Fall 2014 MnDRIVE Seminar Series
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Sonja Glavaski,
Program Director, Advanced Research Projects
Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)
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Abstract
U.S. electricity generation, transmissions, and distribution infrastructure is undergoing upgrades to keep up with increasing electricity demands. Novel sensors and “smart” devices being introduced will overwhelm utilities and grid operators with vastly greater amounts of data. Operation of the power grid will become more complex, making human control increasingly ineffective.
ARPA-E is interested in disruptive technologies that enable increased integration of renewables by real-time adaptation, while maintaining grid reliability and reducing cost for customers with smart technologies. This talk will discuss possible paths forward for the development of technology for real-time monitoring and control of power events enabling seamless integration of distributed energy resources into consumer driven, reliable, and secure Power Grid of the Future.
Biosketch
Dr. Sonja Glavaski is a Program Director at the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Her technical focus area is data analytics, and distributed control and optimization in complex, cyber-physical, and networked systems with applications to management, and operation of energy systems. During her 20-plus-year career, Dr. Glavaski has contributed significantly to technical advancements in numerous product areas, including propulsion systems, hybrid vehicles, building HVAC/R systems, and aircraft systems.
Prior to joining ARPA-E, Dr. Glavaski served as Control Systems Group Leader at United Technologies Research Center, where she made significant technical contributions to UTC's world-class product portfolio, advancing new knowledge and technology in the area of control and intelligent systems. Prior to being at UTRC, Dr. Glavaski led key programs at Eaton Innovation Center and Honeywell Labs. She received the Honeywell Aerospace Technical Achievement Award.
A Senior Member of IEEE, Dr. Glavaski served as the IEEE Control Systems Society Women in Control Chair. Dr. Glavaski received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from California Institute of Technology.