Energy Storage, Power Electronics, and Tribal Energy Sovereignty

Energy storage systems play a vital role in electric utility infrastructure and remote power systems by providing multiple technical and economic benefits such as improved asset utilization, consumer flexibility and cost control, and increased value of variable energy sources such as from photovoltaic and wind energy. Power conversion systems (PCS) are a key enabling technology for energy storage. In a grid-tied energy storage system, the PCS controls the power supplied to and absorbed from the grid, simultaneously optimizing energy storage device performance and maintaining grid stability. In addition to energy storage and PCS R&D, the Energy Storage Program is also focused on addressing energy access issues in disadvantaged tribal communities and promoting tribal sovereignty. Speaker bio – Dr. Stan Atcitty is a member of the Navajo Tribe and he received his BS and MS degree in electrical engineering from New Mexico State University in 1993 and 1995, respectively. In 2006, he was the first American Indian male to receive a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from Virginia Tech University. He is presently a Distinguish Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories in the Energy Storage Technology and Systems department. He leads the power electronics subprogram as part of the DOE Energy Storage Program and has gained international recognition for its state-of-the-art research and development under his leadership. Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/311323