The foundation for grid modernization is electronictization. The required hardware for grid electronictization is generally referred to as “all things grid connected (ATGC).” A structured microgrid is an autonomous system with command and control capacity to serve as a fundamental building block for the grid modernization. Structured microgrids integrate ATGC together with energy storage resources to provide energy balance to a prescribed self sufficient energy level, including net zero, for a given composite ac/dc load. Furthermore, together with storage, HVDC/MVDC, and FACTS, a structured microgrid can provide fault isolation capability for a grid to be resilient. A resilient dc microgrid in this regard will be presented as an example.

Don is a Distinguished Engineer and Senior Staff Manager with Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. He earned his PhD from Caltech and is an IEEE fellow. He is a chief technologist, a researcher in power (electronic) systems, and an authority in space power management. Accomplishments include 2 national standards, 4 industry firsts, 5 editorial positions, 7 professional educational and under/graduate courses, 15 patents and trade secrets, 30+ awards, 70+ industry and professional leadership positions, 100+ keynotes, research and technology articles and presentations, 300+ technology insertions and product developments with 1,800+ space flight designs delivered without a single on-orbit failure. His Adiabatic Point-of-Load program has attracted $15M customer funding in 5 years and his power product line values at greater than $200M.

His recent recognitions include NGAS Distinguished Engineer in 2011, CIE USA Asian American Engineer of the Year Award in 2010, AIAA Space System Award in 2008, JANNAF Outstanding Achievement Award in Spacecraft Propulsion in 2007, and NGST Distinguished Patent Award in 2002. His double forward technology was licensed to a major telecommunications company. His technology for in-space electric propulsion is being licensed to multiple clients.

He has served in many IEEE PELS capacities such as Nomination Committee Chair (2015 – present), President (2013 – 2014), Editor-in-Chief (EiC) (founding) of IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics (2013 – present), PELS Vice President for Operations (2009 – 2012), PELS Vice President for Meetings (2001 – 2004), Guest EiC, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics in 2011, Guest EiC IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications in 2012, Member of IEE PELS Fellow Committee (2010 – 2013), Associated Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (1996 – 2000), and PELS AdCom member at large (2005 – 2009).