KTH&Co Interview (English version)

[I was recently interviewed for the business magazine of my university, KTH&Co. It was an added surprise to find myself on the cover page ! This is an English translation of the interview (originally in Swedish).]

                                               

Better insulation and durable transformers

Computer simulation, design, construction and electrical power. Arun Venkataraman's thesis on insulation of transformers has a wide span. The work is carried out in collaboration with a researcher in chemistry. Depth and interdisciplinarity appeal to Arun, "That's where the future lies", he says.

It was precisely interdisciplinarity that attracted Arun Subramanian Venkataraman to Sweden, Stockholm and KTH. In his hometown Chennai in South India, he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering, an education that covers a wide range of topics. He wanted to complete his education with a Master's program that had a broad spectrum, 'Systems, Control and Robotics' suited him perfectly. "Robotics contains everything; electrical, electronics, computer science, mechanical design.", says Arun.

His thesis is related to voltage capacity of transformers, one of the main components of power systems and electronics. The project is financed by ABB Corporate Research and is carried out in collaboration with graduate student Rebecca Hollertz in Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology. 

"I chose to do a degree project in electrical engineering since that was my major at the undergraduate level. That it was in collaboration with ABB was also important,  I am pleased to get some industry experience.", says Arun.

His colleague Rebecca Hollertz is working on developing the cellulose material, which in combination with oil, is used for insulation in transformers. In a series of experiments, she will study what happens when the material is exposed to extremely high voltages and try to come up with ways to improve insulation.

"At voltages above a certain level, the insulation of oil breaks down. We then have an electric arc, a discharge similar to lightning - it damages the transformer. Higher the voltages we get the oil to cope with, more durable is the transformer", he explains.

Arun's first task in the project was to perform detailed analysis of the laboratory testing setup. Through computer simulations, he has analyzed the proposed experiments and made ​​estimates of expected outcomes at different voltages and different dimensions of polymer layers. At present, he is designing the advanced laboratory equipment needed to study the factors that affect critical parameters for the formation of an electric arc. A task that gives him good practice for robotics design elements, he says.

"Mechanical design is of course an important part of all robotic applications. That was also one of the reasons I became interested in this project.", says Arun. In the final stages of his thesis, he will participate and analyze the results of initial laboratory experiments. At the end of January 2012, he expects to be ready with his thesis.

Arun Venkataraman hopes to return to India in a few years and wants to contribute to the development of his home country. He believes that robotics will be of great importance in the future, he has already experienced that during his undergraduate thesis in ISRO, Indian Space Research Organisation.

"Robotics is gaining ground in India. I believe it can be very helpful in many areas, especially education, healthcare and agriculture. I would be happy if I can contribute with my skills", says Arun Venkataraman. But right now, he wants to gain experience, get a job - anywhere. 

"I am ready to work anywhere, from Alaska to Australia. I like it here in Sweden, so of course I'd be happy if I got a job offer here."