Former professors receive renowned award
Former university distinguished professor emeritus of electrical engineering Arun Phadke, who is currently a member of the research faculty, and James Thorp, head of the electrical and computer engineering department, were chosen for the award.
"It was a huge surprise," Thorp said. "It's not something you think about getting."
Though both are now Tech faculty members, they initially met each other in a different workplace. In 1976, Thorp began working as an intern at American Electric Power, where Phadke was working full-time. More than 32 years later, the colleagues are being recognized for collectively revolutionizing the engineering field, according to the Franklin Institute's Web site.
Phadke explained that they studied what could be done to reduce the frequency of blackouts and make them "less of a catastrophe."
The two worked toward stabilizing power grids by helping to develop and implement microprocessor controllers in worldwide power systems. Power grids are a system of interconnected electricity generation stations throughout the United States. With the world using more electrical power than ever before, power grids have grown exponentially.
To keep up with the expansion, Phadke and Thorp have created tools for measuring grids, as well as methods for quickly responding if there are problems with them. Before the early 1980s, devices for protecting power grids merely monitored and recorded voltage and current. By replacing these devices with computers, Phadke and Thorp made it possible for units to recognize problems, relay them to a central machine and adapt accordingly.
Thorp explained that the researchers introduced "little computers into the job of protecting the power system in the beginning."
"It was an act of faith because computers were so big and unreliable," Thorp said.
Although Thorp's five-year term as department head will be complete in 2009 and Phadke retired four years ago from his teaching position, both men continue to contribute to their field through research.
Currently, they are working on a Chinese-funded research project to improve the reliability of the worldwide electric grid system. Thorp said that with China's population boom came the need for their power system "to grow at the same rate."
Both are also working for the California Energy Commission to find out how they can use the new technology.
"They have a history of frequent catastrophic events," Phadke said.
They plan to continue working on these projects for at least the next four years.
Both former professors received their Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Thorp from Cornell University in 1962 and Phadke from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964. Both had completed undergraduate work in the same field.
"I was an undergraduate when the first satellite went up," Thorp said. "(The field) became more interesting and it kept me in graduate school."
Phadke said that his professors, who were "really enthusiastic about the subject," drew him to the field.
Almost 50 years after Thorp was solidifying his major in college, he was trying to hold back the excitement at hearing he had won the Franklin Award. The Franklin Institute contacted Thorp with the news first.
"I wanted to tell Arun, but they wanted to tell him themselves," Thorp said. "They told us last June, but it was a secret until March 1."
The Franklin Institute, which has presented awards since 1824, compiles a list of the greatest scientists, engineers and technological advancers.
"It serves our mission — just encouraging excellence and recognizing the impacts of these people," said Stefanie Cerulli, communications manager for the Franklin Institute.
"It's always a pleasure to be recognized by your colleagues and peers," Phadke said.
