A hands-on workshop on OpenDSS organized by IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES), Student Branch Chapter(SBC) of the University of Moratuwa, was held on Jan. 11, 2017, from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moratuwa. The main objective of the event was to introduce OpenDSS, which is a trending Distribution System Simulation Freeware and provide hands-on skills and comprehensive knowledge in using OpenDSS to the keen electrical engineering undergraduates, postgraduates and industry enthusiasts.

The resource personnel, Mr. Hasala Dharmawardena, alumnus of University of Moratuwa and currently a researcher at Clemson University, USA, driven by the spirit of being an ardent volunteer of IEEE professional body and a former young leader of IEEE Sri Lanka Section guided the IEEE PES SBC of University of Moratuwato to make this event a reality. In this workshop he mainly focused on renewable energy integration to the grid and time series simulations, which is a felicitous application of OpenDSS in the Sri Lankan context.

The program consisted of four parts; Introduction to OpenDSS, Modeling of Distribution Systems, Simulation with OpenDSS and Test Case; enlightening the attendees on the application of OpenDSS to real world smart applications. The use of game-based online learning facilities made the workshop more engaging. It was a novel experience to most of the attendees.

The event saw an active participation of around 30 electrical engineering undergraduates, post-graduates from University of Moratuwa (UOM) and Open University Sri Lanka (OUSL), Renewable Energy Enthusiasts, Utility Distribution System Engineers from pioneer power electric-related corporate bodies such as CEB, LECO and Minel Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd.IEEE PES SBC Faculty Advisor, Dr. Lidula Widanagama Arachchige graced the event with her presence.

IEEE PES Sri Lanka Chapter and Resource Management Associates (Pvt.) Ltd supported the event financially. Apart the technical objective, the event resulted in resuscitation of IEEE PES SBC of UoM, generation of funds for future operations and membership development.

The event concluded with the presentation of the token of appreciation to Eng. Hasala Dharmawardena. Praiseful feedbacks from the attendees proved the event a success and triggered the volunteers’ enthusiasm to launch more projects through IEEE PES SBC of UoM. The workshop material is freely available for enthusiasts at goo.gl/oWcF4q.

An IEEE Chapter needs to enhance benefits to the local membership by supporting technology transfer, providing networking opportunities and developing the grass root leadership of PES. This event is a prime example of providing maximum value to the chapter membership and volunteers, by using local resources. It used a PES volunteer as the resource personnel, all volunteers were from the Student Branch and was organized in the premises of the University of the SBC providing great value to the membership with minimum investment. The event supported the larger PES cause by increasing awareness of PES among the academia and the Industry of Sri Lanka.

Kavini Weerasinghe
Secretary
IEEE PES SBC of University of Moratuwa