Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute honors alumnus

Alumnus Joe Chow (MSEE ’75, PhD ’78), ECE professor at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named Institute Professor of Engineering, one of Rensselaer’s most prestigious titles. Chow has worked on the frontier of electric power systems engineering for over 30 years, contributing to the development and maintenance of smart grids through his work in modeling and control of large-scale power systems, particularly through his efforts on synchrophasors. 

As the campus director of the Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks (CURENT), funded by NSF and the U.S. Department of Energy, Chow focuses on next generation smart grids for increased productivity and the synthesis of renewable energy sources with large power transmission systems.
 
“Our vision is to develop ultra-efficient homes and buildings equipped with smart meters, easy interfaces that allow us to see when and how we’re using energy, and seamless integration of home-based solar and wind power generation into the larger grid," Chow said. "In collaboration with UTK and others, CURENT sets us on that path.”

Chow became interested in large-scale power systems when he found that his expertise allowed him to cultivate new methods and understanding to improve the reliability of interconnected power grids.
 
“Power systems have undergone significant changes, from deregulation of electricity markets to the deployment of synchronous phasor methods to significant influx of renewable energy,” Chow explained. “Each ‘mega’ change has produced new challenges and opportunities for research. There is never a dull moment when a researcher runs out of a good problem to tackle.”    
 
An extensive author, Chow has published over 250 papers in technical journals and conference proceedings, two books, and two research monographs. His algorithms are widely utilized by universities and companies across the globe. Chow was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions for engineers, earlier this year for his outstanding modeling, analysis, and control of large-scale grids. In addition, he has received numerous prestigious awards such as the IEEE Power and Engineering Society’s Charles Concordia Power System Engineering Award and the 2016 Outstanding Professor of Engineering Award from School of Engineering.
 
“We are truly delighted with Joe’s appointment as an Institute Professor,” said Shekhar Garde, dean of the School of Engineering at Rensselaer. “His career at Rensselaer is a shining example of excellence in research, teaching, and selfless service sustained over three decades. His impact has been tremendous indeed. Energy and sustainability are among the grand challenges facing humanity, and Joe’s work in electric power systems is making a difference on both fronts.”

“I am very grateful to be named as an Institute Professor and thankful for the support that the Institute has provided to me throughout my Rensselaer career,” Chow said. “My goal now is not only to grow the electric power program within the power group, but to include faculty in other disciplines to contribute to power system research.”    
 
 Read the original article on the Rensselaer website.