Scott Samuelsen, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering & Director, National Fuel Cell Research Center

University of California, Irvine

Speech Title:

The Crossroad between Smart and Microgrid Technologies

Abstract:

Smart grid technology is rapidly evolving as evidenced by the collaboration between Southern California Edison and UCI in hosting and conducting the “Irvine Smart Grid Demonstration” project, one of the largest initiatives in the world to explore this future. In parallel, microgrid technology has risen as a major component of the smart grid future as a result of Hurricane Sandy and the growing demand for increased reliability on the customer side of the meter. The presentation explores the evolving cross-fertilization of the two technologies including scenarios and associated rationale for future configurations.

Bio:

Dr. Samuelsen is the HORIBA Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Environmental Engineering at the University of California Irvine (UCI) and Henry Samueli Endowed Chair. He is the Director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center (NFCRC), and co-Chairs (with the Chair of the California Air Resources Board) the California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative. He directs as well the Advanced Power and Energy Program at UCI. His research is directed to the smart grid paradigm, building integration and utilization of distributed generation, renewable production of electricity and transportation fuels, shared-use transportation systems, gas turbine combustion systems for propulsion and power generation, fuel cells and fuel cell systems for stationary applications, fuel cell/gas turbine hybrid technology, the hydrogen infrastructure for mobile hydrogen-fueled combustion and fuel cell vehicles, and the systems integration of emerging advanced energy technologies. He pioneered the development of octane posting with the Federal Trade Commission and is responsible for the popular (R+M)/2 posting methodology that is utilized around the world today in the design of internal combustion engines and vehicle fuels, and was recognized by President Obama in 2011 as a “Champion of Change.” He received all three degrees (B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley and is a Fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.