IEEE Week 2026: Power Electronics and Its Applications
October 7, 2026 · 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM @ Online event
Description
IEEE Week 2026: Power Electronics and Its Applications was conducted online on 07 October 2026 as part of IEEE Week 2026. The session marked the inaugural technical event of the newly initiated IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) Student Chapter at the University of Ruhuna , representing an important milestone in the establishment of the chapter and the beginning of its technical activities. The session was designed as a beginner-friendly introduction to the fundamentals of Power Electronics and its wide range of engineering applications. It aimed to provide undergraduate students with a clear understanding of the role of power electronic systems in modern electrical and electronic engineering while introducing participants to the newly established IEEE PELS Student Branch Chapter and the opportunities available through engagement with IEEE PELS. The resource person for the session was Dr. P. D. Chandana Perera, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna, and Vice - Chair of the IEEE PELS Sri Lanka Chapter . His academic and professional background provided participants with both a strong theoretical introduction and practical context for understanding the importance of power electronics. The technical session began with an introduction to the fundamentals of power electronics and the role of power electronic systems in controlling and converting electrical energy. Participants were introduced to key concepts and devices used within the field, including thyristors and different classes of power converters . The session discussed important converter configurations such as DC-to-DC converters, AC-to-DC converters, and DC-to-AC converters , helping participants understand how electrical energy is converted and controlled for different engineering requirements. The broader applications of power electronics were also introduced. These included areas such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and transportation, industrial motor drives, robotics and manufacturing systems, power utility and smart-grid applications, aerospace systems, consumer electronics, commercial buildings, data centres, and other modern electrical systems . Particular attention was given to the growing role of power electronics in electric vehicles , allowing participants to understand how fundamental power-electronic principles are connected with rapidly developing engineering technologies. The event also introduced participants to the IEEE Power Electronics Society and the newly initiated IEEE PELS Student Branch Chapter at the University of Ruhuna . Students were informed about opportunities to engage with the Society and expand their knowledge through future technical activities. As part of the membership-awareness component of the event, participants were also informed about an available promotional opportunity to obtain IEEE PELS membership without a membership fee using the active promotional code provided by IEEE PELS . This initiative encouraged students to explore membership and become more closely connected with the international power electronics community. Following the main technical presentation, an interactive Question and Answer session allowed participants to raise questions and discuss concepts directly with the resource person. The inaugural session established a strong foundation for the future activities of the newly initiated IEEE PELS Student Branch Chapter. By combining chapter awareness, fundamental technical knowledge, practical applications, membership opportunities, and interaction with an experienced academic and IEEE volunteer, the event introduced students to both the technical scope of power electronics and the professional opportunities available through IEEE PELS.
Agenda
7:30 PM – 7:35 PM Participant Joining and Session Preparation 7:35 PM – 7:40 PM Welcome and Opening Remarks 7:40 PM – 7:45 PM Introduction to the IEEE Power Electronics Society Student Chapter – University of Ruhuna 7:45 PM – 7:50 PM Introduction of the Resource Person 7:50 PM – 8:50 PM Technical Session: Power Electronics and Its Applications 8:50 PM – 9:05 PM Interactive Question and Answer (Q&A) / Discussion Session 9:05 PM – 9:10 PM Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks Resource Person: Dr. P. D. Chandana Perera Designation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of Ruhuna IEEE Role: Vice - Chair, IEEE PELS Sri Lanka Chapter