PEIK offers in person and online seminars to academic and industry professionals at no cost. These seminars do qualify as Professional Development Hours (PDH). Join our mailing list to be notified of these opportunities as they become available. Email PEIK to sign up.
The University of Kentucky is part of FEEDER, a consortium of universities, utility companies, and industry partners, collaborate on research, curriculum development, education and training activities aiming at widespread adoption of distributed renewable energy resources and deployment of smart grid technologies. As part of this relationship, we are pleased to offer online seminars to faculty and industry professionals.
PEIK offers online seminars to academic and industry professionals at no cost. These seminars qualify for Professional Development Hours (PDH). Join our mailing list to be notified of these opportunities as they become available.
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Speaker: Rodney Andrews, PhD, PE, Senior Associate Vice President for Research at University of Kentucky and Director of UK Center for Applied Energy Research
Seminar: Organized jointly with regional IEEE organizations
Abstract: A nuclear energy ecosystem extends beyond power production to include new reactor technologies, fuel supply, waste processing, and manufacturing of reactor components. Within such an ecosystem, Kentucky is well placed to play a significant role. During the 2023 Kentucky legislative session, Senate Joint Resolution 79 established a Nuclear Development Work Group to determine opportunities and impediments to development of nuclear power and related industry in Kentucky. This talk will provide a basic primer on nuclear power systems and the status of nuclear power in the United States. It will also discuss advanced Gen IV reactor systems, small modular reactors under development, and the growing challenges in fuel supply. Finally, the talk will cover activities of the Work Group and the near- and long-term opportunities identified for Kentucky.
Bio: Rodney Andrews is Director of the Center for Applied Energy Research and Senior Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Kentucky. He is a Professor of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Andrews has been Director of UK CAER since 2007. His research interests include conversion processes for coal and biomass, carbon fiber and composites, activated carbon materials, and synthesis and application of carbon nanomaterials. Dr. Andrews has directed major multi-university and industry-academic collaborative projects. He is Chair of the Executive Council of the American Carbon Society and served as the society’s 2011 Graffin Lecturer. He was appointed to the National Coal Council in 2014 and served on the Science Advisory Board of the US Environmental Protection Agency from 2018-2021. Dr. Andrews is Program Director of Kentucky NSF EPSCoR, a statewide initiative to increase research infrastructure within the Commonwealth. Dr. Andrews received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky.
Time: Oct. 9, 2023, 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Location: University of Kentucky, Whitehall Classroom Bldg., Room CB 122
Speaker: Cristinel Ababei, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Marquette University, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Abstract: In the first part of this presentation, following a brief introduction on the relationship between energy and environment, I will discuss interdisciplinary research including drone design for monitoring particulate matter, monitoring algae blooms, monitoring the temperature of stormwater runoff, and machine learning models for predicting pollutant concentrations. The examples will be provided by faculty-led student projects conducted as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer program sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Marquette University since 2021. In the second part, I will highlight current collaboration between University of Kentucky and Marquette University on advanced research projects, also sponsored by NSF, which focus on the forecast of electric power for appliances, building energy usage, and battery energy storage optimizations.
Bio: Cristinel Ababei is an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Marquette University. He received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in 2004 and the M.Sc. in signal processing and B.S. in microelectronics degrees from the Technical University of Iasi, Romania. Prior to joining Marquette, from 2012 to 2013, he was an assistant professor in the Dept. of EE, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. Between 2008 to 2012, he was an assistant professor in the Dept. of ECE, North Dakota State University (NDSU). From 2004 to 2008, he worked as an R&D engineer for Magma Design Automation in Silicon Valley. His current research interests include machine learning techniques applied to energy optimization in multicore processors and datacenters, co-simulation of buildings and distribution networks, embedded systems design for environment monitoring, and IoT security. Dr. Ababei serves on the technical program committee of several conferences including NOCS, SOCC, and ReConFig. He is an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Computers. He is a senior member of IEEE and a member of ACM and Eta Kappa Nu.
Speaker: Britney Ragland, University of Kentucky Energy Engineer and Utilities Engineering
Abstract: The University of Kentucky consists of more than 20 million square feet across an 800-acre campus with critical healthcare, research, and educational facilities and diverse energy needs. Join us to learn more about the campus energy systems as a whole, the campus energy conservation program, and the future outlook for campus sustainability and emissions reductions goals.
Bio: Britney Ragland has served as the University of Kentucky Energy Engineer and Utilities Engineering Manager over the last 10 years. She originally obtained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UK in 2009 and also earned a Masters in Biosystems and Ag Engineering while working for the University. She also has a Professional Engineers license and is a Certified Energy Manager. Outside of work, Britney is married and has 3 stepchildren and one son Alexander, who just turned 5, and co-leads a Celebrate Recovery Ministry with her husband Brandon.
Speaker: Aron Patrick, Director of Research and Development, PPL Corporation
Title: Pathways to Decarbonization in Kentucky
Abstract: Kentucky is making remarkable progress in clean energy. The air in Kentucky is cleaner today than it has been since emissions monitoring began, and Kentucky has reduced emissions at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. By 2021, Kentucky has reduced sulfur dioxide emissions from electricity generation by 93% since 1995 and carbon dioxide emissions by 41% since the year 2000. PPL Corporation, the parent company of LG&E and KU, is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is targeting a 70% reduction from 2010 levels by 2035 and an 80% reduction by 2040. Emissions reductions in Kentucky will continue and accelerate into the future as cleaner energy sources replace retiring coal-fired power plants. Kentucky is adding record amounts of renewable resources today, however, renewable energy is not new to Kentucky—where hydroelectric dams have been operated since the 1920s and a utility-scale solar farm and lithium-ion batteries since 2016. Since the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow, integration of renewable energy on a traditional power grid requires careful planning to maintain low costs and reliability. A new University of Kentucky study has demonstrated that up to 25% renewables can be integrated into the existing generation and transmission system if renewables are diversified to include wind and solar and regionally dispersed at optimal points on the transmission system. New natural gas capacity built today reduces emissions by 60% compared to coal and can be carbon neutral with future advances in carbon capture and green hydrogen technology. Total decarbonization requires an all-of-the above approach to clean energy technology to help deliver a sustainable clean energy transition that supports energy reliability, resilience and economic growth.
Bio: Aron Patrick is Director of Research and Development for PPL Corporation, a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably, affordably and sustainably to 3.5 million customers in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. PPL’s high-performing, award-winning utilities, Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, PPL Electric Utilities and Rhode Island Energy, are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Aron is responsible for managing an enterprise-wide R&D strategy and PPL’s partnerships with external research organizations, including national laboratories, and universities. Aron has worked for PPL, and PPL subsidiary LG&E and KU, for more than six years. Before joining LG&E and KU, Aron held leadership roles at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, including assistant director and program manager in carbon management and renewable energy. In those roles, Aron managed data, modeling, and research in energy policy and future energy technologies. Prior to that, Aron was an intelligence analyst for the federal government, using statistical analysis and modeling to address national security problems. Aron is a Lexington native and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.
Speaker: Aron Patrick, Manager, Technology Research and Analysis, LG&E and KU
Title: Kentucky’s Clean Energy Successes, Opportunities, and Challenges
Abstract: Kentucky is making remarkable progress in clean energy. The air in Kentucky is cleaner today than it has been since emissions monitoring began, and Kentucky has reduced emissions at a faster rate than the nation as a whole. By 2020, Kentucky had reduced carbon dioxide emissions below the Obama-era Clean Power Plan targets for the year 2030—a full decade ahead of the proposed schedule. Emissions reductions will only continue and accelerate into the future. LG&E and KU are committed, together with our parent company PPL, to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70% by 2040 and by 80% by 2050. LG&E and KU are also committed to research and development in new clean energy technologies to help us move further, faster, and achieve reductions beyond 80%. Renewable energy is not new to LG&E and KU—we have operated two hydroelectric facilities, Ohio Falls and Dix Dam, since the 1920s. In 2016, we built Kentucky’s largest solar farm and largest lithium-ion battery. We continue to expand our solar offerings, and today, every customer that wants solar power can sign up for it. In partnership with the University of Kentucky, we have a decade of research in carbon capture technology and are currently researching the technical challenges and opportunities of increasing intermittent renewable resources. We are also researching ways to lower solar costs and improve solar integration with the natural environment by incorporating native plants, pollinator habitats, and using sheep for vegetation management at our solar farms, as discussed in the seminar presentation.
Bio: Aron Patrick is the manager of Technology Research and Analysis for LG&E and KU. Aron is responsible for managing research on technologies that improve how LG&E and KU provide safe, reliable, sustainable energy at a reasonable cost while analyzing technologies that change the way customers use energy. Before joining LG&E and KU, Aron held leadership roles at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, including assistant director and program manager in carbon management and renewable energy. In those roles, Aron managed data, modeling, and research in energy policy and future generation technologies. Prior to that, Aron was an intelligence analyst for the federal government, using statistical analysis and modeling to address national security problems. Aron is a Lexington native and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.
Speaker: Dr. Oluwaseun Akeyo
Title: Integration of Large PV Power Plants and Batteries in the Electric Power System
Abstract: The presentation will discuss timely topics of electric power engineering and will be substantially based on two published papers. A first one, entitled “Incorporating Battery Energy Storage Systems into Multi-MW Grid Connected PV Systems” received this year the IEEE Industry Applications Society RES Committee Transactions Paper Award - Third Prize, and a second one entitled “Parameter Identification for Cells, Modules, Racks, and Battery for Utility-Scale Energy Storage Systems” was very recently published in the widely circulated IEEE Access journal. The two papers are co-authored by collaborators from the SPARK Lab, which is affiliated with the PEIK Institute at UK, and Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities (LG&E and KU).
Bio: Seun Akeyo is a Senior Engineer with Sargent & Lundy, a global leading power and energy consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, IL, where he focuses on the engineering modeling and simulation of electric power plants and high voltage transmission systems. He recently received the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky (UK). Dr. Akeyo’s doctoral research in the SPARK Lab at UK contributed to projects sponsored by Department of Energy (DOE) and in close collaboration with large utilities, especially LG&E and KU. He has published more than fifteen peer-reviewed journal papers and conference proceedings, which include one that received a Best Poster/Paper Award at the 2016 IEEE International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA) in Birmingham, England, and one that received the 2020 IEEE Industry Applications Society RES Committee Transactions Paper Award - Third Prize for integration studies of large battery energy storage systems into multi-MW grid connected PV systems.
Speaker: Mr. Rodger Reiswig
Title: Power over Ethernet and its impacts on Industry Codes and Standards
Abstract:Power over Ethernet is converging into the life safety industry. With the desire of integrating more systems together and for a user to be able to interact with their building’s life safety systems the need for codes and standards to allow this has changed dramatically. This seminar will cover those changes as well as provide a glimpse into where the life safety industry is going and how not only the Internet of Things but the Internet of Everything is affecting these systems.
Bio: Rodger Reiswig has been employed with Johnson Controls for over 33 years. Rodger started his career as a Technical Representative and has held several positions throughout his career with Johnson Controls. Positions include Sales, Field Sales Engineer and Sales Manager. Rodger’s current position is that of Fellow and Vice President, Industry Relations. As Vice President of Industry Relations, Rodger represents Johnson Controls worldwide and is able to devote his time to representing Johnson Controls on various codes and standards committees as well as serving on various association and organization boards and committees.
Rodger holds a certification from Two Rivers Technologies as a Master in Telecommunications, and from Eastern Technical holds a certification in Electronics Technology and Microprocessor Design. Rodger also has a Master’s Degree in Theology from Evangelical Theological Seminary. Rodger holds NICET certification in both Fire Alarm and Special Hazard Layout. NICET level IV Fire Alarm Systems Certification and NICET level I Special Hazards Layout Certification.
Speaker: Mr. Keith Waters
Title: Supplying Secure Power with Properly Installed Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Abstract: The growth of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) used to supply secure power to larger systems created the need to develop more standards around performance and safe installation. These standards are especially true when ESS are installed in residential, commercial, and industrial installations. These areas are now seeing much larger battery systems and newer Lithium Ion technology. The standards that will be reviewed during this presentation will be focused on NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) Articles 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production); 706 (Energy Storage Systems); and 710 (Stand Alone Systems). These code articles provide the statutory requirements based on what version of the NEC that an individual state has adopted. A brief overview of the current state of NEC adoption will be included. There are other standards that will be covered briefly to give the attendee a view of ESS codes/standards’ future.
Bio: Keith is an Industry Standards Manager for Schneider Electric USA and is based in Lexington, Kentucky. He is responsible for overcurrent protective device and automation/control product standards, installation codes, enforcement, and holds BSEE degree from the University of Kentucky. Keith is also engaged in applying codes and standards addressing energy efficiency & sustainability. He also participates in the Power & Energy Institute of Kentucky’s Industry Advisory Council. Keith is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager. Keith has been an employee of Schneider Electric for 33 years as a Product Application Engineer, Proposal Development Engineer, Price Manager, Merchandise Marketing Manager and Multiple Business Development positions including Strategic & Global Account Management as well as managing several strategic segment engineering teams. Keith frequently speaks on various energy efficiency, sustainability, product application, and code compliance topics. He is a member of numerous industry technical committees. Keith is a NEMA representative to NEC Code Making Panel 11. He has published articles on Energy Management and Electrical Controls.
Speaker: Mr. Remi Bolduc
Title: Harmonics and Mitigation Techniques
Abstract: During this session you will learn about:
Bio: Remi Bolduc is the Competency Center Manager for Digital Power in Schneider Electric. He started his career with the Hydro-Quebec Utility in service and maintenance of HV switchgear, followed by 6 years with S&C Electric in application of MV switchgear. For the past 20 years, he has held various technical and commercial roles for Schneider Electric where he has specialized in Power Quality Correction. Mr. Bolduc graduated with a degree in Electrodynamics and has lectured in over 200 Power Quality seminars around the world.
The presentation can be downloaded here.
Location: University of Kentucky
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
On Saturday February 22nd, PEIK will exhibit on campus at UK's Engineering Day. Our most popular displays, including the full-size electric bike with flashing lights and the "world's largest wind turbine", which can be seen in the first part of the above video, will be back by popular demand. Other attractive PEIK exhibits comprise a Faraday flashlight, a magnetically levitated electric light bulb, and a large operational drone.
Joint exhibits with long-time supporter, LG&E and KU, include an electric city model and a video display showing real-life utility-size power systems and renewable energy installations, including Kentucky's largest PV power plant. Engineers Day, or E-Day, is a celebration of everything engineering has to offer. For directions, parking, full details about E-Day visit:
https://www.engr.uky.edu/eday/e-day/about-e-day.
Speaker: Talina Mathews, Commissioner, Kentucky Public Service Commission
Credit: 1.0 PDH
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: University of Kentucky, WT Young Library Auditorium (parking information)
Abstract: The Kentucky Public Service Commission is a three-member administrative body with quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial duties and powers regulating more than 1,100 utilities. Its mission is to foster the provision of safe and reliable service at a reasonable price to the customers of jurisdictional utilities while providing the financial stability by setting fair and just rates, and supporting their operational competence by overseeing regulated activities. Learn more about the “science and art” of how the PSC performs its regulatory functions, including how the PSC staff and Commissioners stay abreast of technological, economic, and social forces affecting the utility sectors. With special emphasis on electric utilities, this seminar will also provide an overview of wholesale electricity markets; challenges facing utilities amid regulatory change and uncertainty; and the ratemaking process.
Bio: Talina R. Mathews, Ph.D., was appointed to the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) by Gov. Matthew Bevin on July 3, 2017. Her term expires June 30, 2021.
Immediately prior to her appointment as commissioner, Dr. Mathews was the executive director of the PSC. She had previously served the PSC as a policy advisor and as staff economist. Commissioner Mathews also has served Kentucky as an economist in the state Office of Energy Policy, as executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Policy, and in the Department for Energy Development and Independence as director of the Division of Energy Generation, Transmission and Distribution.
In addition to nearly two decades of government service, Commissioner Mathews has worked in the private sector with an engineering consulting firm and served as the director of member services and advocacy at the Organization of MISO States. She has held several adjunct teaching positions in economics and public policy.
Commissioner Mathews is a member of the National Association of Utility Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) and serves on its board of directors, as co-vice chair of the Committee on Electricity, and as a member of the Committee on Critical Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Clean Coal and Carbon Management. She is president of the Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, president of the Organization of PJM States, a member of the Board of Directors of the Organization of MISO States, and a member of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners. Commissioner Mathews serves on the advisory board of the Financial Research Institute at the University of Missouri and the advisory council of the Center for Public Utilities at New Mexico State University.
Commissioner Mathews earned a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts in economics from the University of Kentucky. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and mathematics from Berea College.
Instructor: Keith Waters, Industry Standards Manager
Schneider Electric USA
Credit: 4.0 PDH
Fee: $99
Time: 8:00am - 1:30pm
Location: University of Kentucky, Boone Center (Parking and Directions)
Abstract: The National Electric Code workshop will outline the upcoming changes to the 2020 edition of NFPA 70 NEC©. The update process included 3730 public inputs, 1930 public comments, deleted/added articles, 18 code making panels. The workshop will review the changes and allow for discussion on how those changes will affect the Commonwealth of Kentucky along with other states. The changes made to the NEC© cross all segments of the electrical installations.
September 20th 2019
On September 20, 2019 the Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky (PEIK) will be represented at the Kentucky Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment at the Lexington Convention Center by Dr. Dan M. Ionel, ECE Professor, L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power and Director of PEIK, and Jason Souders, PEIK/KIAC/FEEDER Coordinator. PEIK will again have an exhibition booth providing information on the program’s education, outreach and research activities and facilitating engaging discussions with attendees, current and prospective supporters. The materials on display will report on last year's main achievements, including: new faculty, graduate students, and awards, record number of PEIK undergraduate certificates, latest research projects sponsored by DOE and NSF and directly by industry and utilities.
As per the event organizers, the Governor's Conference brings together some of the nation's and state's top minds in the energy and environment arenas. The conference sessions reflect current issues affecting energy development and environmental stewardship in Kentucky.
April 24th 2019
Amy Henry, Sr. Manager, Enterprise Relations and Strategic Partnerships - Tennessee Valley Authority
Location: White Hall Classroom Building -Room 122 (parking in South Limestone Garage PS #5)
Abstract: TVA is currently developing its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) through a process that involves wide participation and engagement inclusive of stakeholders, experts, and the public. The IRP provides long-term direction on how TVA can best meet future demand for electric power and shapes how TVA provides low-cost, reliable electricity; supports environmental stewardship; and fosters economic development in the Tennessee Valley for the next 20 years. TVA is updating its 2015 IRP due to continuing changes in the utility industry. Such changes include abundant, lower-cost natural gas, decreased cost of renewable generation, and increased focus on energy conservation efforts. The PEIK seminar presentation will discuss the current draft IRP, which has been released for public review.
Bio: Amy manages TVA’s Enterprise Relations & Strategic Partnerships team, which is responsible for strategic engagement of stakeholders around various issues including TVA’s energy resources, energy efficiency, distributed generation, natural resource stewardship, and other key issues. Amy and her team work to build mutual understanding with stakeholders, enhance relationships, and align programs with stakeholder needs. She facilitates the engagement of TVA’s Federal Advisory Councils, the Regional Resource Stewardship Council and The Regional Energy Resource Council. Engaging stakeholders in TVA’s Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process is one of her key efforts in 2018-2019. She is also responsible for working with organizations as TVA further develops partnerships with innovation centers and companies in the Valley.
Previously, Amy worked in TVA’s Environmental Compliance organization. For three years, she led TVA’s policy and practice for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires TVA to assess environmental impacts of proposed projects. In that role, she led environmental analyses for a wide variety of projects supporting TVA’s broad mission of Energy, Environment, and Economic Development.
Prior to joining TVA in 2009, Amy worked for BHE Environmental Inc., where she consulted on environmental impact assessments, endangered species surveys, and land management planning. She holds a BS degree in Biology from Wake Forest University (North Carolina), and an MS degree in Zoology and Wildlife Science from Auburn University (Alabama).
The Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky is pleased to continue its seminar series* regarding energy issues on the University of Kentucky campus. There are also opportunities to participate in online seminars. Details will be provided as they become available. Please join us. All faculty, students, staff, and visitors are welcome.
*Each seminar is worth one Professional Development Hour (PDH) for industry and professional participants. Participants wanting to receive certificates for Professional Development Hours should sign in on the request form at the seminar.
April 13th 2019
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: Cats Den
The University of Kentucky Solar Car Team is 20-years old. To celebrate, the team is hosting an open house April 13, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., at the Cats Den inside the Bill Gatton Student Center. Refreshments will be served.
The team’s current car, Gato del Sol VI, will be present, as will former iterations of the car, Gato del Sol IV and V. Solar Car Team memorabilia will be on display and T-shirts will be available for sale.
In addition to remarks from current team members and UK Engineering faculty, former team member Nick Such will share reflections from his days on the team. Such is co-founder of Awesome Inc in Lexington. The public is welcome to attend. The link to RSVP is available here.
Launched in 1999, the UK Solar Car Team is just the eighth team nationally to reach the 20-year milestone. It began racing competitively in 2003.
The team achieved significant success from 2008-2010. In 2008, it completed the American Solar Challenge (ASC) road course for the first time in its history. The trek took team members at Gato del Sol III from Plano, Texas to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2009, finished second in the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP); and in 2010, it not only competed in FSGP, but also completed the ASC road course—this time from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Naperville, Illinois—finishing ninth. In 2011, the team had the unique experience of competing in FSGP at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This July, The UK Solar Car Team will take Gato del Sol VI to FSGP at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
March, 27th 2019
Dr. Ion Boldea, IEEE Life Fellow
Abstract: This seminar presents a panoramic view of various renewable energy large power variable speed electric generator designs and their control in hydro and wind energy conversion, especially in Europe. With hydropower currently being the largest renewable source for electric power generation, this work explores the benefits of integrating variable speed generators such as Doubly Fed Induction Generators (DFIG), Cage Rotor Induction Generators (CRIG) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous generator (PMSG) in such systems.
Bio: Dr. Ion Boldea is a Professor at University Politehnica of Timisoara, Romania, a member of the Romanian Academy, and a Life Fellow of IEEE. Since 1973, when he was a Senior Fulbright Scholar at University of Kentucky, he has returned more than 15 times as a Visiting Professor, spending more than 5 years altogether in Lexington. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Oregon State University, University of Manchester and University of Glasgow in Britain, and Aalborg University in Denmark. In 1977, Professor Boldea was part of the original team who established at UK under the leadership of Professor Nasar the Electric Power Components and Systems Journal, now part of the Taylor and Francis collection. He is the director and founder since 2001 of the internet-only international “Journal of Electrical Engineering” and served as General Chairman of the biannual IEEE sponsored International Conference OPTIM in between 1996 and 2010. Professor Boldea published on topics of rotating and linear motion electric machine design and controls more than 200 papers, including 6 that received IEEE best paper awards, and 18 books in USA and the United Kingdom. He has been consulting, lecturing, giving keynote addresses, and holding intensive courses in USA, Europe and Asia for the last 25 years. He has been an IEEE-IAS Distinguished Lecturer since 2008 and lectured in this capacity in USA, Denmark, Italy, and Brazil. He is the recipient of the IEEE 2015 Nikola Tesla Award.
This Seminar is presented in partnership with the IEEE Power and Energy Society, Lexington Chapter
November 30th 2018
Electricity in Kentucky and Lessons Learned from Operating Kentucky's Largest Solar Facility
Aron Patrick, Manager of Technology and Analysis, LG&E/KU
Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Gatton Student Center, Room 331
The University Energy Club is presenting its first annual Fall seminar with guest speaker Aron Patrick, Manager of Technology and Analysis at LG&E and KU.
November 5th 2018
Lonnie Bellar, Chief Operating Officer, LG&E and KUCredit: 1.0 PDHTime: 2:00 pm-3:00 pmLocation: WT Young Library Auditorium on UK’s campus (parking info)
Bio: Lonnie Bellar was named to his current position in March 2018. He has over 30 years of experience in the electric and natural gas utility industry.
Bellar joined Kentucky Utilities in 1987 as an electrical engineer. He held several engineering roles in the transmission and generation areas leading up to a position managing the generation planning function. Bellar was promoted to Director of Generation Services in 2000 and subsequently served as General Manager of LG&E’s Cane Run and Ohio Falls generating stations, Director of Financial Planning and Controlling, Director of Transmission, Vice President of State Regulation and Rates and Vice President of Gas Distribution and Senior Vice President Operations.
In his current position, Bellar is responsible for all operations areas including generation, energy supply and analysis, electric distribution and transmission, gas distribution and storage, safety, environmental and customer service.
Bellar participated in a dual-degree program receiving a bachelor’s degree in engineering arts from Georgetown College and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He completed various management and executive training courses sponsored by the E.ON Academy. He also has completed executive education courses at the Harvard Business School and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.
Bellar is currently a chair of the company’s Power of One charitable giving campaign, which supports United Way, Crusade for Children and Fund for the Arts organizations. Bellar is a board member of Electric Energy Inc. and Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. He serves on the board of directors for the American Gas Association and Southern Gas Association, along with representation on various AGA and SGA working committees and groups. He also participates on the Greater Louisville, Inc. – board of directors, executive committee and committee membership and the University of Kentucky Engineering School dean’s advisory council.
October 11th, 2018
On October 11 and 12, 2018 the Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky (PEIK) will be represented at the Kentucky Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment at the Lexington Convention Center by Dr. Donald Colliver, Professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Director of KIAC, and Jason Souders, PEIK/KIAC/FEEDER Coordinator. PEIK will again have an exhibition booth providing information on the program’s education, outreach and research activities and facilitating engaging discussions with attendees, current and prospective supporters.
As per the event organizers, the Kentucky Governor’s Conference is bringing together some of the state’s top minds in the energy and environment arenas. Some will be speakers and presenters, other will be there to participate and network. Sessions will look at how we can make wise choices about the energy we use on a daily basis, how we safeguard the environment now and for future generations while enabling growth, and how an aging water infrastructure and legacy of waste dumps throughout the Commonwealth are presenting funding challenges.
October 2nd, 2018
Credit: 4.0 PDH (NEC)
2.00 PDH (NFPA 79)
Fee: $99 NEC only (lunch provided)
$49 NFPA 79 only
$145 NEC and NFPA 79 (lunch provided)
Time: 8:00am - 3:30pm
NEC (8:00am - Noon)
NFPA 79 (1:00 to 3:30pm)
Abstract: The 2017 National Electric Code workshop will outline updates to the national electric code for 2017. The update process included 4002 public inputs, 1513 public comments, 5 new articles, 19 code making panels. The workshop will review the changes and allow for discussion on current activities involving the 2020 NEC.
The 2018 NFPA 79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery workshop will outline how to comply with this standard, new requirements for 2018, and the differences between North American and other safety systems. You will also learn where to find additional resources to help expand your understanding of these requirements. A discussion on the statutory requirement to meet this standard for projects installed within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Bio: Keith is an Industry Standards Manager for Schneider Electric USA and is based in Lexington, Kentucky. He is responsible for overcurrent protective device and automation/control product standards, installation codes, enforcement, and holds BSEE degree from the University of Kentucky. Keith is also engaged in applying codes and standards addressing energy efficiency & sustainability. He also participates in the Power & Energy Institute of Kentucky’s Industry Advisory Council. Keith is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Energy Manager. Keith has been an employee of Schneider Electric for 32 years as a Product Application Engineer, Proposal Development Engineer, Price Manager, Merchandise Marketing Manager and Multiple Business Development positions including Strategic & Global Account Management as well as managing several strategic segment engineering teams. Keith frequently speaks on various energy efficiency, sustainability, product application, and code compliance topics. He is a member of numerous industry technical committees. Keith is a NEMA representative to NEC Code Making Panel 11. He has published articles on Energy Management and Electrical Controls.
This workshop will present the NEC and NFPA 79 workshops and include lunch from 12-1pm. Attendees may register for NEC and NFPA 79 individually or both workshops. Note that lunch is provided and included in the registration fees for the NEC portion and full day only.
Click here to register!
April 18th, 2018
Dr. Ion Boldea
Time: 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Location: Whitehall Classroom Building – CB 102 (Parking South Limestone Garage)
Bio: Dr. Ion Boldea is a Professor at University Politehnica of Timisoara, Romania, a member of the Romanian Academy, and a Life Fellow of IEEE. Since 1973, when he was a Senior Fulbright Scholar at University of Kentucky, he has returned to Lexington more than 15 times as a Visiting Professor and spent here more than 5 years altogether. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Oregon State University, University of Manchester and University of Glasgow in Britain, and Alborg University in Denmark. In 1977, Professor Boldea was part of the original team who established at UK under the leadership of Professor Nasar the Electric Power Components and Systems Journal, now part of the Taylor and Francis collection. He is the director and founder since 2001 of the internet-only international “Journal of Electrical Engineering”, www.jee.ro, and served as General Chairman of the biannual IEEE sponsored International Conference OPTIM in between 1996 and 2010, www.info-optim.ro. Professor Boldea published extensively in linear and rotary motion electric machines design and controls, more than 200 papers, including 6 that received IEEE best paper awards, and 18 books in USA and the United Kingdom. He has been consulting, lecturing, giving keynote addresses, and holding intensive courses in USA, Europe and Asia for the last 25 years. He has been an IEEE-IAS Distinguished Lecturer since 2008 and lectured in this capacity in USA, Denmark, Italy, and Brazil. He is the recipient of the IEEE 2015 Nikola Tesla Award.
High and medium voltage DC power transmission is reviving with new power electronics technologies. Its multiple advantages over the legacy AC power transmission system, especially for new applications for distributed energy generation with very high penetration of renewables will be discussed. The presentation covers principles, fundamental structures, components and systems and includes examples of recent developments, especially in Europe.
This seminar is presented in partnership with the IEEE Power and Energy Society, Lexington Chapter
April 4, 2018
Denver York – Senior Vice President of Power Delivery and System Operations
Location: Kincaid Auditorium (Room 111), Gatton College of Business and Economics
Bio: Denver York oversees the operations of EKPC’s portion of the Eastern Transmission Interconnection. His areas of responsibility include Transmission Planning, Design and Construction, Operations, Maintenance and supporting functions.
Mr. York is a registered professional engineer. Prior to joining EKPC, he worked as an Engineer at Harris Corp. in Palm Bay, Fla. He holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a masters degree in Business Administration from Easter Kentucky University.
The seminar will include an overview of the resources, history, and activities of the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), which provides service to half a million homes and businesses in 87 Kentucky counties. The presentation of the utility’s capabilities will cover the power plants and generation methods, including the H.L. Spurlock Station located near Maysville and John Sherman Cooper Station located near Somerset. Details about EKPC’s transmission planning, operations, and maintenance will be discussed, including substation layout and analysis. The presentation will conclude with a brief overview of the new Cooperative Solar Farm One. Operated by EKPC, it is one of the largest solar projects in Kentucky, producing 8.5 megawatts with 32,000 solar panels.
This seminar is presented in partnership with the IEEE Power and Energy Society, Lexington Chapter.
Dr. Robert Heideman, Senior Vice President – Chief Technology Officer, A.O. Smith Corporation, Milwaukee, WI
Location: WT Young Library Auditorium on UK’s campus (parking info)
Bio: Dr. Bob Heideman was named Senior Vice President – Chief Technology Officer at A. O. Smith in December 2010. He had served as Vice President of the Milwaukee-based research and engineering facility since February 2008. The Corporate Technology Center consists of technology platforms that concentrate on advanced concepts and emerging technologies supporting the long-term product development strategies of the company. Bob joined A. O. Smith Corporation in 1994 as a Project Engineer at Corporate Technology. In that role, he worked on a wide range of projects for a number of the company’s operating units. He returned to A. O. Smith in 2002 as a Section Manager, responsible for the Metallurgy and Prototyping Group. In 2005, he was promoted to Director-Materials and Processes at Corporate Technology. Bob holds a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.
Abstract: The seminar will share from the experiences of the A.O. Smith Corporation, a S&P 500 company and a world leading manufacturer of water heating and purification equipment. The world-wide increased need for hot and clean water will be discussed in the introduction along with a brief review of the company’s historic evolution from a Milwaukee, WI based diversified manufacturer, to a specialized global water technology/manufacturing company. Advanced technologies developed for energy efficiency and for meeting the specifics of the diverse major regions around the world will be exemplified. The final portion of the seminar will emphasize the sensors and electronic controls being developed at the A.O. Smith Corporate Technology Center in Milwaukee to enhance the efficiency and performance of water heaters and purifiers. In addition, the use of water heaters, including CHP devices, to store energy and balance the electric grid will be discussed.
On October 19 and 20, 2017 the Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky (PEIK) will be represented at the Kentucky Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment at the Lexington Convention Center by Dr. Dan M. Ionel, Professor of Electrical Engineering and L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power, and the current Director of PEIK, Dr. Donald Colliver, Professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Director of KIAC, and Jason Souders, PEIK/KIAC/FEEDER Coordinator. PEIK will have an exhibition booth providing information on the program’s education, outreach and research activities and facilitating engaging discussions with attendees, current and prospective supporters.
Paula M. Guletsky, P.E., Vice President, Sargent & Lundy L.L.C.
Bio: Ms. Guletsky is a Vice President and Project Director at Sargent & Lundy L.L.C. which is one of the leading architect engineering firms in the country. Sargent & Lundy is a 126 year old privately held business that specializes in the design of power generation and transmission systems. Ms. Guletsky is a chemical engineering graduate from the University of Kentucky. She has served in the power industry for 35 years. Her areas of expertise include: air pollution control, project management and strategic business planning.
Abstract: The next 25 years will see a radical change in the energy market across the globe. New power demand in developing countries, natural gas reserve capacity, and developments in renewable energy and storage will all contribute to the changes ahead. Join us as we review the near and long term projections for electricity growth and discuss how the U.S. is adapting to this changing market.
Lonnie Bellar, Senior Vice President Operations
Topics: Energy and power, generation, energy supply and analysis, electric distribution and transmission, gas distribution and storage
Bio: Mr.Lonnie Bellar is the Senior Vice President of Operations for LG&E and KU. He is responsible for all operations areas including generation, energy supply and analysis, electric distribution and transmission, gas distribution and storage, and customer service. Mr. Bellar joined Kentucky Utilities in 1987 as an electrical engineer and worked in technical and management roles, including more recently: Director of Generation Services, General Manager of LG&E’s Cane Run and Ohio Falls generating stations, Director of Financial Planning and Controlling, Director of Transmission, Vice President of State Regulation and Rates, and Vice President of Gas Distribution. Mr. Bellar participated in a dual-degree program receiving a bachelor’s degree in engineering arts from Georgetown College and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky.
Abstract: The seminar will include an overview of the resources, history, and activities of LG&E/KU, which provides service to 1.3 million customers in Kentucky and Virginia. The presentation of the utility’s capabilities will cover well established facilities as well as recent advancements in the automation of electric power distribution. One section will discuss the benefits of solar power and will introduce the main technical specifications of Kentucky’s largest solar PV facility recently developed by LG&E/KU on its E. W. Brown site. The final part of the presentation will outline opportunities for students to become involved in the LG&E/KU engineering co-op program and potential engineering career paths.
Alan Manche, P.E. , Vice President External Affairs, Schneider Electric
Credit: 4.0 PDHs
Time: 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Topics: Industry standards, installation codes, and enforcement will be covered.
Bio: Alan Manche, an employee at Schneider Electric for 20 years, is responsible for leading company activities relative to product standards, installation codes, and enforcement. His background in product design, certification, and industry standards afforded him many hours in Schneider Electric testing labs reviewing product performance characteristics, and conformity assessment. He has been involved in the National Fire Protection Association, National Electric Manufacturers Association, National Electric Code, and Underwriters Laboratories. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA.
Outline: The 2017 National Electric Code workshop will outline updates to the national electric code for 2017. The update process included 4002 public inputs, 1513 public comments, 5 new articles, 19 code making panels, NFPA Annual Meeting in June of 2016, and Issuance by Standards Council, Effective Date, and Available for Adoption in August 2016.
For more information contact Jason Souders. Lunch will be provided immediately following.
Time: 10:00-12:30pm
Location: Woodward Hall, 3rd Floor, Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky Campus
The morning session will include national and regional leaders, opening remarks by Secretary of Energy Snavely, keynote speeches by Directors from technology leading companies, ANSYS and RTDS, unveiling of the PEIK Partner and Sponsor Plaque with Dean Holloway, PEIK Board, industrial and utility key representatives.
The lunch session will feature the official inauguration of the SPARK computational lab with Philanthropist L. Stanley Pigman and L. Stanley Pigman Chair in Power, Dr. Dan M. Ionel.
Greg Harper, President, Gas Pipelines & Processing, Enbridge, INC.
Time: 2:00-2:50 pm
Bio: Mr. Harper, appointed President of Gas Pipelines and Processing on Jan. 30, 2014, has spent his entire career in the energy sector. As the head of Enbridge’s natural gas business, Mr. Harper brings deep and proven operational, commercial, and developmental experience, thanks to an extensive background in the natural gas industry. Based in Houston, Mr. Harper joined Enbridge from Southwest Energy, where he served as Senior Vice President, Midstream, and also held senior leadership positions with CenterPoint Energy, Spectra Energy and Duke Energy. In 2013, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA). A native of Owensboro, Ky., Mr. Harper is actively involved in community service, including educational, industry, professional, and arts organizations; he serves on the Board of the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business and is also immediate past Chairman of the board of directors of Theatre Under the Stars. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Houston.
All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are invited to attend.
Dr. Greg Heins, Head of Research and Development, Regal Beloit Corporation, Asia Pacific
Location: Chemical and Physics Building, Room 153
Bio: Dr. Greg Heins is currently the Head of Research and Development for Regal Beloit Corporation, Asia Pacific. He received the B.Eng. (Hons.) degree in mechanical engineering and the University Medal from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, in 2000 and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia, in 2008. Earlier in his career he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer with Robert Bosch Australia and as faculty at Charles Darwin University. In 2011 he was awarded an Australian Learning and Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. He is the holder of six patents with many other applications pending.
Flyer can be found here:PEIK Seminar Heins Sept 16 2016
William (Billy) Ray, P.E., CEO, Glasgow Electric Plant Board
Biography: WILLIAM J. RAY, P.E. – Billy serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Glasgow Electric Plant Board. He is closely involved in all areas of the municipally owned utility, including the implementation of radical changes to it. Under his direction, the Glasgow EPB, starting in 1988, constructed a ubiquitous broadband network throughout the community that incorporates the provision of cable television, telephone, utility telemetry, and high-speed Internet access into a new “Infotricity Utility” for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. This project has won many awards including the Energy Innovator Award from the American Public Power Association, the “Innovations in State and Local Government” award from the Ford Foundation in conjunction with Harvard University; the James H. McGraw Award from the McGraw-Hill publishing company; and once tied with Insight Communications for most innovative cable company in the annual Interop Infrastructure Awards Program from Interactive Week magazine.
In 2015 Glasgow EPB was awarded a Smart Energy Technology Grant by TVA, which has Billy and his team installing the latest array of technology available today in the hope of proving that his “infotricity” theories will indeed demonstrate that daily energy takings can be reshaped to match the output of the most efficient generation sources.
Billy has provided expert testimony before the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. House of Representatives Telecommunications Subcommittee, the United States Senate Communications Subcommittee, the Commerce Department and others on the subjects of municipal ownership of broadband communications systems, competition in telecommunications services, and the concept of combining electric power and broadband to produce “infotricity”.
Ion Boldea, Professor at University Politehnica of Timisoara, Romania
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Biography: Ion Boldea is a Professor at University Politehnica of Timisoara, Romania, a member of the Romanian Academy, and a Life Fellow of IEEE. Since 1973, when he was a Senior Fullbright Scholar at University of Kentucky, he has returned to Lexington 15 times as a Visiting Professor and spent here more than 5 years altogether. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Oregon State University, UMIST and University of Glasgow in Britain, and Alborg University in Denmark.
In 1977, Professor Boldea was part of the original team who established at UK under the leadership of Professor Nasar the Electric Power Components and Systems Journal, now part of the Taylor and Francis collection. He is the director and founder since 2001 of the internet-only international “Journal of Electrical Engineering”, www.jee.ro, and served as General Chairman of the biannual IEEE sponsored International Conference OPTIM in between 1996 and 2010, www.info-optim.ro.
Professor Boldea published extensively in linear and rotary motion electric machines design and controls, more than 200 papers, including 6 that received IEEE best paper awards, and 18 books in USA and the United Kingdom. He has been consulting, lecturing, giving keynote addresses, and holding intensive courses in USA, Europe and Asia for the last 25 years. He has been an IEEE-IAS Distinguished Lecturer since 2008 and lectured in this capacity in USA, Denmark, Italy, and Brazil. He is the recipient of the IEEE 2015 Nikola Tesla Award.
Ben Kroposki, Director of the Power Systems Engineering Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, Colorado
Biography: Dr. Ben Kroposki is the Director of the Power Systems Engineering Center, where he leads NREL’s strategic research in the planning and operations of electrical power systems. His expertise is in the design testing and integration of renewable and distributed power systems, and he has more than 100 publications in these areas. As an IEEE Fellow, Dr. Kroposki was recognized for his leadership in renewable and distributed energy systems integration. He has served on a number of IEEE technical standards working groups and chaired IEEE 1547.4, the first international standard on microgrid design and operation. He has also served as an editor for IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, and IEEE Power & Energy Magazine. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and his Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines.
Tom FitzGerald, Kentucky Resources Council
Biography: Tom FitzGerald is an environmental attorney and is Director of the Kentucky Resources Council, a nonprofit organization focused on Kentucky’s environment and natural resources. As Director of the KRC, he informs the public about environmental issues and lobbies the Kentucky legislature. He has won several awards, including the Heinz award, the Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission “Lifetime of Service Award, the Biological Diversity Protection Award, and the “Cleaning Air Award” from the American Lung Association. In 2014 he was appointed by President Obama to serve on ORSANCO, the commission that establishes water quality standards for the Ohio River. He is an alumnus of the UK College of Law.
Brandon C. Nuttall, Geologist, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky
Biography: Brandon Nuttall received a BS in Geology from Eastern Kentucky University in 1975. He joined the Kentucky Geological Survey 34 years ago where he concentrates on oil and natural gas resources, activity and development, database and GIS, and related research.
