Ali Bidram, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico School of Engineering, has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for his project aimed at improving power grids' resilience to modern conditions. The project, titled “Stochastic Optimization and Physics-informed Machine Learning for Scalable and Intelligent Adaptive Protection of Power Systems,” will span five years with a budget of $517,000.
Bidram emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "The project will bring transformative change by designing intelligent and adaptive protection schemes in response to challenges associated with modern power grids in the presence of extreme events." He also highlighted the importance of redesigning conventional protection systems to enhance adaptability and resilience through innovative techniques.
The research will focus on developing a data-driven, adaptive protection platform to address the evolving needs of power systems in today's high-demand environments. Bidram's goal is to enhance the resilience and reliability of power grids, especially in light of the increasing reliance on electrical power for various daily activities.
In addition to technical solutions, the project will incorporate an outreach component to engage students at different educational levels. Bidram plans to involve K-12 students and undergraduates through summer camps and events, aiming to spark interest in engineering, STEM fields, and power engineering careers. Furthermore, new course topics in power and energy engineering will be introduced for undergraduate students.
Expressing gratitude for the NSF CAREER Award, Bidram stated, "I am very thankful to the National Science Foundation for this opportunity." He acknowledged the award's potential impact on his research endeavors, educational initiatives, outreach activities, and workforce development efforts in New Mexico.
