Hyderabad: Programme on Machine Learning at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology

Hyderabad: A Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on "Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning Applications to Smart Grid" has begun at Vallurupalli Nageswara Rao Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (VNRVJIET). This FDP will be a two-week hands-on training programme, which is sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India, is being organised by the Department of EEE at VNRVJIET. The inaugural event was attended by Prof. N. Yadaiah, Registrar of JNTU-Hyderabad, as the Chief Guest.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Yadaiah said that Neural Networks as a technology has been around for over 75 years but has now accessible as a matured technology, thanks to the advent of milestones such as digital computing, microprocessors and microcontrollers, programming languages such as Python and MATLAB. He pointed that smart grids is a promising field and that it is the responsibility of engineers to make such technology useful and available to the society through research and analysis. Prof. Yadaiah cautioned that the need for techniques like Artificial Intelligence (AI) must first be validated and that technology must be effectively used to provide solutions to real world problems. He elucidated the process of designing control systems using Neural Networks and explained non-dynamic learning control architectures, back propagation algorithm and fault detection in power transformers using AI.

Advanced technology applications must resolve issues and limitations in power sector such as providing clean and green energy, inadequacy in existing grids including distribution, said the Director for Advancement Dr. B. Chenna Kesava Rao.

The General Secretary-Vignana Jyothi, K. Harishchandra Prasad, said that the workshop addresses the need of the day and that engineers must proactively interact with industry and learn the need, challenges, and the urge to contribute to the technology advancements, while also considering the socioeconomic issues such as high capital, system limitations, and high tariffs for electricity.

The coordinators revealed that experts from IIT-Hyderabad, BITS Pilani Hyderabad, NIT-Warangal, Osmania University, and the MNC GE will train the participants during the FDP. The inaugural event was also attended by Joint Secretary-Vignana Jyothi, Kode Durga Prasad, Principal-VNRVJIET, Dr. C.D. Naidu, Head of the Department-EEE, Dr. Poonam Upadhyay, FDP Coordinators B. Devulal and Dr. Rashmi Kapoor, and other heads, deans, faculty members, and students.