Distinguished Lecture: Using the Power of Data Analytics in Electric Utilities by Dr. Siri Varadan
IEEE PES SBC RIT in collaboration with IEEE PES Kerala Chapter conducted a Distinguished Lecturer Program on the topic “Using the Power of Data Analytics in Electric Utilities” on 23rd September 2021. Over 95 people registered for this event. 53.5 % of them were IEEE members.
The event began with a welcome address by Sidharth S, Chairperson, IEEE SB RIT. This was followed by a presidential address by Dr. Dolly Mary A, Branch Counsellor, IEEE SB RIT. Following that, Dr. Siri discussed the topic for about an hour. The talk began with a discussion of the importance of data. He made a point that data need not always be numerical. Then, he briefly reviewed the basic concepts of statistics. Following that, he noted that every asset used in energy delivery generates data. There are numerous types of data, but it all depends on the situation and what we are trying to accomplish. Next, he discussed how assets management for an electric utility can make use of data analytics.
With the use of past collected information, threats can be avoided, mitigated, or insured against. He also discussed data analysis using IR imaging. According to Dr. Siri, data analytics is a tool that can be used in nearly any field, provided that the user has the appropriate subject knowledge. He explained each concept backed by appropriate sample data. Dr. Siri recommended learning data analytics to excel in whatever field you work in.
After the presentation, there was a doubt-clearing session, where Dr. Siri answered the queries put forth by the audience. In appreciation of the session, IEEE PES SBC RIT Chapter Advisor, Dr. Prince A, delivered a vote of thanks. This event provided participants with the opportunity to get acquainted with a professional from the electrical engineering industry.
Dr. Srinivas (Siri) Varadan is a global director of Product Management for a portfolio of software products related to asset management. Products include APM (Asset Performance Management), Asset Investment Planning (AIP) and Data Analytics Solutions for outage management and work management. In this role, he provides strategic and tactical guidance in realizing the broader vision for these products in alignment with industry, customer and company needs. Further, he interacts with various parties – both internal and external – to ensure the success of this portfolio of products. Siri’s unique blend of business, technical and leadership skills combined with a keen customer focus is highly effective in achieving a key goal – to enable utility personnel to make holistic (data-driven) asset management decisions.
Professionally, Siri has held various leadership roles throughout his career and worked at leading vendor and consulting companies (UISOL-Alstom, KEMA, Nexant and ABB) spanning the utility business. His clients have included IOUs, Munis and governmental organizations. He is a regular speaker, panellist and instructor at industry meetings (DistribuTech, T&D Conference and Exposition, IEEE-PES-GM). Siri is a senior member of the IEEE-PES and has held various official positions within the organization as a volunteer. Siri is the author of the book, “Shaping an Engineering Career: Advancing to Management” published by the IEEE and a contributing author of the book, “Smart Grid: Advanced Technologies and Solutions”, published by CRC Press.
Heba Fathima
Secretary, IEEE PES SBC RIT