Optimizing Asset Management with SCADA Systems: Leveraging Data for Operational Excellence

Sonal Patel is a national award–winning journalist, who has covered a wide range of technology, business, and policy issues for POWER since 2008. Along with keeping her eye on international matters for the magazine’s monthly Global Monitor section, she contributes in-depth analysis and spot news pieces for POWER and its other media channels. Sonal also surveys, crunches, and visualizes power sector data and trends for inclusion in web and print infographics. She is a graduate of the University of Houston.

Tirelessly working with the expert Emerson team to develop innovative solutions for today's thermal and renewable power industry issues and opportunities by leveraging my 30+ years working in process industries; the majority of which has been working in various engineering roles at a major utility including gas turbine engineering, simple/combined cycle power plant operations, and power plant construction and start-up.

Outside of professional work, I serve my country and community as a group commander and search & rescue pilot in the Civil Air Patrol (USAF Auxiliary) and I enjoy sharing my passion for aviation with others.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Indiana. Currently, John leads the Central Electrical and Controls Engineering team at Duke Energy, where he supports all aspects of Regulated Generation. His extensive experience includes previous roles as Operations Manager and Station Manager for both combined cycle and coal generating stations. Over his career, John has also served in various engineering capacities, providing crucial support to coal and gas generating stations, making him a seasoned expert in the field of power generation.

Kenny Luebbert is a seasoned engineering professional with a diverse background in mechanical engineering, business administration, and project leadership. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, Kenny has cultivated a unique skill set that blends technical expertise with strategic business acumen.

As a registered professional engineer in the state of Kansas, Kenny has demonstrated his commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism and excellence in his field. With over six years of experience as a consulting engineer, he specialized in implementing power plant controls and digital twin/simulation projects, showcasing his proficiency in cutting-edge technologies shaping the energy sector.

Kenny's career trajectory at Evergy exemplifies his dedication and expertise. Over the course of twenty-four years with the company, he has assumed increasingly challenging roles in project and engineering leadership. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Generation Engineering, Kenny leads a dynamic team responsible for supporting a diverse fleet of fossil and renewable generating units. His strategic vision and technical prowess play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of Evergy's power generation operations.

Throughout his career, Kenny Luebbert has demonstrated a passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His breadth of experience, coupled with his commitment to continuous learning, positions him as a respected leader in the energy industry.

Joel has 33 years of industry experience as a Control Systems Project Engineer, Project Manager, Subject Matter Expert, and Consulting Engineer and currently coordinates the Control Systems Lifecycle Strategy Team, the Control Systems Backups Initiative, and the Renewables Control System Guidelines Development at Vistra. He supports Coal, Gas, and Renewables Site Control Systems, Projects, and Fleet Initiatives including Generation Cyber Security and Management of Change. He has been an active member of the Emerson Ovation Users’ Group for 30 years and served in leadership roles on their Executive Board, including: Secretary, Vice-President, and President, and has chaired numerous committees including: Y2K, Internet, Communications, Security, Documentation, Recruitment, and most recently, the Renewables Committee. Joel has presented and participated on Power Industry Panels for the Ovation Users’ Group and the Emerson Exchange on topics including: Stabilizing the Grid & Balancing Intermittent Renewables with Battery Storage, The Future of Power: Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Digitalization, and Lessons Learned on the Leading Edge of Renewables. Joel received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) degree from the University of Illinois and his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Webster University.