Speech Title — Using Smart Grid Sensors to Improve Network Performance, Safety & Staff Productivity
Robert Wilcox , Megger GmbH, Germany
Abstract:
This presentation will cover how Smart Grid Sensors, combined with advanced software using global algorithms, can be used to remotely detect and locate a wide range of Faults (including Intermittent and Pre Faults) across networks, to improve network SAIDI and SAIFI as well as staff safety and productivity. The powerful edge computing capabilities of the sensors and their algorithms will also be outlined.
The presentation will include a ‘snapshot’ demonstration of the software, which is able to use weather data to assist with the remote identification of Fault Type as well as location. Examples of ‘hard to detect’ faults will be included such as cross country faults on compensated networks and broken conductors with only high impedance or no earthing. Pre-Faults such as vegetation faults and series arcing faults will also be discussed. Typical Cyber security and Distribution Management System integration requirements will also be covered.
Biography
Robert Wilcox MA MBA is a Chartered Engineer, MIEEE, MIET & MIMechE UK, Eur Eng.
He has a degree from Cambridge University in Engineering as well as an MBA from INSEAD combined with over 40 years of experience of the Electricity Supply industry in both utilities and multinational suppliers to the industry worldwide.
Speech Title — Practical Methodologies for Testing and Commissioning IEC 61850-9-2LE Based Digital Substations
K N Dinesh Babu , Megger GmbH, Germany
Abstract:
The adoption of IEC 61850 standards has significantly transformed substation automation by enabling digital communication between protection, control, and measurement equipment. IEC 61850-9-2LE, a streamlined implementation of the standard, facilitates the transmission of sampled analog values, reducing reliance on copper cabling and enabling compact, cost-efficient digital substations.
This presentation outlines a practical approach to testing and commissioning IEC 61850-9-2LE-based substations. It focuses on validating critical components—such as Merging Units, IEDs, Ethernet switches, and GPS time synchronization systems—within a multi-vendor environment. Challenges such as integration inconsistencies, data synchronization, and interoperability are addressed through structured testing procedures and real-time diagnostics.
Each test phase, from analog signal injection to failure simulation and end-to-end performance validation, ensures compliance with functional requirements and system reliability. The session draws from field experience and provides insights into best practices that support seamless deployment of digital substations aligned with smart grid objectives, remote operation, and high system availability.
Biography
K N Dinesh Babu is a Chartered Engineer and an internationally recognised expert in power system protection, automation, and smart grids. With over 2 decades of experience spanning Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and Asia, he has worked with industry leaders such as Alstom, ABB, GE, and Megger in roles encompassing testing, commissioning, design, and business development. His expertise lies in the application and coordination of protection systems for HV/EHV networks, IEC 61850-based automation, relay settings, fault analysis, and renewable energy integration.
Currently, he leads power protection business initiatives across Europe, the UK, and Ireland, driving technology adoption and innovation in digital protection solutions. He has played a key role in advancing protection philosophies, implementing next-generation synchrophasor technologies, and improving grid resilience through structured fault analysis frameworks.
A prolific researcher and industry thought leader, Dinesh has authored over 45 peer-reviewed papers in prestigious international journals and conferences, including IEEE, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and CIGRE. He actively contributes as a PhD supervisor at University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, thesis evaluator @ Indian Institute of Technology, and journal reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery and IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution.
He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Executive Management, alongside certifications in Six Sigma Black Belt, Business Strategy, and Ethical Hacking. A Senior Member of IEEE, and a member of IET, CIGRE, and IEI, he is a recognised mentor and trainer for utilities and academic institutions worldwide.
With a strong multicultural background and a UK Global Talent Visa under the Exceptional Talent category, Dinesh is committed to pioneering advancements in power system reliability and smart grid technologies while shaping the next generation of engineers and researchers.
Speech Title — Novel, Smart and Sustainable Actuation Technologies for Electrification
Dr. Arda Tuysuz, ABB Corporate Research Center Mannheim, Germany
Abstract:
Power grids are evolving rapidly to keep up with the ever-increasing share of renewable energy sources, converter-connected loads, changing load profiles of the industry and modern compensation systems. Switching technology must therefore also evolve to provide means for safe, reliable, and efficient switching at all voltage and current levels.
This evolution translates into a very challenging set of requirements for actuators found inside the grid components. Therefore, this talk will discuss novel methods for developing next generation of reliable and efficient actuators for smart and sustainable electrification. Focus will be on recent developments on the simulation-driven development of state-of-the-art actuation technologies, monitoring and diagnostics, and design methods that allow for designing sustainable actuator mechanisms.
Biography
Arda Tüysüz received his B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, in 2006; his M.Sc. degree in electrical power engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, in 2009; and his Ph.D. degree in electrical drives from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland, in 2015. Between 2015 and 2017, he worked as a post-doctoral researcher with the Power Electronic Systems Laboratory of ETH Zurich. He is currently a research team manager with the ABB Corporate Research Center in Mannheim, Germany. His research focus is on novel, smart and sustainable actuation technologies for control and protection apparatus in power grids.
Speech Title —How to Accelerate Power Electronics R&D Cycle with PELab & Opal-RT Real-Time Simulators
François Tempez, OPAL-RT GmbH, Germany
Abstract:
to be announced
Biography
After obtaining his Master of Engineering and Science degree from École Centrale de Lille in France, François Tempez joined OPAL-RT Technologies in 2013. With over a decade of experience in the field of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation, he has been supporting many European customers in their HIL simulation journey. He initially served as a Field Application Engineer in France, where he provided training, technical support and advanced software demonstrations. In his current role as Head of Sales in Germany, François continues to drive growth and innovation, leveraging his technical and industry knowledge to meet the evolving needs of clients.
