Eric Udren, MSEE

Eric A. Udren, Executive Advisor, Quanta Technology Expert, has more than 39 years of experience in design and application of protective relaying, control, and communications systems.

He received his BSEE from Michigan State University in 1969, MSEE degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1981, and the Certificate of Post-Graduate Study from Cambridge University (UK) in 1978. In 1969 he joined the Westinghouse Relay Division, where he developed software for the world’s first computer-based relaying system. From 1978 to 1986, he supervised relaying and control software development for the EPRI-sponsored first development of a LAN-based integrated EHV substation protection and control system.

In 1990, with ABB, he led the design of the first interface of a microprocessor protective relay to an optical current sensor for TVA. In 1996, he joined Eaton Electrical (Cutler-Hammer) in Pittsburgh, where he served as Engineering Manager for relays and metering. In 2004, Mr. Udren joined KEMA (US) as Senior Principal Consultant where he developed the technical strategy for some of the most progressive utility LAN-based substation protection and control upgrading programs using IEC 61850 and other data communications, including technical design for utility enterprise integration of substation information. In 2008, Mr. Udren joined Quanta Technology, LLC of Raleigh, NC as Executive Advisor, developing substation protection and control upgrading strategies for major North American utilities, relay application research and design, and new data communications applications. He maintains his office in Pittsburgh, PA.

Mr. Udren is a Fellow of IEEE, Member of the IEEE Power System Relaying Committee (PSRC), Chair of two Standards Working Groups, and Vice Chair of the Relaying Communications Subcommittee. On two occasions, in 2001 and 2006, he received the PSRC Distinguished Service Award. He serves as Technical Advisor to the US National Committee of IEC for TC 95, Measuring Relays. He also serves as a US Delegate to IEC TC 57 Working Group 10 responsible for IEC 61850. Eric serves on the NERC System Protection and Control Subcommittee, and the NERC Protection System Maintenance Standard Drafting Team. He has written and presented over 60 technical papers and chapters of books on relaying topics, and has taught courses on protection, control, communications, and integration. He holds 8 patents on relaying and power-system communications.

Eric Udren can be reached at eudren@quanta-technology.com