Protection · ML
Ongoing
Coordination of Protection
Predicting the most efficient relay setting groups for IEDs, from grid topology, SCADA telemetry, and machine learning.
- SCADA
- Topology data
- ML
- IEDs
Grid Operations · SCADA · IoT · FPGA
Building data-driven tools for utilities from ADMS, GIS, and legacy operational systems.
I'm Josué Aldana, an Electrical Engineer working at the intersection of power systems and data engineering. As a Grid Operations Analyst at a power distribution utility, I work with SCADA, ADMS and GIS data while building ETL pipelines from legacy operational tools like fuse management systems and switching order applications, to support future machine learning in distribution operations. In parallel, I collaborate with universities on embedded systems R&D, with IEEE published work in near-space electronics, UHF/LoRa communications, and IoT.
01 — Work
Experience & project work
Engineering work across grid protection & operations, and high-altitude balloon (HAB) missions.
OpenDSS · ADMS
Ongoing
Grid Operations
Designing switching maneuvers by fusing topology, SCADA state, telemetry, and operations history in OpenDSS, with a scoring method to weigh each maneuver's impact and constraints.
- OpenDSS
- ADMS
- SCADA
- Python
RF · GA
Done
RF Planning
A genetic algorithm that places RF concentrators on existing utility poles (from GIS data), minimizing tower count while maximizing SCADA coverage of the IED fleet.
- Genetic algorithms
- RF coverage
- GIS
- SCADA
HAB · Trajectory
Done
High-Altitude Balloon Trajectory Simulations
Simulating high-altitude balloon flight (ascent, burst, descent) to plan missions and estimate recovery zones.
- HAB
- Trajectory modeling
- Mission planning
HAB · EPS/OBC
Ongoing
High-Altitude Balloon Electronics: EPS, OBC & Payload
Building the power system, on-board computer, and payload electronics for a high-altitude balloon mission with COTS parts, Li-ion batteries, and Arduino-based TinyML.
- COTS
- Li-ion
- Arduino
- TinyML
LLM · STEAM
Ongoing
Local LLM-Based Laboratory
Local LLMs that grant on-demand access to development boards, making hands-on STEAM learning easier to set up.
- Local LLMs
- STEAM education
- Dev boards
FPGA Learning
Ongoing
Project-based learning with ZedBoard
Building projects with ZedBoard using the Vivado suite, with accompanying lab notes and documentation.
- FPGA
- APSoC
- Zynq-7000
Currently learning
- FPGA · ZedBoard
- OpenDSS
- Demand forecasting (ML)
- Maneuver design
- AI tooling
Snapshot
Focus
Grid Protection & Operations · HAB / Aerospace Systems
Toolbox
Python · OpenDSS · STM32 / ESP32
Training
RF Site Optimization w/ GA (UTP) · Industrial Wireless Networks (GE Vernova)
Recognition
8 IEEE Publications · Best Graduate 2023
03 — Research
Publications & research interests
8 peer-reviewed IEEE conference papers, spanning HAB systems engineering, RF under environmental disturbance, and applied computer vision.
Current research lines
- HAB systems engineering Power-system design, operating-area estimation, and antenna/comms selection for near-space missions, following a Vee-model systems-engineering process.
- RF under environmental disturbance How ionization and volcanic activity affect 915 MHz LoRa links, and UHF antenna selection on regulated frequencies for near-space missions.
- Applied computer vision & ML Deep-learning segmentation for coffee-cultivation shade estimation, and a computer-vision/IoT platform for automatic waste classification.
Profiles
Topics include HAB mission design, UHF/LoRa/Iridium communications, electromobility policy in Central America, and AI in education, presented at IEEE CONCAPAN, CONESCAPAN, and related conferences.
04 — Contact
Let's build something
Open to collaborating on grid protection & operations, HAB/near-space systems, and applied research. Reach me below.