Van Wagner of IEEE SEM Chapter 9 (CH04087)

This presentation is an overview of the evolution of the electric utility to the present partially decentralized form.  Why AC and three phase? What are the special problems of higher voltages?  How is the power system grounded?  It also explains the technical background to stability and the causes of various types of disturbances.  

The emergence of renewables and distributed energy resources and their impact on the network is presented.  How will the grid be controlled in the future?

Biography:

Van Wagner spent the first half of his career at DTE (the utility) initially working at a fossil power plant. He later moved on to power plant design and analysis including for nuclear plants.  He was also involved in an early DoE residential PV and EV evaluation program. At the end of his tenure there he was providing technical support for large industrial customers.  

The second half of his career was at Schneider Electric (electrical equipment manufacturer) where he performed design and analysis of power distribution for industrial and commercial customers.  He was also involved in product development and performed power system forensics on electrical equipment failures.  For the last five years he has helped develop and design microgrids.  Presently he is retired (more or less).

He has a master’s degree in power electronics and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.

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