Conference Tutorials
The IEEE-IAS-PCIC 2025 Tutorial Subcommittee is sponsoring half-day tutorials on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Included in your tutorial registration fee are breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and light refreshments during breaks.
IEEE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are available for attending tutorials at an additional nominal fee if needed to maintain your State professional engineering registration.
Attending tutorials is an excellent opportunity to interact with leading Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) whether to learn new technology or refresh your knowledge. The tutorials and associated means and breaks also provide a networking opportunity to meet the instructor and other tutorial attendees.
First time attendees registered for the entire conference are eligible to attend one tutorial for the reduced rate of $50.00. A second tutorial can be attended by paying full registration cost. This must be indicated on the registration form and completed prior to September 1, 2025, or the full tutorial fee will apply.
NOTE: Pre-registration for tutorials is necessary as it allows the presenter to prepare sufficient handout materials. If space permits, conference attendees not pre-registered can attend tutorials by paying full price at the registration desk (handout material may be subject to availability).
IEEE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are available for attending tutorials at an additional nominal fee if needed to maintain your State professional engineering registration.
Attending tutorials is an excellent opportunity to interact with leading Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) whether to learn new technology or refresh your knowledge. The tutorials and associated means and breaks also provide a networking opportunity to meet the instructor and other tutorial attendees.
First time attendees registered for the entire conference are eligible to attend one tutorial for the reduced rate of $50.00. A second tutorial can be attended by paying full registration cost. This must be indicated on the registration form and completed prior to September 1, 2025, or the full tutorial fee will apply.
NOTE: Pre-registration for tutorials is necessary as it allows the presenter to prepare sufficient handout materials. If space permits, conference attendees not pre-registered can attend tutorials by paying full price at the registration desk (handout material may be subject to availability).
The following tutorials are planned for the 2025 conference. Scroll down for more information.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-1: IEEE 1812 Guide for Testing Permanent Magnet Machines
Tutorial PCIC 2025-2: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Active Arc Mitigation Technologies in Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear
Tutorial PCIC 2025-3: Design and Execution of a Quality Switching Order for Personnel and Equipment Safety
Tutorial PCIC 2025-4: Motor Protection Fundamentals
Tutorial PCIC 2025-5: Harmonic Engineering & Design Challenges for Distribution Circuit and Grid Design
Tutorial PCIC 2025-6: Synchronous Electric Motors for Petroleum and Chemical Process Industry
Tutorial PCIC 2025-1: IEEE 1812 Guide for Testing Permanent Magnet Machines
Tutorial PCIC 2025-2: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Active Arc Mitigation Technologies in Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear
Tutorial PCIC 2025-3: Design and Execution of a Quality Switching Order for Personnel and Equipment Safety
Tutorial PCIC 2025-4: Motor Protection Fundamentals
Tutorial PCIC 2025-5: Harmonic Engineering & Design Challenges for Distribution Circuit and Grid Design
Tutorial PCIC 2025-6: Synchronous Electric Motors for Petroleum and Chemical Process Industry
Tutorial PCIC 2025-1
8:00 am - 11:45 am
IEEE 1812 Guide for Testing Permanent Magnet Machines
Abstract: The IEEE Std 1812 was published in December of 2023. Since then, the industry is working on the adoption of this guide and may have questions regarding the origination, details, and interpretation of some of the included requirements. The objective of this tutorial is to inform the target audience with details and the origination of specified requirements and help answer their questions. This may further help in the faster adoption of this standard.
Instructor:
Dr. Yao Duan (Senior Member, IEEE) currently serves as Senior Chief Specialist at Toshiba International Corporation in Houston, TX, focusing on control development for Adjustable Speed Drives, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, and Energy Storage systems. He obtained his Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University. He has authored numerous publications in IEEE journals and holds several US patents on control of permanent magnet motors.
Dr. Yao Duan is actively involved in the IEEE community, having served as Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Motor Subcommittee and as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications and Energy Conversion. He also chaired the IEEE Working Group P1812 on Testing of Permanent Magnetic Machines.
Dr. Goutham Selvaraj (Senior Member, IEEE) earned a three-year Diploma and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from India, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston.
Since 2014, he has been with Toshiba International Corporation (TIC), Houston, TX, where he currently serves as Chief Specialist in the RD&E Department. Dr. Selvaraj holds two U.S. patents and has received notable awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award—Toshiba CASD/Oil & Gas (2018), the Toshiba Innovation Award (2020), and the Outstanding Presentation Award at IEEE APEC (2021). His research interests include control of low- and medium-voltage industrial drives for oil and gas, geothermal and subsea applications, aerospace power electronics, more electric aircraft power systems, and embedded control of power electronics and electrical machines.
Dr. Yao Duan (Senior Member, IEEE) currently serves as Senior Chief Specialist at Toshiba International Corporation in Houston, TX, focusing on control development for Adjustable Speed Drives, Uninterruptable Power Supplies, and Energy Storage systems. He obtained his Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University. He has authored numerous publications in IEEE journals and holds several US patents on control of permanent magnet motors.
Dr. Yao Duan is actively involved in the IEEE community, having served as Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society Motor Subcommittee and as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications and Energy Conversion. He also chaired the IEEE Working Group P1812 on Testing of Permanent Magnetic Machines.
Dr. Goutham Selvaraj (Senior Member, IEEE) earned a three-year Diploma and a B.E. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from India, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Dallas, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston.
Since 2014, he has been with Toshiba International Corporation (TIC), Houston, TX, where he currently serves as Chief Specialist in the RD&E Department. Dr. Selvaraj holds two U.S. patents and has received notable awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award—Toshiba CASD/Oil & Gas (2018), the Toshiba Innovation Award (2020), and the Outstanding Presentation Award at IEEE APEC (2021). His research interests include control of low- and medium-voltage industrial drives for oil and gas, geothermal and subsea applications, aerospace power electronics, more electric aircraft power systems, and embedded control of power electronics and electrical machines.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-2
8:00 am - 11:45 am
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Active Arc Mitigation Technologies in Low and Medium Voltage Switchgear
Abstract: Recent developments in laws and legislation, along with updates to standards and changes in insurance premium calculations in the ANSI/IEEE market, have significantly reshaped modern protection strategies for switchgear with respect to both personnel and equipment. These evolving requirements are driving a shift towards more advanced, proactive solutions in arc flash mitigation. This tutorial will explore the evolution and technical advancements of arc flash mitigation technologies, ranging from passive solutions to active systems such as ultra-fast grounding arc extinguishing technologies and fault current limiters. Through in-depth theoretical explanations and detailed application demonstrations, participants will gain valuable insights into how these innovations can dramatically reduce downtime, enhance safety, and minimize equipment damage. A thorough cost-benefit analysis will highlight the balance between upfront investments and long-term operational savings, offering a comprehensive view of the financial and technical impacts of these technologies.
Instructor:
Harsh Karandikar, Ph.D., Senior Member IEEE, Fellow ASME. Dr. Harsh Karandikar has over 30 years of experience in research, engineering and product management of industrial products and services and with a focus in the last decade on technologies for medium voltage electrical power distribution. He currently is the Global Product Manager for Medium Voltage ANSI switchgear and for ANSI Digital Initiatives for ABB’s Distribution Solution business. He has over 70 technical publications including at PCIC. He presented the tutorial “Introduction to Digital Switchgear” at PCIC 2022. Harsh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston.
Alexander Kischinski, M.Sc. Alexander joined ABB Germany in 2022. He currently is the Product Manager for the German factory grid components in North America and was located at ABB USA in North Carolina for the majority of 2024. Before joining ABB, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for High Voltage Engineering at the Technical University Dortmund, focusing on the development and testing of DC high voltage cables. Alexander holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering with a specialization in electrical engineering from the Technical University Dortmund.
Harsh Karandikar, Ph.D., Senior Member IEEE, Fellow ASME. Dr. Harsh Karandikar has over 30 years of experience in research, engineering and product management of industrial products and services and with a focus in the last decade on technologies for medium voltage electrical power distribution. He currently is the Global Product Manager for Medium Voltage ANSI switchgear and for ANSI Digital Initiatives for ABB’s Distribution Solution business. He has over 70 technical publications including at PCIC. He presented the tutorial “Introduction to Digital Switchgear” at PCIC 2022. Harsh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston.
Alexander Kischinski, M.Sc. Alexander joined ABB Germany in 2022. He currently is the Product Manager for the German factory grid components in North America and was located at ABB USA in North Carolina for the majority of 2024. Before joining ABB, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for High Voltage Engineering at the Technical University Dortmund, focusing on the development and testing of DC high voltage cables. Alexander holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering with a specialization in electrical engineering from the Technical University Dortmund.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-3
8:00 am - 11:45 am
Design and Execution of a Quality Switching Order for Personnel and Equipment Safety
Abstract: Developing and executing a well-written switching order is critical for personnel and equipment safety while working within the electrical industry. This event shares key insights and promotes conversation among industry professionals while providing skills and knowledge in this area. Instructors with 70+ years of experience will highlight techniques and approaches to writing switching orders. The tutorial includes a summary of the 2024-44 PCIC Paper “The Art and Science of Switching Orders” and an interactive exercise for real-world scenarios. Participants will review a one-line diagram, write a switching order, check its accuracy, and understand the review process. The engaging environment will foster dialogue while sharing experiences, best practices, and lessons learned to improve safety and efficiency across the petrochemical, oil and gas, utility, and all electrical industries.
Instructor:
Brian Cassidy (SM) has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, a Master’s Degree in Engineering with an emphasis in Project Management from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Angelo State University. Brian is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas since 1993 and a Certified Project Management Professional. Brian's career has spanned over 40 years in the Petro-Chemical and Oil and Gas industries where his emphasis has been on power distribution. He has written and reviewed well over a thousand switching procedures. Brian is a Senior Electrical Power Engineer for Chevron in Houston, TX where he supports Chevron’s Mid Continent Business Unit.
Zach McKinney graduated from Angelo State University in 2001. After serving in the United States Navy as an Electricians Mate in the nuclear engineering program, he worked as a shift electrician and control systems specialist in the steel industry. He joined Chevron in 2009 working in remote site automation, custody transfer measurement, and electrical power systems. He completed his BSEE at Arizona State University in 2019 and is currently a senior engineer at Chevron focusing on construction, commissioning, and utility interconnections of lower carbon power solutions. He is a PhD candidate at Texas A&M and is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Texas.
Brian Cassidy (SM) has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, a Master’s Degree in Engineering with an emphasis in Project Management from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Angelo State University. Brian is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas since 1993 and a Certified Project Management Professional. Brian's career has spanned over 40 years in the Petro-Chemical and Oil and Gas industries where his emphasis has been on power distribution. He has written and reviewed well over a thousand switching procedures. Brian is a Senior Electrical Power Engineer for Chevron in Houston, TX where he supports Chevron’s Mid Continent Business Unit.
Zach McKinney graduated from Angelo State University in 2001. After serving in the United States Navy as an Electricians Mate in the nuclear engineering program, he worked as a shift electrician and control systems specialist in the steel industry. He joined Chevron in 2009 working in remote site automation, custody transfer measurement, and electrical power systems. He completed his BSEE at Arizona State University in 2019 and is currently a senior engineer at Chevron focusing on construction, commissioning, and utility interconnections of lower carbon power solutions. He is a PhD candidate at Texas A&M and is a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Texas.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-4
1:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Motor Protection Fundamentals
Abstract: A detailed tutorial on fundamental principles and techniques in the protection of induction motors.
Principles associated with thermal as well as current & voltage based protection elements will be
explored.
Principles associated with thermal as well as current & voltage based protection elements will be
explored.
Instructor:
Peter C. Pietramala, P. Eng P.Eng. (IEEE S ’88, M ’89) received the B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, in 1988, and the M.S.E.E. degree from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, in 2012. He is currently a Senior Power Systems Specialist with Eaton Corporation in the Power System Engineering Department. He has over 32 years of experience in both heavy industrial and utility power systems and has specialized in analytical studies in power system transients, dynamics, and system planning studies as well as industrial, substation, and transmission design and protection applications.
Pat Robinson. CET, graduated from the electrical technologist program at NAIT in Edmonton in 1995. 30 years working directly in protection and control for Altelec, he does multiple sessions per year on motor thermal protection with customers, consultants and education institutions in Alberta.
Peter C. Pietramala, P. Eng P.Eng. (IEEE S ’88, M ’89) received the B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, in 1988, and the M.S.E.E. degree from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, in 2012. He is currently a Senior Power Systems Specialist with Eaton Corporation in the Power System Engineering Department. He has over 32 years of experience in both heavy industrial and utility power systems and has specialized in analytical studies in power system transients, dynamics, and system planning studies as well as industrial, substation, and transmission design and protection applications.
Pat Robinson. CET, graduated from the electrical technologist program at NAIT in Edmonton in 1995. 30 years working directly in protection and control for Altelec, he does multiple sessions per year on motor thermal protection with customers, consultants and education institutions in Alberta.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-5
1:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Harmonic Engineering & Design Challenges for Distribution Circuit and Grid Design
Abstract: As new technologies for load-based structures continue transitioning to modern diode bridge and IGBT based rectification configurations, electrical harmonics play a key consideration in power quality specifications and design of the distribution grid.
- Many utilities within the US, and around the world, are increasingly requiring customers to comply with the relevant harmonic standards in their region. In the United States and Canada, IEEE Std 519-2022 is the foundation of most provider-based PQ requirements for low frequency harmonic applications (3 kHz or less). For high frequency applications (150 kHz and above) IEC 61800-3 can be applicable and referenced. The result being that there is an entire bandwidth of potential harmonic frequencies where no active standards make recommendations for current or voltage harmonic limits (3 kHz – 150 kHz). The closest thing is that IEEE Std 519 has an allowance to include harmonics above 50th when ‘necessary’.
- Little is taught or covered about the applicational challenges of harmonic mitigation and the “best practices” in design and specifications to ensure proper load structure power quality.
Instructor:
Michael McGraw is an Independent Consultant on Harmonic Applications. Previously he was US Regional Manager for Mirus International, from 2018 – 2022, handling project development and engineering application for harmonic mitigation projects for Mirus, as well as sales and program development. He was an Independent Engineering representative for Mirus International from 2009 – 2018, and President and Founder of NSOEM, Inc. 1996 - 2018 specializing in Offshore, O&G, and MV Motor Starting application of magnetic systems and harmonic mitigation. He is a member of the IEEE – IAS and has previously published IEEE papers presented at the PCIC 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Presently scheduled to present at the 2024 IEEE-PCIC.
Alex Hoevenaars is the Principal Applications Engineer at Mirus International Inc., specializing in the treatment of power system harmonics. Prior to joining MIRUS in 2012, Alex was an Electrical Consulting Engineer at CH2M HILL in Toronto, where he gained an effective and practical understanding of power systems and the need for power quality solutions. He graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, ON Canada with a BScE degree in 2007. He is a Professional Engineer and member of IEEE.
Austin Miller currently serves as the Power Quality Sales Manager at Mirus International Inc., overseeing the U.S. market. Before joining Mirus International Inc. in 2023, he gained valuable experience as an application engineer specializing in power system harmonics at CTM Magnetics. Austin earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Drexel University in 2018. He is a member of the IEEE.
Michael McGraw is an Independent Consultant on Harmonic Applications. Previously he was US Regional Manager for Mirus International, from 2018 – 2022, handling project development and engineering application for harmonic mitigation projects for Mirus, as well as sales and program development. He was an Independent Engineering representative for Mirus International from 2009 – 2018, and President and Founder of NSOEM, Inc. 1996 - 2018 specializing in Offshore, O&G, and MV Motor Starting application of magnetic systems and harmonic mitigation. He is a member of the IEEE – IAS and has previously published IEEE papers presented at the PCIC 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Presently scheduled to present at the 2024 IEEE-PCIC.
Alex Hoevenaars is the Principal Applications Engineer at Mirus International Inc., specializing in the treatment of power system harmonics. Prior to joining MIRUS in 2012, Alex was an Electrical Consulting Engineer at CH2M HILL in Toronto, where he gained an effective and practical understanding of power systems and the need for power quality solutions. He graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, ON Canada with a BScE degree in 2007. He is a Professional Engineer and member of IEEE.
Austin Miller currently serves as the Power Quality Sales Manager at Mirus International Inc., overseeing the U.S. market. Before joining Mirus International Inc. in 2023, he gained valuable experience as an application engineer specializing in power system harmonics at CTM Magnetics. Austin earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Drexel University in 2018. He is a member of the IEEE.
Tutorial PCIC 2025-6
1:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Synchronous Electric Motors for Petroleum and Chemical Process Industry
Abstract: Petroleum and chemical process industries use the Division and IEC-based Zone area classification systems, as specified in the NEC (National Electric Code) for the USA and the CE Code for Canada. Motor manufacturers have been designing motors for each type of classification that comply with the NEC and CE Code requirements, along with the applicable general industry standards. The authors will discuss the aspects of design and application of motors associated with safety considerations. This will enable selection of the appropriate motor for the designated area classification. The roles of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd party, with respect to a certificate for a motor, will be discussed in brief.
Instructor:
Bharat Mistry graduated in Electrical Engineering in 1972 from India. Serving as the Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada. Retired at General Electric in 2017. Previously worked for Franklin Electric, Reliance Electric. Served industries for more than 35 years in design and application of electric rotating machines. Involved in developing industry standards such as CSA, UL, IEC, NEMA, IEEE. Published numerous papers and tutorials in IEEE PCIC conferences in North America, Europe and Middle East. Chairing CSA C22.2 No.100 standard of motors and generators, Canadian IEC/TC2 mirror committee.
William Lawrence received his BSEE from Pennsylvania State University in 1978spent 40 years with FM Approvals He leads the US Technical Advisory Group for IEC TC31 (IEC standards for Explosive Atmospheres) and is the Convener for TC31/MT60079-7 and for TC31/WG22 (responsible for IEC 60079-0) He is also a member of several NFPA and UL committees responsible for hazardous location electrical equipment. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and is a life senior member of IEEE.
Paul Hamer received his BSEE from Virginia Tech and MSEE from Oregon State University. He was with Chevron for 37 years, after initial employment with Westinghouse Electric. During his career, he worked on capital projects for major Chevron facilities and contributed to numerous industry standards. Paul is a member of TC31/WG27-IEC 60079 (electric machines) and is the IEEE PCIC Category C Liaison to IEC MT 60079-7. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California and an IEEE Life Fellow.
Bharat Mistry graduated in Electrical Engineering in 1972 from India. Serving as the Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada. Retired at General Electric in 2017. Previously worked for Franklin Electric, Reliance Electric. Served industries for more than 35 years in design and application of electric rotating machines. Involved in developing industry standards such as CSA, UL, IEC, NEMA, IEEE. Published numerous papers and tutorials in IEEE PCIC conferences in North America, Europe and Middle East. Chairing CSA C22.2 No.100 standard of motors and generators, Canadian IEC/TC2 mirror committee.
William Lawrence received his BSEE from Pennsylvania State University in 1978spent 40 years with FM Approvals He leads the US Technical Advisory Group for IEC TC31 (IEC standards for Explosive Atmospheres) and is the Convener for TC31/MT60079-7 and for TC31/WG22 (responsible for IEC 60079-0) He is also a member of several NFPA and UL committees responsible for hazardous location electrical equipment. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts and is a life senior member of IEEE.
Paul Hamer received his BSEE from Virginia Tech and MSEE from Oregon State University. He was with Chevron for 37 years, after initial employment with Westinghouse Electric. During his career, he worked on capital projects for major Chevron facilities and contributed to numerous industry standards. Paul is a member of TC31/WG27-IEC 60079 (electric machines) and is the IEEE PCIC Category C Liaison to IEC MT 60079-7. He is a registered Professional Engineer in California and an IEEE Life Fellow.
