Assist. Prof. Dr Shekha Rai - Power system - Women Researcher Award

NIT Rourkela - India

Author Profile

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Shekha Rai's academic journey began with his schooling at Donbosco High School and Kendriya Vidyalaya ONGC, Jorhat, where he achieved impressive academic results. His passion for electrical engineering led him to pursue a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Electrical Engineering from Jorhat Engineering College, where he ranked second in his class with a percentage of 74.10%. This laid the foundation for his future endeavors in power systems. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Power Systems from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, with a focus on "Robust estimation of low-frequency modes for on-line stability monitoring of power systems," under the guidance of Dr. Praveen Tripathy and Dr. Sisir Kumar Nayak. His work at IIT Guwahati earned him a CGPA of 8.83, marking a significant academic achievement in the field of electrical engineering.

Professional endeavors 🏫

Dr. Shekha Rai’s professional career spans several prestigious academic institutions in India. He has served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering at NIT Rourkela since March 2020, where he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers. Prior to this, he held assistant professor positions at Jorhat Engineering College and NIT Nagaland, gaining valuable teaching experience. His work across these institutions has made significant contributions to the development of students and research in the field of electrical engineering and power systems.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Dr. Rai’s research is deeply focused on power systems, particularly in the areas of wide-area monitoring and control, as well as power system dynamics and stability. His doctoral research centered on robust methods for real-time monitoring of power system stability using low-frequency modes. By developing innovative Power system techniques for on-line stability monitoring, he has contributed to improving the reliability and security of power grids. Dr. Rai’s work continues to push the boundaries of power system analysis, contributing to enhanced grid stability and control systems, which are vital in today's increasingly complex energy landscape.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Dr. Shekha Rai has earned recognition for his outstanding research and teaching in the field of electrical engineering. His academic excellence, evident from his high Power system CGPA during his Ph.D. and his first-class B.Tech. achievements, reflects his commitment to the field. Furthermore, his research contributions have been well-regarded by his peers and have led to collaborations with prominent institutions. His roles as a mentor and educator at top engineering colleges, including NIT Rourkela, NIT Nagaland, and Jorhat Engineering College, have further solidified his position as a respected academic in the field.

Impact and influence 🌍

Dr. Rai’s work has had a significant impact on the power systems domain, particularly in the area of stability and monitoring. His research plays a crucial role in Power system ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical grids, especially in large, interconnected systems. His contributions have influenced both academic research and practical applications, particularly in grid management and stability monitoring. Through his innovative techniques, Dr. Rai has helped advance the understanding and control of power systems, with broad implications for national and global energy infrastructure.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

As a passionate educator and researcher, Dr. Shekha Rai is laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy in the field of power systems. His contributions to the advancement of stability monitoring techniques will continue to shape the future of power system operations and research. Moving forward, he is poised to explore new frontiers in energy systems, particularly in the integration of renewable energy sources and the optimization of grid stability. His future work promises to address the emerging challenges in power systems, making a profound impact on energy efficiency and sustainability for generations to come.

Notable Publications

Title: Using sparsity to estimate oscillatory mode from ambient data
Authors: S. Rai, P. Tripathy, S.K. Nayak
Journal: Sādhanā, 44(4), 90 (2019)
Title: A robust WKNN-TLS-ESPRIT algorithm for identification of electromechanical oscillation modes utilizing WAMS
Author: S. Rai
Journal: Sādhanā, 45(1), 265 (2020)
Title: A nonlinear filtering technique along with RD and TLS-ESPRIT for mode identification of ambient data
Authors: S. Rai, S.K. Nayak, P. Tripathy
Conference: 2015 Annual IEEE India Conference (INDICON), 1-6 (2015)
Title: Model order estimation for low-frequency oscillations in power systems by an advanced K-mean clustering approach
Authors: M. Sahoo, J. Sandeep, S. Rai
Journal: Electric Power Systems Research, 224, 109676 (2023)
Title: A K-Medoids-LSTM Based Technique for Electromechanical Modes Identification for Synchrophasor Applications
Authors: M. Sahoo, A. Roy, S. Rai
Conference: 2023 International Conference on Power, Instrumentation, Control and … (2023)

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

S. Selvakumaran embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Engineering College, Perambalur, under Anna University, Chennai, in 2007. His pursuit of excellence led him to complete a Master of Engineering in Power Electronics and Drives from Government College of Engineering, Tirunelveli, in 2009. Selvakumaran is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, where he focuses on metaheuristic optimization algorithms for green energy applications.

🏛️ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Selvakumaran has an extensive teaching career spanning 15 years, primarily at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Engineering College, where he served as an Assistant Professor from 2009 to 2020. He is now a full-time research scholar at Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology. His professional roles include coordinating institutional-level activities such as NBA, NAAC, Exam Cell, and ISO coordination, demonstrating his leadership and organizational skills.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Selvakumaran has made significant contributions to the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, particularly in control systems, power electronics, and smart grid technologies. His Ph.D. research on metaheuristic optimization algorithm-based converters for green energy Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles applications highlights his commitment to sustainable energy solutions. He has guided over 80 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate students, fostering the next generation of engineers.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Throughout his career, Selvakumaran has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence. He has played a pivotal role in setting question paper answer keys for Anna University examinations. His research and academic contributions have been acknowledged through Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles various conference presentations, where he has shared his innovative work on topics such as control of induction motors, space vector modulation, and hybrid energy systems.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Selvakumaran's impact extends beyond the classroom and research lab. His work on smart grid and solar PV systems has practical applications that contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions. His involvement in conferences and his role as a mentor have Smart Grid and Electric Vehicles influenced both his peers and students, promoting advancements in electrical and electronics engineering.

🔗 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Selvakumaran's legacy is built on his dedication to education, research, and the application of innovative technologies in the field of electrical engineering. His ongoing research and academic endeavors promise to yield further advancements in green energy applications and intelligent control systems. As he continues to contribute to his field, his work will leave a lasting impact on both academia and industry.