Honorary appointments support energy research

The School of Engineering has recently appointed a number of key people in the energy field to honorary positions with the Energy and Environment Research Theme.

Professor Mahesh Sooriyabandara, Associate Managing Director at Toshiba Telecommunications Research Laboratory based in Bristol, leads Toshiba Research Europe’s research project portfolio on networked systems covering a number of cutting edge application areas including telecommunications, energy and smart cities.

He has over 15 years of experience in managing and leading large scale international collaborative research and development projects, pilot projects and research programs. He is a recognised expert in a number of technological areas including smart energy systems, Internet-of-Things, wireless networks and Internet protocols.

In 2013, he received the prestigious Toshiba Corporate Technology Award in recognition of his research leadership and contribution towards the Smart Grid business of Toshiba.

Mr Carl Barker holds the post of Chief Engineer, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Applications at Alstom Grid UK, where he is the company’s technical reference for the design, planning and development of HVDC systems.

He has over twenty five years’ experience in innovation and commercial applications of HVDC and brings to the School of Engineering wide ranging experience and knowledge of HVDC technologies and their commercial application and exploitation.

Dr Norman MacLeod is Technical Director, HVDC, Power Networks at Parsons Brinckerhoff and has over 35 years of HVDC and FACTS experience.

He is the Technical Lead on all matters related to the HVDC system from feasibility to commissioning.  He is an expert in both conventional and VSC systems with a detailed knowledge of installation and commissioning procedures and processes for most major HVDC suppliers.

He has extensive design and operational experience with HVDC facilities and FACTS devices and is responsible for the HVDC section in the preparation of functional specifications, feasibilities, procurement strategies, tender specifications, design review and contract management. He is responsible for HVDC business development and capacity building for Parsons Brinckerhoff.

These honorary appointments will bring to the School a wealth of experience and expertise which will enhance our international research profile in energy, and energy related areas.

Image by kind permission of EirGrid.