Power Electronics Research Group
Research in the Power Electronics Group is focused on the development and experimental validation of new state of the art power electronic converters for such demanding applications as rolling stock, automotive, telecom and renewable energy systems. Key research directions include synthesis of new converter topologies, development of special control and protection algorithms, implementation of new components and elaboration of design guidelines to further improve the efficiency, power density, reliability and flexibility of the on-market power electronic converters. Other research activities are concentrated on the development of power flow control algorithms and new supervision, fault detection, protection and communication methods for the electronic power distribution networks (Micro- and SmartGrids).
Research and development of power electronic converters and auxiliary systems for rolling stock applications:
- Traction and auxiliary converters for light rail vehicles
- High-voltage IGBT based converters for electric and diesel-electric locomotives and/or trains
- Remote control, diagnostics and data communication systems
Research and development of power electronic converters for renewable energy systems:
- Power conditioning units for fuel cells and solar panels
- Integrated multiport converters for hydrogen based long- term energy storages
- Power electronic transformers (solid state transformers)
- Interface converters for small- or medium-scale wind turbines
Research of advanced converter topologies (Z-source converters, high gain step-up converters, etc.) and state of the art components (SiC and GaAs diodes, planar magnetics, high-voltage IGBTs, etc.)
- Well experienced and dynamic team of young researchers and engineers (6 senior researchers, 1 engineer and 4 full-time PhD students)
- Long-lasting experience in applied design of power electronic converters for different power ranges and applications
- Since October 2011, the group is the European Competence Centre of Power Electronics and an active member of European Centre for Power Electronics (ECPE)
- Strong record of scientific publications (over 60 annually published research papers)
- Project-based PhD programs with research oriented theses
- Strong relations and cooperation with Estonian and Baltic industrial companies
- Strong relations with European universities and research institutions
- Modern laboratory facilities and infrastructure:
- Active participation in EU funded programs and joint research projects
- development of power electronics converters and topologies
- development of computer simulation models
- development and testing of device prototypes
- development of control, communication and protection algorithms of micro and smart grids
LABORATORY SERVICES
- power converter testing
- simulation of solar panels
- electrical quality measurements
Contact:
Dmitri VINNIKOV
dmitri.vinnikov@taltech.ee
6203705