Current electric machines research is centered about exploiting the potential of new materials and the optimal utilization of the control capability of modern power electronic converters and real time digital controllers. Although electromechanical energy conversion is one of the oldest areas in electrical engineering, the pace of development in power electronics and digital control provides unique opportunities for development of new types of machines. An area of rapid growth is power electronic driven, high performance electromechanical actuators to replace hydraulic systems in a wide array of aerospace, automotive and other applications.

Faculty: Faculty: Jahns, Lipo, Lorenz, Muetze

Power Electronics

Power electronics is concerned with the control and conversion of electric power for applications ranging from electric vehicle propulsion systems to fuel cell power converters. Driven by the availability of continually improving semiconductor switching devices and the rapid increase in digital control capability, power electronic systems are being applied in ever-increasing numbers in almost all areas of electric energy utilization. Research is being pursued to develop the next generation of Integrated Power Electronics Modules (IPEMs) that will achieve major improvements in performance, cost, and reliability.

Faculty: Jahns, Lasseter, Lipo, Lorenz, Venkataramanan

Power systems research focuses on issues arising from the large-scale generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy. Environmental and economic concerns dictate that power networks be utilized as efficiently as possible, though recent blackouts highlight the importance of maintaining high reliability. These networks are effectively nonlinear circuits on a continental scale. Accordingly, systems are becoming increasingly dependent on sophisticated real time control and computer analysis tools. Newer technologies, such as high current power electronic components, and distributed generation, along with real time electricity pricing and related market activities, are changing the nature of power systems.

Faculty: DeMarco, Dobson, Hiskens, Venkataramanan, Lesieutre

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