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Sauraj Poudel brings diverse perspectives and strong commitment to energy research

July 29, 2024
By Yuri Bult-Ito

Sauraj Poudel is a graduate research assistant with ACEP’s Richard Wies and Mariko Shirazi while pursuing his master’s degree in electrical engineering at UAF.

Growing up in Nepal, where its often precipitous topography and an abundance of rivers provide ideal conditions for the development of hydropower generation, Poudel was always fascinated by energy and power.

“As a child, I would see water flowing downstream from a mountain and think about how all the water turns into electricity in a building,” soft-spoken Poudel said with twinkles in his eyes.

After receiving his B.S. in electrical engineering from Tribhuvan University in Nepal, he worked as an electrical engineer at a hydropower generation facility in Nepal and as an associate electrical engineer at .

Armored with engineering education, industry experience, skills and expertise, and driven by his deep interest in research within the field of energy and power systems, Poudel joined ACEP in 2023.

“Working at ACEP is great,” Poudel said. “ACEP’s work allows me a lot of freedom and ACEP has great resources like all the equipment at the Energy Technology Facility.”

At ACEP, Poudel’s primary research focus is to estimate the operational states of synchronous generators. A synchronous generator is a type of electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is called “synchronous” as the generator’s rotor turns at a constant speed to maintain the identical output frequency as the electrical grid.

As crucial components in power systems, synchronous generators are used at power plants to maintain the stability of electrical grids by synchronizing with the grid’s frequency. They are also used in some types of renewable energy systems, such as hydroelectric and wind power plants, where the generator’s speed is maintained at constant synchronous speed.

Poudel is trying to develop an algorithm that can estimate the dynamics of variables in a power grid system. He is developing and refining techniques to accurately monitor and predict the operational states of synchronous generators, so that the system can be monitored closely and controlled, avoiding possible damage to the system when a sudden change in load, or energy use, occurs. His aim is to enhance the reliability and efficiency of power generation systems.

Poudel’s work will help the community of Kotzebue in Alaska.

“Sauraj’s work with estimating generator parameters on the Kotzebue model validation project will be invaluable for informing the community about how to operate its electric grid reliably and efficiently with a significant penetration of renewable energy, such as wind and solar photovoltaic,” said Wies, who is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and Poudel’s advisor.

Behind a shy smile, Poudel is passionate about contributing to the field of electrical engineering and energy research. He also has a knack for exploring and adapting to new places.

“Having come to us from Nepal and directly into a research assistant position, Sauraj adapted quickly to a new environment, the demands of taking a full load of graduate courses, and the process of performing research,” commented Wies.

Poudel’s interest in exploring new things goes beyond his work. He also engages in outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

“These activities provide a refreshing break form my studies and also allow me to appreciate the natural beauty of my surroundings,” he said.

Coming from a populated city, Poudel enjoys being in a small place like Fairbanks, finding its environment and community both welcoming and inspiring.

Poudel is excited to collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the innovative work done at ACEP. If you are looking for collaborators for work or for outdoor activities, look no further!

Poudel’s research is supported through the program, an Office of Naval Research initiative.