Andrew Miles Brings His Power System Modeling Expertise to Improve Alaska Communities

ACEP is delighted to have Andrew Miles on board as our new research assistant professor.

Miles brings to ACEP his expertise in power system modeling and protection to improve the resiliency of Alaska’s communities. Currently, he is working on power system modeling for transient simulations. Specifically, his focus is on modeling Arctic villages to understand how integrating inverter-based resources will impact the small communities and to observe the electromagnetic interactions for stability and protection studies. Through this effort, he is also modeling the Power Systems Integration Lab for detailed studies.

Miles’ engagement with engineering work goes back to his college days. While attending the University of Idaho as an undergraduate student, he came back to his hometown of Juneau every summer and winter to intern at Alaska Electric Light and Power, which he enjoyed very much. After receiving his B.S., he went on to study for his master’s degree, also at the University of Idaho, focusing on power system protection. He did research for his sponsor, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, for his thesis.

Miles then worked for Black & Veatch as an electrical engineer, focusing on protection and controls. This job opened up an opportunity for him to pursue a Ph.D., again at the University of Idaho, where he conducted research in power system modeling, energy markets, robust estimation theory, cybersecurity and resiliency.

Joining ACEP was a win-win situation for both Miles, who had long been wanting to return to Alaska to work in research in the energy sector, and ACEP, which will benefit from Miles’ experience in power system modeling.

Miles loves the outdoors. Anything and everything outdoors. He is excited to be back in Alaska for adventures as hiking and bikepacking in the Interior. He also enjoys playing the French horn, which he played while at the University of Idaho as well as in the Juneau Symphony.

 

ACEP research assistant professor, Andrew Miles. Photo by Jeff Fisher