Aldo Boglietti

Emeritus Professor
politecnico di torino, Italy

Presentation Title: “Nikola Tesla vs. Galileo Ferraris: The Discovery of the Rotating Magnetic Field and the First Induction Motor”

ABSTRACT:
The Electrical Engineering history is full of disputes. The most famous is for sure, the dispute known as “The Current War” between the DC current supported by Thomas Edison and the AC currents supported by George Westinghouse. But no less known is the dispute between Nikola Tesla and Galileo Ferraris on the discovery of the rotating magnetic field and the first induction motor. In the web it is possible to find a huge amount of information about the two contending normally focused on the single figures. In this presentation, the comparison between Galileo Ferraris and Nikola Tesla will be approached from a deep analysis of their scientific activities and results, using historic documents and documentation. The comparison will be able to put in evidence and to clarify the position and the role of these pillars of the electrical engineering history.

BIO:
Aldo Boglietti was born in Rome, Italy in 1957. He received the master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Politecnico di Torino, Italy in 1981. He started his research work with the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Politecnico di Torino in 1984 and now he is Full Professor in the same University since November 2000. He has been head of the Electrical Engineering Department of the Politecnico di Torino, for the period 2003-2011. He was elevated as IEEE Fellow in 2012. He is member of the IEEE Industry Applications Society and Industrial Electronic Society. From 2011 to 2013 he was Chair of IEEE IAS Electrical Machine Committee. From 2009 to 2010 he was Chair of IEEE IES Electrical Machines Committee. In 2018 he was recognized of the ICEM John Tegopoulos Distinguished Award for the outstanding services to the Electrical Machines Community and in 2020 he was recognized of the ICEM Arthur Ellison Outstanding Achievement Award. He got 8 paper awards for IEEE and ICEM publications and he is co-authors of the book “Cooling of Rotating Electrical Machines: Fundamentals, modelling, testing and design”, IET Publication Year: 2022. In 2024 he was got the IEEE Nikola Tesla award with the motivation “For contributions to the magnetic and thermal modeling, design, and characterization of electrical machines”. Aldo Boglietti is a pioneer in the analysis and characterization of magnetic materials with inverter supply, the thermal modeling and thermal model identification of electrical machines and in the loss analysis in inverter fed electrical machines.

Jim Benke

Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI)

Presentation Title: “Why Expert OEM Field Services Matter More Than Ever: Addressing Aging Infrastructure and Lead Time Challenges in the North American Transmission and Distribution Utility Market“

ABSTRACT:

Aging infrastructure, extended supply-chain lead times, and retiring utility workforce personnel are redefining priorities within the United States transmission and distribution utility sector. Field service capabilities have become essential to sustaining system resilience, minimizing operational risk, and managing long-term lifecycle costs. As an example, with more than 70% of large power transformers exceeding 25 years in service and replacement lead times for critical assets averaging 3–6 years, power utilities must focus on proactive maintenance, rapid response, and modernization strategies. OEM field service providers are uniquely equipped to deliver technical expertise, lifecycle support, and strategic partnership to T&D utilities, navigating today’s challenges.

BIO:
James Benke is a Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. (MEPPI), where he leads strategic growth initiatives, investment analysis, and new business development across power grid infrastructure, data center markets, and service portfolios within the North American energy sector. In his role, he is responsible for evaluating major investments, technology roadmaps, and new service‑based business models that support long‑term grid reliability and electrification. He brings more than 30 years of engineering, program leadership, and product development experience, with a career spanning advanced power protection technologies, medium-voltage and high‑voltage equipment, and lifecycle service solutions. Mr. Benke is a named inventor on more than twenty U.S. patents, primarily in the areas of power protection, switching devices, fuse technologies, and electrical safety systems, reflecting sustained innovation across utility, industrial, and mission‑critical applications. His work has contributed to improved reliability, maintainability, and safety of electrical infrastructure deployed worldwide. In addition to his industry leadership, Mr. Benke has engaged in collaborative technology development with research institutions and national laboratories, supporting the transfer of advanced concepts into practical, deployable power solutions. He is an active IEEE / CIGRE member and regularly supports technical forums that bridge applied engineering, digitalization, and emerging grid technologies. Mr. Benke holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in Technology Management, combining deep technical expertise with business and innovation leadership.

Tim Woolmer

YASA LTD. (MERCEDES-BENZ GROUP), UNITED KINGDOM
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION FOUNDER AND CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Presentation Title: “Pushing the Boundaries of Electrification in Electric & Hybrid Vehicles”

Abstract:

The YASA topology was first introduced to the academic community in 2007 through Dr Woolmer’s DPhil research. Since then, the technology has advanced significantly, both in its underlying engineering principles and in its successful industrialisation. Most notably, YASA machines are now widely deployed in high-performance hybrid and electric vehicles, enabling new powertrain architectures, reducing vehicle mass, and improving overall system efficiency. This presentation will explore the key technical challenges associated with the topology, the breakthroughs required for its commercialisation, and the role it continues to play in pushing the boundaries of vehicle electrification.

BIO:
Tim Woolmer, with over 20 years of distinguished experience in electric machine innovation and advanced powertrain technologies, currently serves as Founder and Chief Technology Officer of YASA, a high-performance electric motor manufacturer and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz. In this capacity, he leads the development of next-generation axial-flux electric motor technologies, driving innovation programs that support the electrification of premium automotive and emerge g aerospace applications through close collaboration with global OEMs and industrial partners. Within Mercedes-Benz, his work focuses on the maturation and industrialization of breakthrough motor technologies delivering world-leading power density, efficiency, and sustainability benefits. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in landmark electrification programs, overseeing the transition of advanced research from academic concepts to series-production solutions adopted by leading automotive manufacturers. In parallel, he has contributed extensively to the wider engineering community through patents, peer-reviewed publications, and the successful spin-out of aerospace-focused technology initiatives. He holds a DPhil (PhD) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Oxford, where he also completed a master’s degree in engineering, specializing in electric machine design, and has built his career at the intersection of deep technical expertise, industrial innovation, and technology leadership.

Fabio Ruta, Leonardo S.P.A., Italy

AERONAUTICS DIVISION
STRATEGY AND INNOVATION, HEAD OF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Presentation Title: “Sustainable Regional Aviation: Technology Pathways and Implementation Challenges“

ABSTRACT:

Environmental pollution demands urgent global action. Civil aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, rising to 4% when including NOx, and 12% of transport-related impact. As air traffic grows, the industry is pursuing smart, clean solutions to turn technological disruptions into sustainable opportunities. Given the diversity of aircraft types, no “one-size-fits-all” solution exists. Consequently, Leonardo co-founded the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, Europe’s largest research program. This initiative focuses on innovations to reduce regional aircraft emissions by at least 30% compared to 2020 levels. These efforts are vital for achieving climate-neutral aviation by 2050, balancing community wellbeing with global mobility. This presentation outlines key technological initiatives and the roadmap for ultra-efficient regional aviation. It highlights the development, integration, and validation of promising aircraft architectures and on-board systems, featuring demonstration gates aimed at reaching a neutral environmental impact.

BIO:
Fabio Ruta, with over 25 years of distinguished experience in the Aerospace & Defence sector, currently serves as the Head of Advanced Research Programs for the at Leonardo company. In this capacity, he is leading the aeronautic innovation programs with a vast portfolio of civil and military technology research projects within national and international frameworks. Under the European Commission’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, in Leonardo Aeronautics Division he manages technology maturation projects for a sustainable regional air transport with a broad network of institutional, scientific and industrial partners. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles in landmark aerospace programs, and he has represented Leonardo at the highest levels in European boards, including the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) governing board and ASD (European Aerospace and Defence Industries Association) air sector group, and NATO industrial advisory group. He holds a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic of Turin and has completed executive specializations in aeronautical engineering, advanced project management, and organizational leadership at distinguished international universities.