Events Listing

Modeling and optimization of electric distribution grids

Electric distribution grids have undergone major transformation, driven by the need to enable novel interactions with the end-user, accommodate electrified transportation, and integrate inverter-based resources that interface renewable energy generation. This talk features recent advances in modeling, analysis, and optimization of three-phase electricity distribution networks. Various practical models for distribution grid components are presented, followed by a three-phase power flow solver called the Z-Bus method. The method amounts to fixed-point iteration on the network nodal voltages and its convergence is established. A consequence is that the power flow problem in three-phase distribution networks has a unique solution over a region that can be explicitly calculated from the network parameters. The talk proceeds with extending the Z-Bus method for short-circuit analysis of distribution networks with grid-following inverters. The latter is well motivated because integration of inverter-based resources into distribution systems impacts the fault currents in the network and the coordination of protection devices. Modern grid codes call for inverter dynamic reactive current control and oftentimes require that the inverter injects both positive and negative sequence currents during faults. The short circuit analysis is coupled with inverter controls modeled in the direct-quadrature (dq) reference frame, which represents their typical implementation. The talk wraps up with review of optimal power flow routines that coordinate various distribution network assets, including step voltage regulators.

Universal Adaptive Beamforming: Machine Learning meets Array Processing

Practical adaptive beamformers operating in dynamic environments regularize the sample covariance matrix. Choosing the best regularization parameter for sequential online processing remains a difficult open challenge. The universal adaptive beamformer (UABF) combines online learning techniques with array processing to create a new beamforming framework. The UABF's array weights are a weighted average across the array weight vectors of a set competing beamformers based on their recent performance. Each competing beamformer implements a different regularization parameter choice. 

Remarkably, the performance gap between the UABF and the best of the competing beamformers chosen with 20/20 hindsight vanishes asymptotically for every individual sequence of observed data. Simulations and a data set of opportunity from the Philippine Sea experiment demonstrate the effectiveness of the UABF. [Work supported by ONR 321US]

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TSMC and the new geopolitics of the 21st century

Taiwan rose to global prominence in high tech manufacturing since the 1990s. From computer maker to the world’s leading chip manufacturer, Taiwan boasts the likes of Acer, Foxconn, Asus, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). In this talk, I will present a history of the fabrication of semiconductor chips in Taiwan.

First, I will review Morris C. M. Chang’s founding of TSMC, and the multiple origins of the “dedicated foundry model” in the 1980s. The model was independently created by Morris Chang, and Robert H. C. Tsao at United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC). I argue that the model originated from Chang’s and Tsao’s similar understandings of Taiwan’s successful computer manufacturing industry. Second, I will discuss how various parties in the United States and Taiwan deemed TSMC’s high-end chips valuable resources in 2022 to cultivate international support to assist Taiwan in deterring a potential Chinese incursion. This talk draws on chapter 10 of my forthcoming book Island Tinkerers: Emulation, Innovation and Transformation in the Making of Taiwan’s Computing Industry (MIT Press).

Ultrafast light-matter interactions for probing properties of gases and plasmas

The fourth state of matter, commonly referred to as “plasma,” plays a significant role in our everyday lives on Earth. Examples abound, ranging from its use as light sources to virus inactivation and high-volume manufacturing. Particularly noteworthy is the semiconductor industry, which greatly benefits from advancements in the field of plasma. In light of the quantum computing era and the semiconductor industry’s shift from microelectronics to nanoelectronics, the optimization of plasma processes has become more crucial than ever. In the initial segment of this presentation, I will delve into the ongoing research endeavors of my group, focusing on comprehending fundamental plasma properties. The ultimate aim is to enhance the efficiency of extreme ultraviolet lithography, the current leading technology for patterning surfaces at the nanometer scale. Our emphasis will be on electron properties and their correlation with radiation transport. Moving on to the second part of this discussion, I will showcase the foundational work undertaken by my group to develop innovative laser-based techniques for probing plasma properties at both the picosecond temporal scale and micrometer spatial scale. A particular highlight will be the exploration of three-wave mixing in the gas phase —a process once considered forbidden but now holding great promise for high-sensitivity number density measurements of both atomic and molecular species.

Boston Scientific Unplugged: Discussion w/Engineers

If you're interested in the medical device field, come hear from engineers at Boston Scientific about what the company does, and network with engineers! Food will be provided.

Remember to RSVP! https://z.umn.edu/BSCIUnpluggedRSVP

The evolution of Minnesota’s power grid and energy portfolio

Matt Schuerger, a distinguished figure in the power industry, will lead the discussion covering policy shifts, technical challenges, and the ever-evolving landscape of grid regulation. He brings a wealth of experience, having served in various key roles within the industry. From his tenure as Commissioner of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to his leadership as Board President of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and role as Executive Vice President of District Energy St. Paul, Matt offers a multifaceted perspective that promises to shed light on the energy sector’s most pressing issues.

The Career Fair is open to actively enrolled students in the College of Science and Engineering as well as CSE alumni who have graduated in the past three years. There is no charge for students and alumni to attend.

Employers attending the Career Fair include many top national and regional companies including Ameriprise, Boston Scientific, Cargill, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard, Land O'Lakes, Medtronic, and many others.

In addition, many employers will host information sessions over the next few weeks. A full list of events can be found in Handshake.

For more information

For more information about the Spring 2024 CSE Career Fair, including prep workshops and resources for students, visit the CSE Career Fair website.

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Want to have a cool business card to show off to employers? One that you don't have to print over and over again? One that people can scan with their phones? Well bring your laptops and learn to design a basic PCB business card on KiCAD software. There will be slides to follow and we’ll be there to help anyone who needs it!