On the second day of the conference (Thursday 27 March), there will be 3 workshops conducted for the attendees to take part in. Detailed information and timings of the workshops can be found further down in this page.

How to Register for Workshops?

Once you have decided on the workshops you would like to attend,

  1. Head to the registration page and register for the conference by clicking REGISTER NOW button.
  2. If you are registering under the Full / Special / Industry Day / Attendee categories, you will have access to all workshops.
  3. If you want to register only for the workshops, you can do so in the registration form.
    • Prices for Workshop 1 (Morning) and Workshop 2 (Afternoon) are $125 each. This increases to $150 after March 19.
    • There is no option to register only for the Workshop 3. If you plan to attend Workshop 3, please register yourself for the Industry day, as it is included as a benefit.
  4. Once you have registered for the conference, you have to reserve your workshop space by clicking on the REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS button below.
    • If you want to be counted for Professional Development Hours (PDH), please check YES under the corresponding question in the registration form

Workshop Schedule (Thursday March 27)

Workshop Information

MV Switchgear and Transformers

This workshop is divided into two parts: (i) MV Liquid Insulated Transformer Specification Do’s and Don’ts; and (ii) MV Padmounted Switchgear “Bootcamp”.

MV Liquid Insulated Transformer Specification Do’s and Don’ts: When we specify transformers for new projects, we often copy specification language from previous projects. In this discussion, we’ll review common errors found in older specifications, how this impacts transformer design and drives costs. We also review transformer options for overcurrent and overvoltage protection as well as updated designs to minimize arc-flash hazard. Finally, we’ll review specification items which can improve transformer life, reduce transformer costs and avoid costly errors.

MV Padmounted Switchgear “Bootcamp”: There are many different styles of medium voltage switchgear. This discussion will focus on padmounted switchgear and will cover different insulation options, overcurrent protection, construction and connection to MV cables. We will compare the different types of padmounted switchgear available and how some switchgear styles can be advantageous to our projects. Finally, we will review new developments within padmounted switchgear designs and trends within the industry.

Workshop Presenter

Carlos Chacon graduated from Marquette University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and joined Cooper Power Systems where he spent 12 years in various positions from Sales Engineer working with transformer manufacturers in Latin America, Protection Engineer for overhead reclosers and medium voltage padmounted switchgear and Global Product Manager for Cooper’s transformer components product line. After Cooper, Carlos worked at S&C Electric Company starting as an Application Manager focused on finding equipment and engineering services solutions for renewable energy developers, supporting the construction and interconnection of battery energy storage projects and working with critical power users. At the end of his 11-year tenure at S&C, Carlos led their sales team focused on solar and wind projects as Director of Renewable Energy. Prior to joining Eaton, Carlos took on the position of Regional Sales Manager for Siemens supporting their sales team for air core reactors and HV instrument transformers under the Trench brand. In his current role as a Field Application Engineer for Eaton’s Power Systems division, Carlos is focused on supporting our Commercial and Industrial customers requiring technical support for all of Eaton’s “Cooper Power Series” medium voltage equipment.

Battery Basics and Large-Scale Applications

This workshop covers both the basics of battery storage and its applications especially electric grid and electrical vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries and beyond: Lithium-ion batteries have become a key component in applications involving transportation, microelectronics, and electric power grid due to their high conversion efficiency, high energy density and fast response. However, to meet the energy density and safety goals, novel electrode materials and lithium-ion battery (LIB) models are needed. Looking toward the future, sodium-ion batteries have emerged as potential candidates for beyond LIB due to reserves more globally distributed and lower cost. To enable the use of sodium-ion batteries, research efforts are also focused on developing new electrode materials that present low cost, stability, high-energy density and can be charged fast. This presentation will address the challenges and opportunities in the research on LIB and beyond LIB technologies, with a particular emphasis on novel materials and battery models.

Battery applications in electric vehicles and grids: The advancements in battery technology and the continuous decline in their prices have made them considerable for power grid applications. In addition to this, the battery storage systems have grid-friendly attributes such as dynamic control, flexibility, emergency support etc. This creates opportunities to support increasing renewable energy penetration into the grid and new developments such as data center loads, as the battery storage systems. Given that, in order to be reliable and financially viable, it is critical to plan and operate battery storage systems considering the state of charge, state of health, aging and grid impacts. This presentation will focus on the recent developments in battery storage systems planning and operation with the aforementioned considerations.

Workshop Presenters

Dr. Davi Soares is an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Wichita State University. He holds a PhD from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil. He previously worked as Cell Modeling Engineer for Freudenberg Battery Power Systems, where he developed equivalent circuit and physics-based models and conducted experiments to validate models and assess safety and thermal properties of lithium-ion cells. His research focuses on the development, characterization, and modeling of two-dimensional materials as electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors. Davi is the author and co-author of sixteen journal papers, one book chapter, and has presented his research in several conferences.

Vernon Chang, P.Eng is a Principal Engineer in Electronics Development at Textron Aviation Inc. Vernon Chang has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada.  He started at Cessna Aircraft Company 29 years ago as a design engineer for the Citation Excel electrical systems and Citation Sovereign anti-icing systems.  Since 2000, Vernon has been involved in the study and development of fuel cell power systems, advanced powerplants, starter-generators, electric de-ice, more electric aircraft sub-systems, and advanced batteries.  This research has included technology research and test collaboration with leading aircraft and sub-systems manufacturers and universities.  He has supported several technical committees including the RTCA committee which authored the DO-311A standard for rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems in aircraft.

Kyle D. Tidball (Member, IEEE) received his B.Sc. degree in computer engineering, and M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas in 2010 and 2012 respectively. Since 2013, he has been working on More Electric Aircraft systems by designing power electronics and control systems. In 2013 he joined Ultra Precision Control Systems (ICE Corporation) where he spent 5 years working on high-voltage, medium-frequency solid-state, wide-band gap power converters, and magnetics design, as well as electrothermal ice protection systems, supporting the widening popularity of the MEA philosophy. While at Ultra, he was part of the team that developed a novel, high-efficiency, low noise, power converter topology for use in aircraft AC/DC conversion and presented this work at PCIM Europe in 2017. In 2019 he joined Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft) as an electrical design engineer. During his tenure at Textron Aviation, he has worked on a wide variety of aircraft systems and is currently in an R&D role working once again on More Electric Aircraft power systems, including high-voltage systems. He is currently sitting on several SAE committees, working on writing the regulations applicable to high-voltage systems on aircraft, and in particular for eVTOLs. His research interests include ultra-compact/efficient WBG power conversion systems for aerospace, ultra high-power motor drives, and reliability analysis of WBG devices in aerospace applications.

Dr. Arun Manoharan is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. He teaches courses such as electric circuits, electric machines and power electronics. He has also developed courses on electric vehicle systems. Dr. Manoharan’s research focuses on power and energy systems and engineering education. His recent works focus on developing assessment tools to support integration of new technologies such as electric vehicles, battery storage and renewable generation into the power grid.

Alternative Energy Solutions and Essential Code Requirements as per the NEC

This workshop will explore alternative energy solutions and essential code requirements as per the NEC (National. Electrical Code). This comprehensive session will delve into current practices and future developments in the field, with a special focus on NEC 2023 requirements as well as a view to anticipating future requirements of 2026 NEC and beyond. This workshop will  cover key topics including: (i) Introduction to Alternative Energy Solutions: Understanding the landscape of renewable energy sources and their integration into electrical systems; (ii) NEC Essentials: Deep dives into crucial sections such as Article 230 (Services), Article 705 (Interconnected Systems), and Article 690 (Photovoltaic Systems), ensuring compliance and safety in design and installation; (iii) Looking Ahead to the 2026 NEC: Previewing upcoming changes and challenges in codes and standards, particularly in relation to new technologies and solutions; and (iv) Practical Application: Exploring case studies and real-world examples to illustrate effective implementation strategies and deliver value to customers.

By the end of this workshop, participants will gain a thorough understanding of how to navigate the evolving landscape of electrical codes and standards, enabling them to design safe, efficient, and compliant systems that meet the demands of a changing energy environment. Join us as we chart the course towards a sustainable and code-compliant future.

Workshop Presenter

Thomas A. Domitrovich is an Electrical Engineer within Eaton Corporation’s electrical group with experience in engineering, sales & marketing, business development and product management. Domitrovich is actively involved with various electrical industry organizations and focuses on the continued growth of electrical safety. Domitrovich is an author with a wide range of trade magazine articles including columns in two industry trade magazines. He sits on NFPA Code Making Panels 2 and 10 for the continued development of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). He is also on other NFPA committees including NFPA 73, 78, 1078, 110, and 111 and chairs various committees for other electrical industry organizations. Domitrovich is a LEED® Accredited Professional, a licensed Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Gannon University