IEEE PES KERALA CHAPTER
July- September 2025
Quarterly Newsletter
This is the Quarter 3 newsletter of 2025 celebrates the energetic programs and successes of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter during the third quarter of the year.
Message from chair
Dear IEEE PES Members,
The third quarter of 2025 was marked by impactful events like the Energy Transition Conclave, the PES YP Research Conclave, and insightful webinars, alongside the recognition and funding of our 27 High Performing Student Branch Chapters by the IEEE PES.
I am deeply grateful to our Professional Leaders Student Leadership Team and volunteers for driving this momentum; together, let us continue to innovate and lead.
Warm regards,
Dr. Boby Philip
Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter
Major Events & Activities
1.Expert Talk - Sun powered EVs: Tackling Power Quality and Grid Stability in Smart Charging System
On 7 July 2025, the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter conducted an online expert talk featuring Dr. Nirmal Mukundan CM, Post-doctoral Researcher at Khalifa University, UAE. The session was attended by around 30 participants and focused on the role of solar energy in electric vehicle charging, along with key aspects of power quality and grid stability in smart charging systems.
Dr. Mukundan elaborated on the technical challenges and future prospects of integrating solar energy with EV charging infrastructure, offering insights into emerging concepts in e-mobility. The session was followed by an interactive Q&A, enabling participants to directly engage with the expert and clarify technical queries. The programme was coordinated with the active involvement and support of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, ensuring smooth execution of the session. The event received positive feedback from participants, and the Chapter expressed its appreciation to Dr. Mukundan for presenting complex concepts in a clear and practical manner.
2. National Power Conference 2025
The National Power Conference 2025 was held on July 8, 2025, at APJ Abdul Kalam Hall, Muthoot Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), organized by KSEBOA in academic partnership with the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, MITS, and in collaboration with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter. The event was inaugurated by Smt. Veena George, Hon. Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. The conference theme, “Addressing Energy Transition – From Fossils to Future,” highlighted the shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
Dr. S.R. Anand delivered the keynote address on “Addressing Energy Needs of Kerala.”The paper presentation session focused on Hybrid Energy Systems and Power Electronics, featuring innovative works from students of MITS, Adi Shankara Institute, and GEC Thrissur. First Prize (₹15,000) – “Switched Inductor High Gain DC-DC Converter for Renewable Applications” by Sushmitha Surendran (GEC Thrissur). Second Prize (₹10,000) – “Design and Implementation of a Three-Phase Three-Level NPC Inverter” by MITS students. The conference concluded with the valedictory function, celebrating student innovation and excellence in the energy sector. Dr Boby Philip, Chair, represented PES Kerala Chapter at the inaugural session. Chapter officers, Er. Harikumar K P and Dr Rahul Satheesh were also present during the event.
3. IEEE PES SBC Re-Establishment
On 11 July 2025, the IEEE PES Student Branch Chapter at Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology (MCET) was re-established during a function at the CGPC Hall during which Dr. Ajith Gopi (Immediate Past Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter) was the Chief Guest.
The function highlighted the importance of PES as a student leadership enabler, technical growth promoter, and innovation companion in the energy and power sector. About 90 participants made the event that showcased professional development opportunities and motivated students to take an active part in SBC activities. The programmarked the re-establishment as a milestone for PES activities at MCET.
4. Enlighten - Unlocking the power of Embedded System
The IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, in collaboration with PES Students & Young Professionals, conducted a webinar titled “Unlocking the Power of Embedded Systems” on 18 July 2025 via Zoom. The session featured Aneesh R, Tech Lead at L&T Technology Services, as the resource person and witnessed the participation of 42 attendees.
The talk provided practical insights into the design, development, and real-world applications of embedded systems across industries such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The session served as a valuable guide for students and early professionals to understand the growing importance of embedded technologies in modern engineering practice. An interactive Q&A session followed, enabling participants to engage directly with the speaker and clarify technical concepts. The event was organized with the active support and coordination of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rahul Satheesh, Secretary, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter.
5. PES YP Research Conclave 2025
The second edition of the PES YP Research Conclave – “Empower EV Future” was held on 26 July 2025 at NIT Calicut, organized by the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter with the support of IEEE Young Professionals, PES SYP, PES SBC NITC, and IEEE SB NITC. The conclave witnessed participation from 140+ delegates, including 130 students from colleges across Kerala, along with young professionals and industry experts, enabling meaningful interaction and knowledge exchange.
The inaugural and plenary sessions featured insights from Dr. Manoj B S (Chair, IEEE Kerala Section), Dr. Sameer S (Director-Elect, IEEE R10 2025–26), Dr. Sindhu T K (HoD, EED, NITC), and Dr. Ajith Gopi (Immediate Past Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter), who emphasized the role of research-driven innovation in energy transition and sustainable mobility.
Technical sessions by Dr. Deepthi S Nair (Tata Elxsi) and Ms. Priyanka C P (BorgWarner) highlighted industry trends and advancements in electric vehicles. A professional development session titled “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Unlocking the Potential of IEEE & IEEE PES” introduced students and YPs to global opportunities within IEEE. The E-TRAC Lab visit at NIT Calicut, led by Dr. Shreelakshmi M P and Dr. Nikhil Sasidharan, provided hands-on exposure to next-generation EV research and technologies.
The conclave was conducted with the active presence, coordination, and support of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team. The event concluded successfully at Bhaskara Hall, reinforcing the importance of industry–academia collaboration and inspiring young minds to contribute towards a sustainable e-mobility future.
6. WoW 6.0 : Session 6
The 6th edition of "Women of Wisdom" took place on 27th July 2025, 7:30-8:30 PM IST, via Google Meet videoconference, and was an event of IEEE PES Kerala Chapter in collaboration with IEEE SB CEA, Women in Power, and Women in Power Region 10. The event had 30+ participants.
Ms. Tushara Nair, Senior GM & Group Marketing Leader, shared her views on "Beyond the Grades: Unlocking Your True Potential for Career Success," with the main focus being on the need for a person's skills, networking, being adaptable, and using one's strengths to grow professionally. As a part of the program, Dr Boby Philip (Chair, PES Kerala Chapter) gave a welcome address, Dr. Rahul Satheesh (Secretary) gave a vote of thanks, and there was an interactive session with Q&A. The event was a great source of inspiration to the attendees as it encouraged them to focus less on their academics and instead provided them with activities that made them feel empowered with practical strategies for career success.
7. Rethinking Protection in Inverter-Rich Power Network: Challenges and Opportunities (Enlighten)
The Enlighten Webinar Series event, "Rethinking Protection in Inverter-Rich Power Networks: Challenges and Opportunities," was an online IEEE PES Kerala Chapter virtual event held on 6th August 2025, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM IST, and had 80 participants. This session was supported by the IEEE Student Branch of Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology.
Neethu George, Lead Scientist at Hitachi Energy, narrated the difficulties and opportunities in guarding inverter-rich power networks, which involved the effect of inverters on conventional protection schemes and the introduction of new concepts for the utilization of high inverter penetration networks. The session was formally initiated by an address of welcome by Dr Boby Philip (Chair, PES Kerala Chapter) and ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rahul Satheesh (Secretary, PES Kerala Chapter).
8. PVOLVE : Solar PV System Design and Development
The PVOLVE Workshop on Solar PV System Design and Development was conducted on 10 August 2025 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (IST) as a one-day technical programme organized by IEEE SB MBCET in collaboration with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter. The workshop witnessed the participation of 50 attendees.
The session was led by Dr. Ajith Gopi, CEO & Founder, Zonergia Services Pvt. Ltd, and Mr. Anandu R. Krishnan, Senior Consultant – Renewable Energy, with Dr. Boby Philip also participating in the programme. The workshop provided hands-on exposure to solar PV system design, component selection, standard installation practices, and efficiency optimization techniques.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, enabling participants to gain practical insights from industry experts and motivating them to actively engage in sustainable energy initiatives. The programme was successfully conducted with the support and presence of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team.
9. Energy Transition Conclave 2025
Noted experts in the field, including Dr. Harikumar Ramadas, Dr. Rajan, Dr. Ajith Gopi (Immediate Past Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter), and Er. Hari Kumar K P (Vice Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter) were present during the programmes, adding significant technical and professional value to the sessions.
The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing various engineering colleges across Kerala, providing a vibrant platform for learning, competition, and peer interaction. Cash awards were distributed to the winners in recognition of their outstanding performance, encouraging excellence and innovation among the participants. The programmes concluded with a group photo session, marking the successful conduct of the events and capturing memorable moments of collaboration between experts, organizers, and students.
The presence and encouragement of senior members from the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team further strengthened the impact of the programme and reinforced IEEE PES’s commitment to student engagement and technical advancement.
10. WoW 6.0 : Session 7
IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, together with IEEE Women in Power Kerala Section, IEEE WIE AG Kerala Section, IEEE Women in Power Region 10, and IEEE SB CEC, jointly organized a virtual WoW talk session on 7th September 2025, 7:30–8:30 PM IST which was attended by 60 participants. Ms. Nidhi Shingade (IEEE Impact Creator; Co-Chair, IEEE PES Day 2025 & 2026) shared the insight of making use of IEEE to build an industry-ready profile. She talked about professional skill development, leadership, networking, and global visibility through IEEE, citing her personal experience as a volunteer.
An engaging Q&A session was held between the speaker and the audience, allowing the participants to actively involve themselves in the session, thus making it more dynamic and informative. The event was then given a vote of thanks recognizing the speaker, participants and collaborators. Chapter Chair and other officers were present during the session.
11. Technical Talk : Distributed System Automation & Smart Grid Fundamentals
IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, together with IEEE Women in Power Kerala Section, IEEE WIE AG Kerala Section, IEEE Women in Power Region 10On September 11, 2025, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter along with IEEE SB ASIET and IEEE Kochi Subsection organized a Technical Talk on Distribution System Automation & Smart Grid Fundamentals at Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kalady. The event saw the participation of 50 members. The presentation by Dr. Nirmal Nair (IEEE Fellow, CIGRE Distinguished Member) was on the change from traditional distribution systems to automation-enabled smart grids where he talked about real-time monitoring, fault detection, intelligent control, renewable integration, and grid stability. , and IEEE SB CEC, jointly organized a virtual WoW talk session on 7th September 2025, 7:30–8:30 PM IST which was attended by 60 participants. Ms. Nidhi Shingade (IEEE Impact Creator; Co-Chair, IEEE PES Day 2025 & 2026) shared the insight of making use of IEEE to build an industry-ready profile. She talked about professional skill development, leadership, networking, and global visibility through IEEE, citing her personal experience as a volunteer.
The interactive Q&A and vote of thanks, followed by the session, constituted an active engagement where the participants had the chance to gain valuable insights into emerging technologies and career opportunities in smart grids. Er Harikmar K. P. (Vice Chair, IEEE PES Kerala Chapter) and Dr Gomathy K coordinated the talk.
12. 4 Day Matlab Session
A four-day online MATLAB training programme was conducted from 11 to 14 September 2025, organized by IEEE PES SBC RIT in collaboration with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter. The programme witnessed the participation of 95 attendees, with Dr. Riyaz Rahman serving as the subject expert. The sessions were held daily from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM IST.
The training introduced participants to the fundamentals of MATLAB programming and its applications in solving engineering problems through hands-on exercises, simulations, and demo projects. The sessions were structured around key themes including data visualization, computational modeling, and practical applications, aligning with current research and industry trends.
The programme received excellent feedback from participants and was successfully conducted with the active support and presence of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, contributing to effective coordination and learning outcomes. The training effectively promoted skill development and enhanced the technical competence of the participants.
13. Mini E-ATV Competition 2.0
The Mini E-ATV 2.0 Competition was conducted on 12 September 2025 at Saintgits College of Engineering, organized by IEEE SB SCE in collaboration with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter. The event witnessed the participation of 50 students across various competitive segments.
The competition challenged teams to design, build, and race Mini Electric All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), encouraging the application of electrical and mechanical engineering principles along with creativity and innovation. Participants demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and teamwork under real-time racing conditions.
Judging was carried out based on design creativity, vehicle performance, and team collaboration. The event fostered a vibrant learning environment through hands-on experience and peer interaction. Conducted with the active support and presence of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, the competition concluded successfully, inspiring participants to pursue further innovation in electric vehicle technologies and practical engineering projects.
14. Technical Talk - Optimal Voltage Ride Through in Converter Dominated Power Systems
The IEEE PES Kerala Chapter conducted a technical webinar on “Optimal Voltage Ride Through in Converter-Dominated Power Systems” on 13 September 2025 via Google Meet, with the participation of 55 attendees. The session was delivered by Prof. Bikash C. Pal, Professor of Power Systems at Imperial College London and a renowned expert in power system stability and control.
Prof. Pal addressed the challenges associated with converter-dominated power systems, emphasizing grid stability, resilience, and the concept of Optimal Voltage Ride Through (OVRT) in clean-energy–integrated grids. The talk covered optimization techniques, system modeling approaches, and practical strategies for maintaining stable power system operation.
The session featured an engaging Q&A segment, allowing participants to interact directly with the speaker and gain practical insights. The webinar was successfully conducted with the active support and coordination of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, and concluded with a vote of thanks, marking it as an informative and enriching knowledge-sharing event.
15. Power & Predict : Application of AI and ML in Power System Engineering
The IEEE PES SBC College of Engineering Adoor, in association with the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, conducted a webinar titled “Power & Predict: Application of AI and Machine Learning in Power System Engineering” on 18 September 2025 via Google Meet, with the participation of 40 attendees.
The session was delivered by Dr. Vijayshree G, Associate Professor, RNS Institute of Technology, Bangalore, who discussed the application of AI and Machine Learning in fault prediction, load forecasting, grid optimization, and intelligent decision-making. The talk highlighted practical implementations as well as emerging research opportunities in power system engineering.
An interactive Q&A session followed, enabling participants to clarify concepts and engage directly with the speaker. The webinar was successfully organized with the support and involvement of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, and concluded as an insightful technical learning experience.
16. Yessplora : Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt
As part of IEEE YESS’25, the Augmented Reality Treasure Hunt – YESSPLORA was conducted on 20 September 2025 at NIT Calicut. The event offered an innovative platform that blended augmented reality, creativity, and problem-solving, engaging participants through AR-based challenges, cryptic clues, and hidden trails.
The competition witnessed high energy and enthusiasm as teams raced against time, applying strategic thinking, technical intuition, and teamwork to uncover the treasure. The fast-paced format created an exciting and competitive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking among participants.
The event was held with the active presence, guidance, and support of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, along with IEEE volunteers, ensuring smooth coordination and execution. YESSPLORA concluded with the announcement of winners and was widely appreciated as a captivating, innovative, and memorable highlight of IEEE YESS’25, successfully showcasing the spirit of technology-driven engagement and student participation.
17. WOW 6.0 Tech Talk Series
As part of the WOW 6.0 Tech Talk Series, the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter, in collaboration with IEEE Women in Power Kerala Section, IEEE WIE AG Kerala Section, IEEE Women in Power Region 10, and IEEE SB NSSCE, organized a technical session titled “Defence Innovations in India: Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat & Start-up Ecosystem” on 21 September 2025 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM IST. The session witnessed the participation of 58 attendees.
The talk was delivered by Lt. Col. Aabha K. S, General Staff Officer, Airforce Signals, Trivandrum, who highlighted India’s defence innovation ecosystem with a focus on self-reliance, the Make in India initiative, and emerging start-up opportunities. The session also emphasized the role of youth engagement in defence research, development, and innovation.
An interactive Q&A session enabled participants to engage directly with the speaker, followed by a vote of thanks. The programme was conducted with the active presence and support of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, and concluded as an insightful and inspiring knowledge-sharing event.
18. Intellect : The Practice of Experimental Thinking
On 27 September 2025 at 8:00 PM, the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter organized “INTELLECT – Unlocking Research Potential”, an online technical session that witnessed the participation of 32 attendees. The session was delivered by Ms. Julsana Jalal, Senior Research Fellow, Space Biology Lab, IIST Trivandrum, and BS–MS Biology graduate from IISc Bangalore.
Ms. Julsana shared insights from her academic and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of inquisitiveness, perseverance, and experimental thinking as key drivers of impactful research and innovation. The session encouraged participants to develop a research-oriented mindset and explore interdisciplinary opportunities.
An engaging Q&A session followed, allowing participants to interact directly with the speaker and clarify their perspectives on research pathways. The programme was conducted with the active support and presence of the IEEE PES Kerala Chapter Executive Committee and Student Leadership Team, and concluded with a vote of thanks, marking it as an inspiring and knowledge-rich session.
Achievements
First place in 2024 High Performing Chapter Program awards
IEEE PES Kerala Chapter has won first place worldwide in the 2024 High Performing Chapter Program awards. This prestigious recognition evaluates how well the PES chapters operate, serve their members, and contribute to the power engineering field. Our Kerala team was rated the best chapter globally, thanks to the dedication of local engineers, professors, students, and power industry experts who work together to organize technical sessions, training programs, and knowledge-sharing activities. It's like receiving a report card where Kerala scored top marks among all chapters worldwide! This achievement puts Kerala on the global map for excellence in power and energy systems, showing how our local professional community sets the standard for others to follow. Kudos to energetic volunteers of PES Kerala!
Kerala Chapter Shines Again with Runner-Up Honor
The IEEE PES Kerala Chapter continues its winning streak, securing the runner-up position in the 2024 IEEE PES Frank Lambert Outstanding Chapter Awards under the Medium Chapter category. Named after Frank Lambert, a visionary leader in the power engineering community, this award recognizes chapters that demonstrate exceptional performance in member engagement, technical activities, and professional development. Competing against numerous medium-sized chapters from across the globe, our Kerala team's achievement highlights the consistent quality and impact of our programs. This recognition, coming alongside our first-place win in the High Performing Chapter Program, reinforces Kerala Chapter's position as a leading force in the international power and energy engineering community. It's a testament to the sustained efforts of our volunteers, members, and partners who continue to raise the bar for professional excellence.
