Sen Engineering Solutions, Inc.
A technology company developing the SMART Power Flow Controller — a functional requirements-based, cost-effective solution.
SMART Power Flow Controller — Empowering the Grid
SMART Power Flow Controller is a breakthrough in bulk power system technology, hosting a range of benefits over traditional power flow solutions. SMART Power Flow Controller, a patented technology, acts as an Impedance Regulating Transformer and offers a plethora of power flow control features independent active and reactive power flows, voltage, phase angle, Impedance (XL or XC and R or –R, all independently variable) in one, multi-use unit to provide a reliable, cost‐effective, and portable solution to meet today's needs to modernize the grid.
Vision and Mission
We strive to serve society by delivering advanced power‑flow control technology. Through publications, tutorials, seminars, and webinars, we educate customers, enabling them to define functional requirements and obtain cost‑effective solutions.
Empowering a Smarter Grid
The SMART Power Flow Controller (SPFC) redefines how electricity moves through the grid — offering precise, independent control over active and reactive power. By intelligently managing energy flow, it maximizes efficiency, enhances reliability, and minimizes losses across the transmission network.
Unlike traditional solutions built around a single technology, the SPFC unites the best features of all power-flow concepts developed until now into one, functional-requirements-based system that's simple, scalable, and cost-effective.
How the SPFC Works
The SPFC acts as an impedance-regulating transformer, dynamically adjusting both resistance and reactance in a transmission line. This allows it to control power flows independently, maximizing useful active power and minimizing unwanted reactive power.
While power-electronics-based systems can react in milliseconds, most utility applications only require response times measured in seconds or longer. The SPFC's design meets those real-world functional requirements delivering high performance at a fraction of the cost of power electronics solutions.
Functional Principles (S.M.A.R.T.)
- S — Specific:Meets the actual needs of utilities
- M — Measurable:Reliable, efficient, cost-effective, and portable
- A — Attainable:Built for realistic grid performance expectations
- R — Relevant:Improves overall grid efficiency and resilience
- T — Time-Bound:Delivered with defined milestones
Key Benefits
The Result
A more intelligent, reliable, and sustainable power grid — built around functional principles rather than rigid technologies. The SPFC enables utilities to do more with existing infrastructure, ensuring a smarter, cleaner, and future-ready energy system.
Additional Reading & Resources
Featured Publications
Introduction to FACTS Controllers: Theory, Modeling, and Applications
Author: K. K. Sen | ISBN: 9780470478752
A comprehensive resource introducing Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) controllers, their modeling techniques, and real-world applications. Suitable for students, engineers, and professionals in the power sector.
Power Flow Control Solutions for a Modern Grid Using SMART Power Flow Controllers
Author: K. K. Sen | ISBN: 9781119824381
This book presents proven methods for improving grid reliability and efficiency using SMART Power Flow Controllers. It's ideal for grid planners, operators, engineers, and students in modern power systems.
Technical Publications (IEEE)
- Advancements in Transformer Technology: Design, Manufacture, and Testing of a ±6.5 MVA, 33 kV Sen Transformer - IEEE
- Unique Capabilities of Sen Transformer: A power Flow Regulating Transformer – IEEE
- Comparison of Operational Characteristics Between a Sen Transformer and a Phase Angle Regulator – IEEE
- SMART Power Flow Controller for Smarter Grid Applications – IEEE
- Introducing the SMART Power Flow Controller - an Integral Part of Smart Grid – IEEE
- Analysis of FACTS Controllers and their Transient Modelling Techniques – IEEE
- Comparison of the 'Sen' Transformer with the Unified Power Flow Controller – IEEE
- Introducing the Family of "Sen" Transformers: A Set of Power Flow Controlling Transformers – IEEE
- Comparison of Field Results and Digital Simulation Results of Voltage-sourced Converter-based FACTS Controllers – IEEE
- Versatile Power Flow Transformer – IEEE
- A Power Flow Controller with a Stable Reversing Capability – IEEE
- STATCOM-STATic Synchronous COMpensator: Theory, Modeling, and Applications – IEEE
- The Interline Power Flow Controller Concept: A New Approach to Power Flow Management in Transmission Systems – IEEE
- UPFC-Unified Power Flow Controller: Theory, Modeling, and Applications – IEEE
- Static Synchronous Series Compensator: A Solid-state Approach to the Series Compensation of Transmission Lines – IEEE
- Detailed Real-Time Transient Model of the “Sen” Transformer – IEEE
- A Tap-Changing Algorithm for the Implementation of “Sen” Transformer – IEEE
Industry Articles
- The Sen Transformer – Transformer Technology
- Practical Power Flow Controller Brings Benefits Of Power Electronics To The Grid - How2Power
- Phase Angle Regulation Versus Impedance Regulation: Which Offers Greater Control Of Power Flow On the Grid? – How2Power
- Modeling Of The Sen Transformer Using An Electromagnetic Transients Program - How2Power
- Modeling of the Sen Transformer in PSS®E
Press Releases
Introducing the World's First Commercial-Grade Sen Transformer
Image of the successfully tested commercial-grade Sen Transformer unit.
"Ampcontrol is excited to announce that in collaboration with @Sen Engineering Solutions, Inc., we have designed, manufactured and extensively tested the world's first commercial-grade Sen Transformer, a patented technology, that acts as an Impedance Regulating Transformer. Sometimes, there comes a technical advancement that is simple, elegant and effective.
Sen Transformer marks the first breakthrough in bulk power system design in more than a century, hosting a range of benefits over traditional power flow solutions. Sen Transformer, which offers a plethora of power flow control features, such as independent active and reactive power flows, voltage, phase angle, impedance (XL or XC and R or –R, all independently variable), all in one unit, uses time‐tested components, such as transformer and load tap changers that are proven to be reliable, cost‐effective, and portable to meet today's needs to modernize the grid.
A commercial-grade Sen Transformer was designed to operate at 33 kV with a throughput rating of ±6.5 MVA. The unit was manufactured and tested to demonstrate the proof of concept. The test results show that the bidirectional active and reactive power flows can be regulated independently, proving that the Sen Transformer is a practical solution to meet utilities' needs in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness, component non-obsolescence, efficiency, portability and interoperability.
The Sen Transformer is being further tested in a 33 kV radial line at the EPRI lab in the USA.
Our Leadership Team
Kalyan K. Sen, PhD-EE, PE, MBA, IEEE Fellow
President & Chief Technology Officer
Role: Directs all aspects of the company, including R&D/Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Finance.
Education
- PhD-EE (1987), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA)
- MSEE (1983), Tuskegee University (USA)
- BEE (First Class Honors, 1982), Jadavpur University (India)
- MBA (2012), Robert Morris University (USA)
Key Expertise & Achievements
- FACTS Pioneer: Elevated to IEEE Fellow for the development and application of power flow control technology, stemming from his work on Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) at Westinghouse.
- Publications & Patents: Authored or coauthored over 25 peer-reviewed publications, 8 patents, and 2 books, including Introduction to FACTS Controllers.
- Global Recognition: Licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Served as a Fulbright Specialist (2017-2022) and an IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer (2002-Present).
- Industry Experience: Over 30 years of engineering and advisory experience with Westinghouse/Successors and ABB.
- IEEE Leadership: Extensive volunteer service, including AdCom Member of the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) and Chair of the IEEE Pittsburgh Section (awarded "Outstanding Large Section," 2005).
Mey Ling Sen, MEE, IEEE Member
Chief Operating Officer
Role: Responsible for performing the everyday operations of the company, ensuring efficiency and project execution.
Education
- MEE (1990), Rice University (USA)
- BSEE (High Distinction, 1988), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA)
Key Expertise & Achievements
- Business Leadership: Served as President of Sen Engineering Solutions, Inc. (2002-2020) and consulted for ABB and Westinghouse.
- Technical Contributions: Coauthored 7 peer-reviewed publications, 5 issued patents, and 2 books focused on power flow control.
- IEEE Recognition: Recipient of the IEEE Pittsburgh Section Power & Energy Society Outstanding Engineer Award (2018) for service and technical contributions.
- Community & Service: Recognized as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM); served in various leadership roles for IEEE Pittsburgh Section/Chapters.
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