Pranav Agarwal Email & Phone Number

San Francisco Bay Area

San Ramon, California, United States

Schenectady, New York

Brought unique capability of deep technical acumen combined with systems and product level thinking to drive direction of NTIs on multiple product platforms. Shaped controls and operability technology strategy and NTI roadmap for GE Onshore Wind. Led a horizontal team in loads and operability, consisting of engineering, global research and product line to coordinate execution of Controls NTIs

Niskayuna

Technical and program leadership for $2M, 3-year program with a globally distributed team of 7 research scientists, developing control solutions to mitigate extreme and fatigue loads in turbine blades and tower, by developing algorithms utilizing new sensors in wind turbine. Developed technical solutions, mentored the team, performed sensor downselection, conducted value analysis, IP landscaping & reviewed and documented results.

* Technical Leader, Extreme Event Monitoring and Controls ProgramTechnical leadership for $1.65M program with a team of 7 research scientists in 3 continents. Architected and introduced two new concepts in wind turbine controls resulting in ~10% reduction in extreme loads on wind turbines. Developed technical solutions, mentored the team, scoped the IP landscape, reviewed and documented results, coordinating closely with GE Wind to transition the technology into product. The solution was introduced into three turbine platforms in 2015 and has become de-facto control solution since then resulting in value generation of greater than $50M for the company per year. 11 patent applications filed. Received multiple team and individual awards for cutting edge, business significant, new technology introduction and outstanding project leadership.

* Model Based Controls Program (Individual Contributor)Identified a critical gap in wind turbine controls rooted in inherent coupling between rotor and tower dynamics. Leveraged theoretical constructs of multivariable controls to analyze the gap and design algorithm to reduce tower oscillations in a wind turbine. The algorithm is currently in production at GE Onshore Wind and has been pivotal in significant cost reductions for the tower. Received Dushman Award, the highest team award at GE for research directly impacting business revenue.

Zürich Area, Switzerland

* Millipede – High density data storage Initiated and led collaboration between IBM Research Lab-Zurich and University of Minnesota to explore the application of high bandwidth detection algorithms to Millipede ultrahigh density (1 TB/inch^2) storage program at IBM Research Labs. Modality of bit read-write on polymer substrate forced a trade-off between polymer life and read-write bandwidths and my research was focused on breaking this trade-off. Won IBM Ph.D. Fellowship Award (2009-2010), an intensely competitive worldwide program, honoring exceptional Ph.D. students. Extended model based detection methods for electrostatically actuated cantilevers through accurate modeling and characterization. Experimentally demonstrated the feasibility of high bandwidth bit detection.

* Designed and implemented digital signal processing blocks (interpolating filters and modulators) for sigma delta digital to analog convertors. * Experienced in entire digital design flow from front-end design in MATLAB to VHDL coding, synthesis, back end and test chip. * Identified opportunities, initiated and developed process improvements both in front end digital design flow as well as in testing phase, leading to at least 2X reduction in execution time. * Defined and automated synthesis methodology for designs. * Designed and implemented on-chip signal generator for efficient testing of Data Converters. * Defined post fabrication testing methodology using an on-chip signal generator enabling systematic and exhaustive documentation of test results and performed real time testing of several test-chips using audio precision equipment.