronics UK. He has previous experience at GE Power and Alstom Grid. OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical power industry with innovative testing and monitoring solutions. 

Presentation Title

Eradicate Negative TanDelta Measurements

Abstract

Discovering the underlying issues of negative tan delta measurements during insulation dissipation factor and capacitance measurements due to the influence of leakage currents within the test circuit and asset under test. Implementing strategies and best working practices to eliminate the issue to ensure true dissipation factor (DF) measurements can be made for the analysis of the insulation structure within OIP insulation systems, regarding the moisture content. Corrective solutions to eradicate the leakage currents forcing the tangent angle to become lagging of the reference current due to the influences of the leakage within the circuit set up or asset and insulation being tested.

Name

Mi Tian

Organisation

University of Exeter

Position

Senior Lecturer

Profile

Dr Mi Tian is a senior lecturer in Low Carbon Engineering and leading the Hydrogen Storage Research Group at the University of Exeter. Her research is concerned with the understanding of structure-property relationships of functional composites and their application to problems in sustainable energies. Mi received the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize in 2019 and was recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in 2020.

Presentation Title

Unlocking the Potential of Hydrogen Storage: Advances in Nanoporous Materials and Solid-State Systems

Abstract

Hydrogen has been identified as a promising energy carrier for a sustainable future, but efficient storage remains a significant challenge due to its low density. Dr. Tian’s research focuses on developing a solid-state hydrogen storage system with enhanced energy capacity and kinetics. In this talk, she will discuss the latest advances in this field, with a particular emphasis on her team’s recently developed composite system for the new generation hydrogen storage tank. The nanoporous polymer-based composites offer several advantages over powders, including enhanced safety, ease of handling, and practical manufacturing. These composites have the potential for hydrogen storage applications, such as increasing storage capacity or decreasing operating pressures in high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks. Dr. Tian will explore multiple aspects of this technology, ranging from fundamental scientific research to engineering level, including what nanoporous materials are and how they work, the scientific challenges she is addressing to investigate hydrogen interactions with the materials, and how they could be applied to design lighter hydrogen storage tanks for cars or aircraft. This talk will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about cutting-edge developments in the field of hydrogen storage and their potential to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Name

Mustafa Mustafa

Organisation

University of Manchester

Position

Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor)

Profile

Mustafa A. Mustafa is Senior Lecturer of Computer Science and DKO Fellow at the University of Manchester (UoM) and visiting researcher at KU Leuven. He is also the Trusted Digital Systems cluster lead of the Centre for Digital Trust and Society at UoM. His research interests include information security, data privacy and applied cryptography in areas such as smart grid, smart city, e-health, and IoT. His main expertise lies in applied crypto in the Smart Grid. His current research is focused on local energy market (LEM) models, including privacy threats to LEM, and privacy-preserving auction and billing mechanisms for LEM.

Presentation Title

Privacy-preserving auction mechanisms and billing methods for P2P electricity trading markets

Abstract

In this talk, I will present algorithms for P2P energy markets that use computation over encrypted data techniques for performing both auctions and user billings in a privacy-preserving manner. We achieve auction mechanisms that prioritize close neighbours as well as small-scale users (households), and billing methods that deal with users deviating from their committed volumes at the auctions.

Name

Peter Crossley

Organisation

University of Exeter

Position

Professor

Profile

Peter Crossley (BSc UMIST, PhD Cambridge) is a Professor of Power System Protection and Control at the University of Exeter. He was the Head of Research at GEC Measurements, Stafford before he moved to academia, and he enjoyed an academic career being the Head of Electrical Energy & Power Systems, Director of the Joule Centre and Director of EPSRC CDT Power Networks. He is also a Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE, and a Fellow of CSEE.

Presentation Title

Digitalisation of power system protection and control

Abstract