Krishna Pavan Inala | Smart Grids | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Krishna Pavan Inala | Smart Grids | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at BV Raju Institute of Technology | India

Dr. Krishna Pavan Inala is an accomplished researcher specializing in communication networks for smart grids, electric vehicle integration, and intelligent energy management systems. His research advances focus on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) communication, distributed grid voltage stability, communication-system impacts on power networks, and machine-learning-based load forecasting. He has published impactful journal articles in leading venues such as IEEE Systems Journal, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, IET Power Electronics, and the International Journal of Ambient Energy. His research output is well-recognized, with 103 citations, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of 2 (with 100 citations, h-index 5, and i10-index 2 since 2020). His conference and book-chapter contributions, presented in prominent IEEE conferences and Springer proceedings, span optimal load prediction using machine learning, AI and IoT applications in smart-grid security, deep learning for household demand forecasting, and the role of communication networks in V2G environments. His expertise includes MATLAB, Python, communication-network simulators, and advanced data-analytics tools, enabling him to develop and evaluate innovative solutions for smart-grid communication reliability, predictive modeling, and energy optimization. In teaching and mentoring roles, he integrates concepts from communication engineering, artificial intelligence, and power systems to guide student research and project development. Dr. Inala’s research vision emphasizes building intelligent, secure, and resilient smart-grid infrastructures through robust communication frameworks, AI-driven forecasting, and sustainable energy technologies, contributing significantly to the evolution of next-generation smart electric systems.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Sah, B., Kumar, P., Rayudu, R., Bose, S. K., & Inala, K. P. (2018). Impact of sampling in the operation of vehicle to grid and its mitigation. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 15(7), 3923–3933.

2. Inala, K. P., Sah, B., Kumar, P., & Bose, S. K. (2020). Impact of V2G communication on grid node voltage at charging station in a smart grid scenario. IEEE Systems Journal, 15(3), 3749–3758.

3. Inala, K. P., Kumar, P., & Bose, S. K. (2019). Impact of communication systems on grid node voltage and operation of a vehicle-to-grid controller in a smart-grid scenario. IET Power Electronics, 12(13), 3499–3509.

4. Inala, K. P., & Thirugnanam, K. (2022). Role of communication networks on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system in a smart grid environment. In Proceedings of the 2022 4th International Conference on Energy, Power and Environment (ICEPE) (pp. 1–5). IEEE.

5. Manojkumar, R., & Inala, K. P. (2024). Optimised rule-based peak shaving and its impact on annual energy cost reduction. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 45(1), 2397672.

Erik De Kuyffer | Planning Optimization | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Erik De Kuyffer | Planning Optimization | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at University of Ghent, Belgium

Erik De Kuyffer is a seasoned project and program manager with extensive experience in IT, logistics, customer service, and business development. His expertise lies in optimization, innovation, and people management, making him a valuable asset in various industries. He has led teams, managed complex projects, and developed new services across multiple organizations.

Publication Profile 

Scopus

Orcid 

Educational Background 🎓

  • Ongoing: Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Ghent University (UGent)
  • 2011: Postgraduate TIM, HoGent
  • 2008: ManaMa Avionica & Spacionica, KHBO
  • 1997: Industrial Engineer Chemistry, KAHO Sint-Lieven
  • 1990: ASO Latin-Mathematics, Sint-Michielscollege Brasschaat

Professional Experience 💼

Current Position:

  • INDEFF (2023 – Present)Freelance Managed Services Lead
    • Leads project and program management initiatives.
    • Manages IT and OT teams.
    • Develops and markets new services.

Previous Roles:

  • Qurtinz (2021 – 2023) – Freelance Project Manager
    • Oversaw daily operations, customer service, and IT management.
    • Managed administrative and installation teams.
  • INDEFF (2018 – 2021) – PM/Regional Director
    • Handled project/program management, business development, and support teams.
  • Vandapower (2017) – Operations Director
    • Managed production, logistics, and quality control.
    • Supervised operational teams.
  • Barco N.V. (2015 – 2017) – Customer Service Manager
    • Improved customer service flows and developed new services.
    • Led a team of engineers.
  • Generix Group (2012 – 2015) – PM/Customer Service Manager
    • Managed software projects, presales, and customer service.
  • Net Solutions/Eozen (2006 – 2012) – Project Manager
    • Led software and IT projects, technical analysis, and presales activities.
  • Influe Benelux NV (1999 – 2006) – Technical Manager EDI/VMI
    • Managed technical implementations, parameter settings, and project coordination.
  • GHD Katoennatie Gent (1998 – 1999) – Logistic Warehouse Manager
    • Oversaw daily warehouse operations for Volkswagen.
  • Procter & Gamble (1997 – 1998) – Research Associate
    • Conducted market research for detergent product launches.

Research Interests 🔬

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Project Management Optimization
  • IT and Digital Transformation
  • Automation and Process Optimization
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Awards and Honors🏆✨

  • Prince2 Certificate (Project Management)
  • Recognized expertise in project/program management across multiple industries.

Conclusion🌟

Erik De Kuyffer is a highly experienced professional with a strong background in project and program management, IT, logistics, and artificial intelligence. His diverse career spans leadership roles across industries, showcasing expertise in business development, innovation, and optimization. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in AI at Ghent University, he continues to explore cutting-edge technologies and their applications in various domains.

Publications 📚

📌 Travel route and formation optimization for flocks of drones in package delivery by using an ACO based V-Shape algorithm
📅 2024-12 | 📚 Results in Engineering
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103627
✍️ Contributors: E. De Kuyffer, W. Joseph, L. Martens, T. De Pessemier


📌 Offshore windmill and substation maintenance planning with Distance, Fuel consumption and Tardiness optimisation
📅 2023 | 📚 Operations Research Perspectives
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.orp.2023.100267
✍️ Contributors: E. De Kuyffer, K. Shen, L. Martens, W. Joseph, T. De Pessemier