Power Electronics and Materials

- Power Electronics

Power electronics is the application of electronic switching devices for efficient conversion and the control of electrical power.

Growing focus on electrification to create a cleaner environment is stimulating demand for different forms of electricity. 

Power electronics is the branch of electrical engineering that deals with the processing of high voltages and currents to provide the electrical power that supports various needs. 

From home electronics to equipment for space applications, these fields require stable and reliable power with the required specifications. One form of power is processed into another form using power semiconductor switching and control mechanisms to provide regulated and controlled power. 

While switch-mode power supplies are a common application in power electronics where power density, reliability and efficiency are critical, motor control is poised for more electrification in transportation systems. Precise control and efficiency are key characteristics for power control applications. 

Therefore, the study of power electronics is multidisciplinary, involving semiconductor physics, electric motors, mechanical actuators, electromagnetic devices, control systems, etc.

The main research topics in power electronics:

• Electronic Circuit
• Silicon Carbide
• Thermal Conductivity
• Capacitor
• Diode
• Gallium Nitride
• Dielectric Material

[Grand Mosque, Sharjah, UAE]

- Power Electronics and Power Systems

The research area of Power Electronics and Power Systems focuses on the efficient conversion, control and management of electric power.

Power electronics, which involves converting electricity from one form to another, plays an important role in various industries. However, a large amount of energy is wasted during power conversion due to low efficiency.

Improving the efficiency of power conversion systems is critical to reducing energy waste and improving overall performance.

Researchers in this field work to develop cost-effective and efficient power electronics. They focus on optimizing converter topologies, designing advanced control algorithms, and exploring new semiconductor devices to achieve higher efficiencies. Global energy consumption is expected to be reduced by 35% through wider implementation of high-efficiency power electronics.

Power system research in this field focuses on the design and optimization of power systems. It deals with addressing the challenges associated with generation, transmission, distribution and integration of renewable energy. The researchers aim to improve the stability, reliability and flexibility of the power system by considering factors such as load demand, power quality, energy storage and smart grid technology.

In summary, the research field of power electronics and power systems aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of power conversion. Researchers focus on developing efficient technologies and optimizing power systems to reduce energy waste and improve overall performance. Their work helps create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

- Energy Storage and Materials

Energy storage, a technology that may capture and store energy produced at one time and/or certain place for use at a later time and/or another locations, is one of the most critical issues for current society. Energy comes in multiple forms including radiation, chemical, gravitational potential, electrical potential, electricity, elevated temperature, latent heat and kinetic. Energy storage encompasses converting energy from forms that are hard to store to more conveniently or economically storable forms. Bulk energy storage is dominated by pumped hydro, which accounts for 99% of global energy storage.

Efficient energy storage is one of the key points to be solved for a successful development of renewable energies. In addition, the increasing demand for energy sources to power various portable equipment for microelectronics, safety, medical applications, army, smart phones, telecommunications, tools, etc. 

The materials for energy storage applications can be metals, alloys, nonmetallic inorganic materials, organic materials, metal-organic frameworks, or various composites of the above ones. 

[More to come ...]