Panel Session 7
Hosted by Thanapong Suwanasri
Lecturer and Researcher, Electrical Power Engineering, TGGS, KMUTNB, Thailand.
28 Nov 2025, 14:00 - 15:30 |
Spark Room 1
"AI-Driven Power System and Equipment Monitoring and Maintenance"
Synopsis
This session explores how AI is transforming power system monitoring and maintenance through real-time fault detection, predictive analytics, and smart diagnostics. Panelists will discuss current applications, key benefits, and challenges such as data integration and cybersecurity. The focus will be on how AI enhances reliability, reduces downtime, and supports the future of intelligent grid management.
Thanapong Suwanasri
Lecturer and Researcher, Electrical Power Engineering, TGGS, KMUTNB, Thailand.
Host Panelist
Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thanapong Suwanasri is an Associate Professor, lecturer, and researcher at the Electrical Power and Energy (EPE) program, The Sirindhorn German-Thai Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). He holds a Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) in High Voltage Technology from RWTH Aachen University, Germany, a Master of Science in Electric Power Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from KMUTNB, Thailand. His research focuses on high voltage testing, partial discharge measurement, asset management of electrical infrastructure, and condition diagnostics of high voltage equipment.
Sarah Rienass
IOT Expert, Electrification and Automation,
Siemens AG
Panelist
Sarah Rienass is a Sales Consulting Professional for IoT and Cybersecurity at Siemens, where she supports customers tackle the challenges of digital transformation and the energy transition. With a background in electrical engineering and a master's degree in economics and management, she previously led over 100 projects in low- and medium-voltage switchgear and digitalization. Sarah is passionate about blending traditional infrastructure with smart, secure IoT solutions to build a more sustainable energy future.
Wojciech Koltunowicz
Senior Technical Consultant, OMICRON Energy Solutions GmbH
Panelist
Wojciech Koltunowicz received his M.S., PhD and DSc degrees in electrical engineering from the Warsaw University of Technology in 1980, 1985 and 2004 respectively. From 1984 to 1987, he was a research scientist in the High-Voltage Department with Institute of Power (IEn) in Poland. From 1987 to 2007, he worked at CESI in Italy, where he was mainly involved in the HV testing and diagnostics of electrical equipment. In 2007, he joined OMICRON Energy Solutions GmbH in Berlin, Germany, where he is involved with the monitoring of HV equipment and diagnostic services. He is convenor of CIGRE WG D1.66 "Requirements of PD Monitoring systems for GIS/GIL Systems" and a member of CIGRE AG D1.02 for High Voltage and High Current Test and Measuring Technique and Diagnostic and a member of AG D1.03 for Insulating Gases. He is also a member of IEC TC42 MT 14 (IEC TS 62478), and senior member of IEEE. He is the author of more than a hundred technical and scientific publications.
Saar Herman
Sales Director, APAC, OFIL System
Panelist
Saar Herman is a business leader and entrepreneur in energy technologies and sustainable innovation across Asia Pacific. He serves as Sales Director at OFIL Systems, driving adoption of advanced UV inspection technologies for utilities, industries, and rotating machinery. He also founded a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in the Philippines, advancing circular economy and energy storage sustainability. With deep regional networks and expertise in market development and strategic partnerships, Saar operates at the intersection of grid modernization, energy storage, and ESG-driven industrial practices.
Chaiwat Chaisukesung
Head Of Service Marketing and Sales
Hitachi Energy (Thailand) Limited
Panelist
Chaiwat Chaisukesung is a Head Of Service Marketing and Sales, Hitachi Energy (Thailand) Limited. In the current role, the individual holds responsibility for Life Cycle Projects and Services, overseeing the management of Service Sales Representatives with full accountability for profit objectives. His scope covers High Voltage Products Services, Power Transformers Services, Grid Connection Systems Services and Hitachi T&D Product Services, serving a diverse and extensive installed base across Utility, Industrial, Data Center, Infrastructure and Energy sectors in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Luca Garangnani
Founder and CEO - INWAVE, Australia
Panelist
Saar Herman is a business leader and entrepreneur in energy technologies and sustainable innovation across Asia Pacific. He serves as Sales Director at OFIL Systems, driving adoption of advanced UV inspection technologies for utilities, industries, and rotating machinery. He also founded a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in the Philippines, advancing circular economy and energy storage sustainability. With deep regional networks and expertise in market development and strategic partnerships, Saar operates at the intersection of grid modernization, energy storage, and ESG-driven industrial practices.