The Power Electronics, Machines and Drives Network is a new IET technical and professional network (TPN) established by a group of engineers working across a broad range of industrial sectors with a common technology bond.

 

Envisaged as a home and reference point for the power electronics, machines and drives community, the newly formed network aims to keep members fully informed about all events relevant to members interests and to develop a number of topical, sector-focused seminars, providing a strong link to established headline conferences.

 

Key figures from across the sector have pledged their support, with a core PEMD TPN management team made up of senior industrial and academic engineers with a passion for power electronics, machines and drives.

 

“The PEMD TPN came out of a group of us at the PEMD Conference bemoaning the fact that the community only had this focal conference every two years and a void in between,” explains the network’s Chair, Bill Drury. “We looked back at the “golden years” of low cost and free events, where we could share ideas and problems, and decided to do something about it”.

 

“The conference from which we spawned is often referred to by attendees as ‘the friendly conference’ - this is the spirit we’re taking with us into the TPN!”

 

A diverse and open community

The PEMD community is extremely diverse, as the technology underpins almost everything we use in the modern world, from domestic appliances and industrial process control and automation through to aerospace, automotive technologies and energy.

 

The TPN wants to hear from engineers dealing with problems and opportunities across all of these sectors, as “many of the issues and solutions are common and based on the same techniques,” says Bill. “We can all learn from one another!”

 

A place to share problems and solutions

Indeed, the new TPN is looked upon as a facilitator; a place to share problems, solutions and ideas as well sharing contacts and approaches to future trends and challenges.

 

Looking forward the TPN has big plans, and there are certain hot topics the committee is looking to discuss. Many are being considered, but some of the most topical include electric vehicles, smart grids, energy efficiency and wide band gap semiconductors.

 

“We’re also looking to have discussions focused on skills,” Bill adds, “as there’s a massive shortage of engineers in this sector.”

 

Planning future events

The TPN is currently putting together ideas for the kinds of community activities it aims to put on and would love to hear from others who have suggestions of their own.

 

Plans include running a programme of low cost, information half and one-day seminars on topical subjects, but the committee also hopes to pioneer web and phone-based events that would be more accessible to wider, international audiences. The volunteers also plan to strengthen links with leading industry conferences and use the network as an information hub, allowing members to be aware of all the relevant events being held by other groups and businesses.

 

“There are a lot of organisations running a lot of events relevant to the sector,” says Bill. “Many operate in niches and events go unnoticed. We want to ensure the community is aware of what is going on.

 

“There are gaps in the present offering and we’re now working on a number of focused events bringing first-class speakers to present on highly topical subjects. We’re blessed to have some many world-class researchers and practitioners to call on to help us ensure we bring real value to the community.”

 

Supported by experienced IET staff

The network is operated under the charitable remit of the IET and as such is open to everyone - members and non-members of the IET. The TPN is also keen to work closely with its friends in other organisations who run events relevant to PEMD members. The TPN is supported by IET staff, who are working closely with the TPN management team to facilitate and promote events as well encouraging member communication.

 

“‘I’m really pleased that we have been able to support this new volunteer group that felt there was a need for a PEMD technical professional network. TPNs are very important to the IET as they help identify emerging hot topics in their areas of specialism and contribute to the IET’s role as a learned society,” says IET Community Relationship Manager Gemma Hadley.

 

Get involved!

The new TPN is currently planning its first event for early 2015, however, the committee is keen for other members to get in touch with ideas for future activities.

 

“The TPN’s MyCommunity page offers numerous opportunities to get involved, from the blog and contacts with other members, through to attending meetings or the headline conferences. It’s been set up as an inclusive organisation - yes, we have a management group, but we welcome input from everyone,” Bill concludes.

 

To find out more about the network and its events, or to share your ideas, please visit the PEMD TPN MyCommunity page or contact Bill Drury at w.drury@btinternet.com.