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30th IEEE

Power Electronics Specialist Conference

Charleston, South Carolina

The 1999 Power Electronics Specialists Conference (PESC), sponsored by the IEEE Power Electronics Society, will be held at Charleston Place, Charleston, South Carolina, USA from June 27 - July 1, 1999. PESC provides an international forum for specialists in power electronics to present papers on progressive topics in this quickly-evolving field. PESC promotes interdisciplinary discussions of the latest advances in the field of power electronics.

In Memorium

The IEEE Power Electronics Society notes with great sadness the loss of Dr. Richard M. Bass, PELS Treasurer and Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, in an automobile accident near Valdosta, Georgia on the night of April 13, 1999. (more)

By unanimous vote the PELS AdCom has named the "Richard M. Bass Outstanding Young Power Electronics Engineer" Award in the honor of Dick Bass. The first presentation will take place at the PESC '99 Awards Banquet.

Preliminary Program

Download the PESC '99 Preliminary Program
This file contains all the information on this page in a format that you can print
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Welcome to Charleston

On behalf of the IEEE Power Electronics Society, welcome to the 30th IEEE Power Electronics Specialists Conference in Charleston, one of the oldest cities in the United States. Charles Town (Charleston) was founded at its present site in 1680. The city has a rich history and played important roles in the early economic development and eventual War of Independence that created the United States. Later, Charleston served as a focal point for political activism and military action that began the US Civil War. The conference site, Charleston Place, is a European styled hotel that is in the middle of the historic district of the city. Many art galleries, antique stores, restaurants, live music, historical homes, and other historical sites are all within easy walking distance around the hotel.

PESC continues its tradition as a forum for long-term innovation and original approaches to power conversion problems. This annual meeting is for all engineers and researchers who work or are interested in future developments of power electronics. The 29 technical sessions are our most important activity, but you should be aware that the conference also includes three formal Tutorial Sessions, three informal Rap Sessions, and an industrial tour program.

The final program and Record contains 201 papers, selected from 362 submitted digests through a rigorous review process. Our ten Topic Chairs worked with 187 reviewers worldwide to select the program. The Organizing Committee extends thanks to the authors and reviewers. Your participation and interest are appreciated.

Wednesday will be capped by a banquet at Boone Hall, a historical Southern plantation. The evening's entertainment will include live music and other surprises. On Thursday, we will gather for the Annual Awards Luncheon of the Power Electronics Society. The William E. Newell Award, the highest honor bestowed in the field of power electronics, is traditionally given out at this event. Other major awards include the Young Power Electronics Engineer and the Outstanding Service Awards.

On Friday, several industrial tours are available. These tours include a visit to the Square D Company - Groupe Schneider plant, where conventional industrial switchgear and electronic variable speed drives are manufactured. Another tour is through the co-generation facility at Westvaco Paper Corporation.

We look forward to seeing you in Charleston at PESC'99!

Jerry L. Hudgins
General Chair

Rene Spee
Technical Program Chair

Registration Information

Advance registration discounts are available if your form is received by May 27, 1999. The advance fees are US$390 for IEEE members, $490 for non-members, $80 for Life Members, and $80 for students with valid ID. After May 27, the fees are $440 for members, $560 for non-members, and $100 for Life Members and students. Full registration includes admittance to all technical and rap sessions, printed and CD-ROM copies of the Proceedings, the Welcoming Reception, Banquet at Boone Hall, and the Awards Luncheon. Reduced rate and student registrations include the Proceedings, Reception, and Awards Luncheon, but not the Banquet. Awards Luncheon and Banquet Tickets, and additional printed and CD-ROM versions of the Proceedings, will be available for purchase at the conference. The additional Proceedings will be available for purchase on Tuesday, June 29.

Spouses do not require a registration fee, and may attend technical sessions, rap sessions, and the Welcoming Reception as guests of the Conference. Extra tickets for the Banquet ($65 each) and Awards Luncheon ($35 each) can be purchased for guests. Children of conference registrants and guests are required to have tickets to attend the Wednesday Evening Banquet or Thursday Awards Luncheon. The conference hotel can assist in arranging babysitting services.

The Tutorial Sessions are available to all registrants for a supplemental fee. The advance registration fees are $75 for members, $110 for non-members, and $50 for Life Members and students. After May 27, the fees are $100 for members, $135 for non-members, and $50 for Life Members and students. The tutorial fee covers admission to one session and a workbook. Each tutorial must be registered for separately.

The registration booth is located on the second floor at the top of the grand staircase rising from the hotel lobby. Conference registration is open from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, checks, money orders, and cash are acceptable as payment. Advance registration forms should be sent with payment and with all items completed.

IEEE PESC99
3685 Motor Ave.
Suite 240
Los Angeles, CA 90034-5750 USA
Telephone: 1-310-287-1463
FAX: 1-310-287-1851
e-mail: bob.myers@ieee.org

Conference Registration Form (2 pages)

(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file)
The cutoff date for advance registration is May 27, 1999

Hotel Information

The conference site is the Charleston Place Hotel, an Orient Express Hotel, in the middle of the historic district of Charleston (map). The location of the hotel is perfect for viewing historic sites, museums, art galleries, antique stores, and dining in varied fine restaurants; all within walking distance. Technical sessions for the conference, as well as the Guest Hospitality Suite are located on the second floor, near the conference registration desk.

A special rate of $159 per night, single or double occupancy, has been secured for PESC attendees. Additional persons are $20 per night. Use the attached reservation form, or be sure to mention IEEE-PESC when contacting the hotel. The special rate is guaranteed if you make your reservations by May 27. After that date, the rate is subject to room availability.

Hotel Contact Information:

Charleston Place
130 Market Street
Charleston, SC 29401-3133 USA
Telephone: 1-843-722-4900
Toll-Free: 1-800-611-5545
FAX: 1-843-724-7215

Hotel Reservation Form

(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file)
The cutoff date for advance room reservations is May 27, 1999

Site and Travel Information

Charleston (Charles Towne) is the oldest and most visible city in South Carolina. When people think of Charleston they think of pastel stucco townhouses with wrought-iron railings, fine restaurants, and cobblestone streets. Her charm and beauty have long proven to be irresistible. You'll see it in the lacy trim of her breezy piazzas, and feel it in the spirit of her rich heritage. A port city steeped in history, barely changed since its founding in 1670. Here you'll find the very best of the South. A genteel nature, so inviting, so gracious, and an indomitable strength that has proudly withstood great fires, earthquakes, pirate rogues, a civil war and a hurricane with little more than a bat of an eye.

The history buff loses himself in Charleston. From the Battery to Fort Sumter to the historic Dock Street Theatre (1805), Charleston has played host to some of our country's most important happenings. It was in Charleston that the British stationed its headquarters during the American Revolution, the Southern plantation culture flourished, and the Confederacy fired shots upon Fort Sumter to begin the War Between the States. Much of the history remains rooted in the wood of the old oaks and architecture of the city. Cathedral spires point above the third-story porches of townhouses that sit side-by-side in Charleston's Battery by the harbor's edge.

A mix of old and new, Charleston gets better with age. Come wander along the cobblestone streets, smell the sea breeze, explore antique shops and boutiques and treat yourself to delicious fresh seafood. Come experience the Charleston area- her streets, her homes, her people.

Charleston Weather

Charleston in late June is usually warm and can be humid, though sea breezes help keep the city cool. The average temperature during the day is 80-90 F (27-31 C) and nighttime 70-80 F (21-26 C). Afternoon thunderstorms can arise suddenly, but usually do not last long. Lightweight, comfortable clothes are recommended for outdoor activities along with comfortable walking shoes. A sweater or light-weight jacket for air-conditioned buildings or unexpected cooler evenings is suggested. Don't forget a small umbrella and sunscreen.

Travel Information

Centrally located on the east coast, Charleston, SC is easily accessible by air, land and sea. The Charleston International Airport is served by Comair, Continental, Delta Midway, and USAir, with dozens of flights arriving and departing daily. Rental cars*, limousine service and taxis are available. A-Airport Express (shuttle service to downtown) $10.00 for the first person and $8.00 for each additional person, reservations required (800) 320-8348. Low Country Limo provides service to downtown at about $7.00 per person, reservations are required (843) 767-7111. Taxi rates to downtown are approximately $10.00 for the first person and $3.00 for each additional person.

Land travelers will find that I-26, which connects with I-20, I-40, I-77, I-85, and I-95, leads directly into the heart of Charleston. US Highway 17, a coastal north-south route, also runs directly through Charleston. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery instead of driving, Amtrak offers rail service to Charleston.

The conference has arranged for special air carrier discounts with Delta. There is a standard discount of 5% off the lowest applicable published fare with an extra 5% discount if ticketed 60 days prior to departure. Arrangements can be made directly with Delta, through your travel agent, or through:

Columbia Travel
224 O'Neal Court, Suite 18
Columbia, SC 29223
1 (800) 874-7321
FAX (803) 699-0005

Be sure to mention IEEE-Power Electronics Specialists Conference 1999. The Delta file number is 127004A.

Directions by car from the airport to the conference hotel

International Boulevard, bear left onto Dorchester Road (HWY 642 East). Bear left onto West Montague Avenue, then bear right onto I 26 East. Bear to left and exit on US HWY 52 East (Meeting Street), turn right onto Meeting Street (US HWY 52) travel straight on Meeting Street for about 1.2 miles to Charleston Place Hotel. Hotel is on the right (corner of Meeting Street and Market Street).

Author Services

Paper presenters should plan to attend the Author's Breakfast, beginning at 7:15 am on the day of their session. At this breakfast, biographical information will be gathered by Session Chairs, and final arrangements for sessions will be discussed. Each session room will be equipped with an overhead projector, 35 mm slide projector, screen, and pointer. A computer-operated overhead display unit can be reserved with advance notice. If you have special audio-visual requirements, please contact the Program Chair as soon as possible. An extra charge might be involved if highly specialized equipment is requested.

A presenter's preparation room will be available during registration hours Monday through Thursday. Slide carousels will be available for checkout. The hotel operates a business center that provides copying and other services weekdays.

Guest Services

A Guest Lounge will be provided (look for the sign at the registration table), with light refreshments morning and afternoon. In the Lounge, there will be information about area attractions, Charleston's history, gardens, walking tour guide books, as well as discount tickets to take a carriage tour (a "must do" Charleston treat). The Lounge will be staffed with a knowledgeable individual who can assist with everything from restaurants to shopping to transportation.

Kids Program

The hotel offers a wonderful "Kids Program" for hotel guests only. Be sure to ask about it at the registration desk. This program is for children who are two years and older. Children must be potty-trained. The hotel also has available a list of bonded and licensed babysitters for evening events. Guests are encouraged to make babysitting arrangements for their children during the Wednesday evening banquet.

Guest Tours

Monday, June 28, 1999
Charles Towne Landing

9:00-Noon Cost $29.00 per person. Private Guide and transportation included.

An unusual park located on the site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. Take a tram ride guided tour of the original 1670 fortification. Board a replica of a 17th-century trading ketch, explore seven miles of pathways through beautiful English park gardens, walk through the enclosed pathways of the animal forest, and view the Settlers' Life Area where 17th-century herbs and plants are grown. This tour is great for children of all ages.

Charleston Walking Tour

2:00-4:00 PM Cost $24.00 per person. Private Guide included.

Enjoy a wonderful tour of the beautiful historic downtown district of Charleston. Begin your walking tour with a private guide. You may visit St. Phillip's Episcopal Church, St. Michael's (circa 1752), the Elizabeth O'Neil Verner studio/museum and many other historic landmarks as well as several beautiful gardens.

Tuesday, June 29, 1999

Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens

9:00-12:30 PM Cost $52.00 per person. Includes round-trip transportation and private guide.

Middleton Place is an 18th century river plantation and national Historic Landmark. Home of Henry Middleton, President of the First Continental Congress, and his son, Arthur, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it has never been deeded out of the family. The Gardens, begun by Henry Middleton in 1741, reflect the symmetry and elegance of 17th century France and 18th century England and are the oldest formal gardens in this country. The plantation Stable-yards preserves the day-to-day world of the rice and cotton eras. Enjoy ongoing craft demonstrations by the blacksmith, potter, basket weaver, quilters and carpenter. (This tour includes both the gardens and the plantation house.)

Wednesday, June 30, 1999

Fort Sumter Tour

8:45-12:30 PM Cost $28.00 per person. Includes round-trip transportation to the City Marina and private guide.

Arrive at the City Marina and board the Fort Sumter boat, which will take you to the famous man-made island, Fort Sumter. The fort is a National Monument, administered by the National Park Services and marks the site where the Civil War began. Located in Charleston's Harbor, it is only accessible by boat, and features an excellent museum containing priceless exhibits. The National Park Service's has many historians conducting interesting and informative tours. In addition to a visit to Fort Sumter, you will enjoy a complete tour of Charleston Harbor, viewing many points of interest.

Thursday, July 1, 1999

Patriots Point and Maritime Museum

9:00-11:30 AM Cost $35.00. Includes round-trip transportation and private guide.

The World's largest naval museum, this guided tour at Patriots Point Maritime Museum features aircraft missiles, guns and mines. The tour also has the Aircraft Carrier "Yorktown"; Destroyer "Laffey"; DD-459 Submarine "Clamagore"; Coast Guard Cutter "Ingham"; and the River Patrol Board, used in South Vietnam.

Special Events

Welcoming Reception

The Welcoming Reception will be held Sunday evening from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and is open to all attendees and guests. Be sure to pick up your conference badge for admission. This is a wonderful time of fellowship and will provide the opportunity to see old friends or make new acquaintances. Refreshments and samples of local cuisine will be provided.

Breakfasts

For attendees and guests registered at the Charleston Place Hotel only a continental breakfast will be provided each morning. Food will be available between 7 and 8:30 AM each morning from Sunday through Friday. Coupons will be given upon registration. Please note that a separate breakfast is held for presenters.

Southern Banquet

On Wednesday evening, buses will leave the hotel beginning at 6:30 PM for a twenty-five minute ride to Boone Hall Plantation. Enjoy the Avenue of Oaks as you enter to begin a tour through the house. Guests can walk the grounds and see the historic buildings and dock. While touring the grounds, jazz music and refreshments will be aplenty. Later, a low country buffet dinner will be served under tent. At the end of dinner, the Plantation Singers will perform Songs of the South for our enjoyment. Please don't be concerned about Northern aggressors, because Confederate soldiers will be on patrol during the festivities.

One ticket to the banquet is included with each full regular registration. Additional tickets may be purchased for $65 each. Anyone attending must have a ticket. Buses will begin the return trip at 10:30 PM.

Awards Luncheon

The annual IEEE Power Electronics Society Awards Luncheon will be held at noon on Thursday to honor technical and service contributions to our profession. These awards include the highest honor given in the field of power electronics, the Newell Award. Each registration includes a luncheon ticket. Additional tickets for guests can be purchased for $35 each.

Conference Schedule

Download the PESC '99 Conference Schedule
(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file)

Program for PESC '99

Technical Program
Tutorials
Rap Sessions
Industrial Tours

Charleston Links

Conference Committee

Program Committee Meeting

Saturday, December 12, 1998 in San Diego, CA

PESC Past and Future

Call for Papers

Note: The deadline has passed and submissions are no longer being accepted. This link is here for reference only.

Call

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Abstract submission form

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