research highlights
We proposed the nonnegative sparse event unmixing (NSEU) algorithm where we interpret the event formation process
from a linear mixing perspective and simultaneously detect the type of physical attacks and the starting time of the attacks
in one unmixing procedure. However, due to the high intra-class difference and the high inter-class similarity, as well as
system nonlinearity, NSEU would not perform well for large systems. We discovered that although for the same event, very
different signal profiles are collected at different buses, there exists a stable grouping characteristics in the grid, where
within the same group, the behavior of the acquired signals are similar. This grouping feature remains the same for different
types of events. Based on this discovery, we have developed the cluster-based NSEU (c-NSEU) that would achieve high
accuracy event for large and complex systems.
Future research includes how to perform multiple attack analysis across different control areas and how to do it in a realtime fashion where the window size is largely reduced.
education highlights
Family Engineering Night
At the end of the 2013, we were quite proud of the improvements we had made to the outreach programs. Our
early grades program had expanded from a few hundred family members experiencing the enjoyment and creativity of engineering to over a 1,000 people experiencing our fundamental engineering activities. With high expectations for 2014-2105 school year, improvements were made to existing activities and new activities were added into
our portfolio. Total attendance for the past year was over 1,300 parents and students, but what was more impressive is that we exceeded the previous year’s total with one fewer event. The average attendance of our events
now exceeds 200 people.
Starting in the fall of 2014, CURENT has worked with
local middle school teachers to develop an “Energy in
a Box” curriculum. The concept is to develop complete lessons that emphasize renewable energy and
provide the plans, materials, and other helpful resources in a transportable container. The first version
of the box contains permanent magnets, electromagnets, wind turbines, solar panels, generators, sterling
engines, different light technologies, and electricity
meters. Testing of the box may occur in Knox County
School as early as the fall semester.
Statistics and Parent Quotes
Total parents and students reached: 3,000 Total feedback from parents and students: 1,200
“Love the hands-on child directed learning that was not only developmentally appropriate for many ages, but was
fun and involved parents, too! FANTASTIC!”
“This is one of our favorite events. Thank you!”
“This event is a family favorite and has fostered a love for science and problem-solving in my daughter.”
“We will try a few @ home”
newsletter Summer 2015
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