:: Keynote Speaker: Prof. Om P. Malik

Title: Automatic Tuning of Power-Electronics Converter Parameters for Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources, most of which are interfaced with the network through power electronics converters, have gained significant interest over the past 25 years. AC/DC converters are conventionally regulated by fixed parameter proportional integral (PI) controllers designed off-line for a nominal operating condition. Their performance is affected by the change of parameters of passive components depending on temperature and operating conditions. Thus, they cannot provide good converter performance over its entire operating range. Converter performance can be improved by using adaptive control that can track the operating conditions in real-time. An adaptive controller that determines, in real-time, the parameters of the system model transfer function and automatically updates the control that matches the system parameters is proposed. Converter performance in a hierarchical control environment in a microgrid is described.
 

Brief Bio of Professor Om P. Malik

Professor Om P. Malik has done pioneering work in the development of controllers for application in electric power systems and wind power generation over the past over 50 years. After extensive testing, the adaptive controllers developed by his group are now employed on large generating units. His other interests include digital protection, control of renewable power generation and micro-grids, and AI applications in power system control.

Professor Malik graduated in 1952 from Delhi Polytechnic. After working for nine years in electric utilities in India, he obtained a master’s degree from Roorkee University in 1962, a Ph.D. from London University and a DIC from the Imperial College, London in 1965. He has published over 800 papers including over 425 papers in international Journals and is the coauthor of four books.
He was teaching and doing research in Canada from 1966 to 1997 and continues to do research as Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary. Over 100, including 54 Ph.D., students have graduated under his supervision.
Professor Malik is a Life Fellow of IEEE, and a Fellow of IET, the Engineering Institute of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineers Canada, and World Innovation Foundation. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Provinces of Alberta and Ontario, Canada, and has received many awards. He was Director, IEEE Region 7 and President, IEEE Canada during 2010-11 and President, Engineering Institute of Canada, 2014-2016.