Lorenz, Robert D.

Professor Lorenz's research focuses on advancing the practical use of modern control and estimation theory in electromechanics. This area is inherently multi-disciplinary. Processor-based control, estimation and signal processing theory link electromagnetic topologies for sensing and power conversion, while the discrete nature of power electronics often provides significant controller design constraints.

One significant focus is motion control for industrial and aerospace applications. In these areas, the dynamic properties of power electronic and electromagnetic conversion to mechanical force or torque often negatively affect the system being controlled. However, these same dynamic properties can be advantageous in improving the robustness of the estimated signals from such systems if they are optimized as part of the design process. Thus, a major current effort is in sensorless design methodologies whereby the sensing, control, electromagnetic and power electronic design are fully integrated to avoid the need for additional sensors.

A second major focus is identifying and controlling nonlinear electro-mechanics and power electronics in industrial, aerospace, and office automation systems. In this area, digital signal processing and estimation techniques, as well as neural network pattern recognition techniques, are investigated. Load dynamics often dominate the control requirements for the power electronics and electromagnetics.

Copyright 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
Date last modified: 11-Feb-2008
Content by: lorenz@engr.wisc.edu
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