Tim Green (Fellow, IEEE) is a Professor of Electrical Power Engineering and has been at Imperial College since 1994. He holds Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales. Tim’s research interest is in formulating the future form of energy systems to support zero carbon futures. A particular theme is how the flexibility of power electronics and new forms of control systems will be important steps to achieving very high penetrations of renewable energy in net-zero energy systems. He and his team work on new methods of stability analysis for grids of inverter-based resources such as wind, solar and batteries. He has also worked on High Voltage DC technology and holds seven patents in this area jointly with GE Grid Solutions. He is a proponent of power electronics for the management of voltage and power flow in low-voltage networks such as partnering UK Power Networks for trials of ”soft open points” in London and Brighton. His present focus is on how use measurement data to construct system models of inverter-dominated grids and to provide from that root-cause analysis of potential instabilities.

Title: Power System Stability with A High Penetration of Inverter-Based Resources

Abstract: The transformation of power grids that replaces fossil fuels with renewables also sees the replacement of electro-mechanical machines by inverter-based resources (IBR). This raises any challenges in ensuring continued safe and secure operation of the power system. The transformation implies that IBR must now take on the role of supplying all of the system services that system operators use to manage the grid. A revision of the definitions of system services is need to enable system operators to analyse the type and volume of service needed. This will be explored through examples of frequency containment and small-signal system strength. The transformation to IBR-dominated grids is also fundamentally changing the dynamics and stability properties of grids leading to the emergence of new threats to stability that arise from new dynamics and the interactions of dynamics that were previously considered decoupled. IBR have both faster dynamics than traditional machines and dynamics that are defined by proprietary, and therefore black-box, software. System operators therefore face a challenge in assuring stability when full physics-based models are not available. Recently we have shown that whole-system impedance spectrum models can yield rich information on the root-cause of poorly damped modes. Such models can be extracted from black-box time-domain models or from measurement of the physical system. This talk will describe so-called grey-box models, their application to mitigating poorly damped modes and to assessment of system strength. The replacement of synchronous machines by IBR also changes the response to short-circuit faults and calls into question the design of protection systems. A discussion will be given on changes to protection design and IBR design that will be needed to ensure continued effective operation.

Time: 9:00-9:30 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Prof. Xiaoming Yuan(Senior Member, IEEE) received the B.Eng. degree from Shandong University, China, in 1986, the M.Eng. degree from Zhejiang University, China, in 1993, and the Ph.D. degree from the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil, in 1998, all in electrical engineering.,He was with Qilu Petrochemical Corporation, China, from 1986 to 1990, where he was involved in the commissioning and testing of relaying and automation devices in power systems, adjustable speed drives, and high-power UPS systems. From 1998 to 2001, he was a Project Engineer with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, where he worked on flexible-AC-transmission-systems and power quality. From 2001 to 2008, he was with GE GRC Shanghai as the Manager of the Low Power Electronics Laboratory. From 2008 to 2010, he was with GE GRC US as an Electrical Chief Engineer. He has been a Full Professor with the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, since 2011. He is a pioneer in the area of dynamics of power electronics dominated large power systems, and he developed the “amplitude/frequency modulation theory” for analyzing dynamics of general ac power systems. Prof. Yuan is also a Distinguished Expert of National Thousand Talents Program of China and the Chief Scientist of National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program). He received the First Prize Paper Award from the Industrial Power Converter Committee of the IEEE Industry Applications Society, in 1999.

Title: Operating Points of AC Variables as Prerequisites to Understanding System Dynamics

Abstract: Dynamics in any physical systems shall always be associated with monotonous or oscillatory energy flow and therefore analytics of dynamics shall inevitably be built on understandings of energy carrying bodies and the properties, which have historically and unconsciously been challenges for AC systems. Methods across diversified disciplines with the majority recourse to harmonics based impedance approaches which due to the sophisticated connections to the energy flow driven dynamics will see indispensable limitations even for small disturbances scenario. It is discovered that in an AC system each source/load or line component will store real and imaginary energy on its own mechanism and will be interacting to each other under the constraint of independent real and imaginary power conservation determining dynamics and stability of the system, which will be prerequisites for methods to be developed and given the present dilemma in the grid of China will have to be understood and applied.

Time: 9:30-10:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Prof. Xiongfei Wang (Fellow, IEEE) received the B.S. degree from Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China, in 2006, the M.S. degree from the Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China, in 2008, both in electrical engineering, and the Ph.D. degree in energy technology from Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark, in 2013. From 2009 to 2022, he was with Aalborg University where he became an Assistant Professor in 2014, an Associate Professor in 2016, a Professor and the Founding Leader of Electronic Power Grid (eGRID) Research Group in 2018. From 2022, he has been a Professor with KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, and a Part-time Professor with Aalborg University. From 2023, he has been a Visiting Professor with Hitachi Energy Research Center, Vasteras, Sweden. His research interests include modeling and control of power electronic converters, stability and power quality of power-electronic-dominated power systems, and high-power electronic systems. Dr. Wang was the recipient of ten IEEE Prize Paper Awards, the 2016 AAU Talent for Future Research Leaders, the 2018 IEEE Richard M. Bass Outstanding Young Power Electronics Engineer Award, the 2019 IEEE PELS Sustainable Energy Systems Technical Achievement Award, and the 2022 Isao Takahashi Power Electronics Award. He is an Executive Editor (Editor-in-Chief) for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Letters and an Associate Editor for IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics.

Title: Analytical Perspectives on Grid-Forming Control

Abstract: As power systems accelerate toward deep power electronics integration, grid-forming capabilities are becoming essential for converter-based resources, DC transmission networks, and large active loads. Recent years have seen a surge of interest in grid-forming control designs. This keynote presents analytical insights into the robust design of grid-forming control, addressing critical capability requirements while enhancing small-signal stability and large-disturbance resilience. The emerging convergence between robust grid-following and grid-forming paradigms is explored by recent advances and case studies. The talk concludes by highlighting open questions and research challenges critical to shaping reliable, converter-driven power systems of the future.

Time: 10:30-11:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Prof. Rik W. De Doncker (M'87-SM'99-F'01) received his Ph.D. degree in electro-mechanical engineering from the KULeuven, Belgium. In 1987, he was appointed Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he invented the DAB converter. In 1988, he joined the GE Corporate Research and Development Center, Schenectady, NY. In November 1994, he joined Silicon Power Corporation (formerly GE-SPCO) as Vice President Technology, developing world’s first medium-voltage static transfer switch. Since Oct. 1996, he is professor at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, where he leads the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA). Oct. 2006 he was appointed director of the E.ON Energy Research Center at RWTH Aachen University, where he leads the Institute of Power Generation and Storage Systems. Since 2014, he is director of the German Federal Government BMBF Flexible Electrical Networks (FEN) Research CAMPUS. He has a doctor honoris causa degree of TU Riga, Latvia. He has published over 800 technical papers and is holder of more than 60 patents. Dr. De Doncker is recipient of the IAS Outstanding Achievements Award, the 2013 Newell Power Electronics IEEE Technical Field Award, and the 2014 IEEE PELS Harry A. Owen Outstanding Service Award. In 2015 he was awarded Fellow status at RWTH University. In 2016 he became member of the German Academy of Science and Technology (ACATECH). 2020 he received the IEEE Medal in Power Engineering.

Title: Flexible DC Distribution Grids - Key Enabler for a CO2 Neutral Energy Supply Based on Renewable Power Sources

Abstract:The liberalization of the energy market has significantly impacted the entire structure of the energy supply system. In addition, partially due to a strong commitment of governments to reduce CO2 emissions, vast amounts of renewable, dispersed, but volatile power generator systems (mostly wind and PV) are being installed. To cope with this new landscape of dispersed, volatile generation, several measures must be taken to provide a robust and secure energy supply of electrical energy. In particular, next to fully automated demand side management systems, all sorts of energy storages (in form of heat, cold, gas and batteries) and more flexible grid structures are needed. This presentation explores the potentials of DC technologies in distribution systems to realize the energy transition.. The role and prospects of state-of-the-art power electronic substations and protection gear, a key enabling technology to realize a modern energy supply system, is discussed.

Time: 9:00-9:30 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Drazen Dujic(Fellow, IEEE) is an Associate Professor and Head of the Power Electronics Laboratory at EPFL. He received the Dipl. Ing. and MSc degrees from the University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia in 2002 and 2005, respectively, and the PhD degree from Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK in 2008. From 2003 to 2006, he was a Research Assistant with the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad. From 2006 to 2009, he was a Research Associate with Liverpool John Moores University. After that, he moved to industry and joined ABB Switzerland Ltd, where from 2009 to 2013, he was a Scientist and then Principal Scientist with ABB Corporate Research Center in Baden-Dättwil, and from 2013 to 2014 he was R&D Platform Manager with ABB Medium Voltage Drives in Turgi. He has been with EPFL since 2014. His research interests include the areas of design and control of advanced high-power electronic systems and high-performance drives, predominantly for medium voltage applications related to electrical energy generation, conversion, and storage. In 2024, he received the Istvan Nagy Award; in 2018, he received the EPE Outstanding Service Award, and in 2014, the Isao Takahashi Power Electronics Award for Outstanding Achievement in Power Electronics. He is an IEEE Fellow.

Title: Advanced Conversion Solutions for DC Power Distribution Networks

Abstract: Despite the widespread adoption of alternating current (AC) systems for over a century, direct current (DC) technology continues to offer significant advantages in various applications. Advancements in power semiconductors and power electronics systems have enabled the realization of previously unimaginable systems. While DC is widely utilised in high-voltage (HV) bulk power transmission and numerous low-voltage (LV) applications, its potential and benefits remain largely unexplored in the medium-voltage (MV) domain. This is primarily due to the absence of readily available and standardized high-power conversion and protection technologies for DC systems. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of DC applications and their specific requirements, encompassing various technologies such as advanced power electronics converters (DC-DC, DC-AC, AC-DC), protection coordination, protection equipment, and comprehensive system analysis and modelling.

Time: 9:30-10:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Zhaozheng Hou is the Director of Technology and Platform Planning Department at Huawei Digital Power. He is responsible for the planning and development of three generations of technologies and platforms for Huawei digital power products and solutions, and for the construction of innovative 4T (watt, heat, battery, and bit) technologies. Mr. Hou has led the construction of successive generations of ICT, new-type power system and industrial control chips, power packaging, power devices, and Psip technology research and development. He has driven the industrialization of these technologies, achieving mass production and shipments on a scale of hundreds of millions of units. Additionally, he holds over 60 authorized patents both domestically and internationally. Currently, he serves as a member of the Power Electronics Committee of the China Electrotechnical Society, a member of the Electronics Components and Devices Committee of the China Power Supply Society, and the Huawei Digital Power representative of the Power Electronics Committee of the China Electric Power Promotion Council.

Title: Evolutionary Trends in Power Supply for AI Data Centers

Abstract: The artificial intelligence market is experiencing unprecedented prosperity, China's AI computing power market is expected to reach $33.7 billion by 2026. In the face of future evolution demands, data security, and the high energy consumption of megawatt-level data centers, a secure and reliable architecture becomes very important. This presentation will discuss three dimensions: flexible scalability, safety and reliability, and high efficiency and energy saving. It will explore multiple future evolution directions from 10KV to AI chip power supply links.

Time: 10:30-11:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Prof. Ryan Li (Fellow, IEEE) is an University of Alberta Senior Engineering Research Chair, and Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He received the Bachelor degree from Tianjin University, China, in 2002, and PhD degree from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in 2006. In 2005, Dr. Li was a Visiting Scholar with Aalborg University, Denmark. From 2006 to 2007, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. Dr. Li also worked at Rockwell Automation Canada as a R&D Engineer, before he joined University of Alberta in 2007. Dr. Li currently serves as the Vice President for Products of IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS). He was the Editor-in-Chief for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics Letters 2019-2023. He also served as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, and IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics. Dr. Li was the general chair of IEEE Energy Conversion Congress of Exposition (ECCE) in 2020. He is the AdCom Member at Large for IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) 2021-2023. Dr. Li received the Nagamori Foundation Award in 2022 and the Richard M. Bass Outstanding Young Power Electronics Engineer Award from IEEE PELS in 2013. He is a Fellow of IEEE, a Fellow of Canadian Academy of Engineering, and recognized as the Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher.

Title: AC/DC Microgrids - A Modern Solution for Grid Challenges In DERs, EVs and AI data centers

Abstract: Under the global push for an energy transition toward a more sustainable future, today’s grid is encountering increasing challenges. These challenges include the integration of more distributed energy resources (DERs) with intermittent characteristics; the rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) requiring infrastructure for fast EV charging; and the significant power demands of data centers driven by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This presentation explores hybrid AC/DC microgrid structures as an innovative solution for addressing these challenges. It highlights how such microgrids facilitate the integration of DERs, support fast EV charging infrastructure, and enhance the efficiency and reliability of modern data centers. Key advancements and emerging trends in electricity grids enabled by hybrid AC/DC microgrid solutions are discussed, with a particular focus on novel structural designs, advanced converter technologies, power and energy management control strategies, and robust grid support mechanisms. These developments aim to accommodate today’s evolving electrical loads while contributing to a more resilient and adaptable electric grid.

Time: 9:00-9:30 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Dr. Richard Zhang is a professor with the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) and Power & Energy Center (PEC), Hugh P. and Ethel C. Kelly Chair at the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, and a Fellow of IEEE. Dr. Zhang was the former Chief Technology Officer of GE Grid Integration Solutions based in the UK, leading HVDC and FACTS technology and product development that resulted in a new industry standard 2GW/525 kV HVDC solution for offshore wind integration currently being developed in Europe. During 1998‐2008, he was with GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna, New York, leading power electronics research serving all GE industrial businesses, such as GE Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Healthcare, etc. Subsequently, during 2009‐2020, he held several executive technology and business leadership positions based in Paris, Shanghai, and Stafford, UK. Over the years, Dr. Zhang led large global R&D teams in different GE organizations, won large research programs with government agencies such as DARPA and DOE, created major business research initiatives, such as GE’s SiC wide‐band‐gap power switches and applications, Oil & Gas electrification, power electronics for onshore and offshore wind and solar. He defined and led an extensive business R&D portfolio in GE Oil & Gas, GE Power Conversion, GE Renewables, and GE Grid Solutions. Dr. Zhang had served as Chairman, Board of Directors for Powerex ‐ a power semiconductor and packaging company in the US; as Chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board for Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) at Virginia Tech; as a steering committee member for SuperGrid Institute SAS in France; and served as an AdCom member for IEEE Power Electronics Society. Dr. Zhang has 77 journal and conference publications and invited talks, including 4 IEEE Transaction and Conference Award Papers. Dr. Zhang has over 118 global patents granted or pending in 45 patent families. Dr. Zhang’s current research focuses on Electrified Green Infrastructure Power Conversion, including grid of the future with renewables and energy storage integration, HVDC/MVDC and FACTS, Intelligent Energy Router and microgrid; fast EV charging infrastructure; green hydrogen production; and data center power solutions.

Title: Utility-Scale Energy Storage – Challenges and Opportunities for Power Electronics

Abstract: As the world gets more electrified, energy storage is becoming a crucial enabler for numerous applications, such as mobile electronic devices and EVs. This presentation will examine various energy storage technologies driven by a diverse range of fast-growing applications, such as EV charging, data centers, and microgrids. A special focus is given to utility-scale energy storage options, along with their challenges and opportunities on power electronics technologies, to enable the grid of the future and a broader electrified green infrastructure.

Time: 9:30-10:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B

Prof. Sudip K. Mazumder is a Distinguished Professor, Robert Uyetani Professor of Engineering, and the Director of Laboratory for Energy and Switching-Electronic Systems (LESES) at the University of Illinois Chicago. He is a Joint Appointee with the U. S. Argonne National Laboratory. He also serves as the President of NextWatt LLC since 2008. He has over 30 years of professional experience and has held R&D and design positions in leading industrial organizations, and has served as technical consultant for several industries. He is a Fellow of 3 societies including IEEE. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief for IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics, Chair of PELS Technical Committee on Modeling and Control, and Member at Large for IEEE PELS. Previously he served as an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer and the Editor at Large for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics

Title: Photonically Controlled Power Semiconductor Devices for Smart Grid

Abstract: Photonically controlled power semiconductor device and electronics is a game changing technology in power electronics. With the advent of new wide and ultra-wide bandgap materials (e.g., SiC, GaN, Ga2O3, diamond, AlN, c-BN), semiconductor devices for power electronics are beginning to switch at progressively higher speeds and higher voltages. The impact of such near impulse actuation and the resulting impact on reliability (e.g., due to high EMI, high dynamic voltage and current stress) can be potentially better handled by photonics. Yet another emerging threat for power electronics is intentional adversarial intrusion (e.g., due to electromagnetic side channel noise intrusion) where photonics can provide tangible benefit. This plenary talk will provide an overview of plurality of interesting photonically controlled device and electronics technologies.

Time: 10:30-11:00 AM

Venue: 1F/TianQue Ballroom A+B