Events

OCE Discovery 2011

Canada's Leading Innovation-to-Commercialization Conference
Date: 18-19 May 2011
Location: Metro Toronto Conference Centre
Visit the ePOWER booth at OCE Discovery 2011.

This marks our third year as a participant in this innovative conference that attracts more than
2,500 delegates from industry and research, entrepreneurs, financiers, students and mentors,
all with one goal: to speed innovative ideas to market.

"Influence of the Advances in Power Electronics,
Electromagnetic Actuators and Control in
Automotive Steering Systems"

Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series
Speaker: Tomy Sebastian, Innovation Centre, Nexteer Automotive
Date: Thursday March 24, 2011
Time: 2:30-4:00pm
Location: WLH-205

Abstract: Developments in control and power electronics and in electric machines are fuelling
the application of electrical drives in automobiles. This is especially true in automotive steering
systems where conventional hydraulic-based systems are being replaced by electromechanical
systems. In addition to providing the basic function of directional control, these systems are
focusing more on comfort, fuel economy and active safety. This presentation will discuss the
impact of electrical motor drives on steering systems technologies.

Biography: Tomy Sebastian received the M.S. degree from Indian Institute of Technology Madras
in 1982, and the MA.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1984 and
1986 respectively. From 1979 to 1980, he was with the R & D Center of KELTRON, Trivandrum,
India. From 1987 to 1992, he was with the Research and Applied Technology Division of Black
and Decker Corporation, Towson, MD. Since 1992 he has been working at the Innovation Center
of Nexteer Automotive in Saginaw, MI, where he is currently the Chief Scientist. He has published
over 45 technical articles and holds 23 US patents. In 2003 he was elected an IEEE Fellow with the
citation “for contributions to the theory, design, and application of permanent magnet motors and
drives in automotive systems.” He is co-recipient of an IEEE Industry Application Society
Transactions first prize paper award. He was inducted in to the Delphi Innovation Hall of Fame
in 2006. He is the recipient of the 2010 IEEE Industry Applications Society Outstanding Achievement
Award. He has taught several courses on Power Electronics, Motor Drives and Advances Motor
Design at the University of Maryland, Ohio State University and the University of Toronto.

"Solar Power: The Future is Now!"

ECE Graduate Student Seminar Series
Speaker: Anton Driesse
Date: Tuesday October 6, 2009
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: WLH-302
Supervisors: Dr. Praveen Jain and Dr. Stephen Harrison

Abstract:

Photovoltaic cells (PV cells) have the remarkable capability to turn the most broadly distributed source
of energy - sunshine - into one of the most versatile form we know: electricity. And they do this without
consuming any fossil fuels or emitting harmful pollution or greenhouse gases. Sounds like a good
idea, right? (President Obama seems to think so too!)

This presentation is a rapid introduction to the world of photovoltaics. The content will include technical
topics such as: facts and myths about PV cells, system structures with many examples, the role of power
electronics, and current research challenges; but financial and political aspects will also be touched on.
Of particular interest will be a survey of local activities in the area of photovoltaics, providing lots of
opportunities to learn more.