Power electronics and renewable energy research
A world-class laboratory established in 2002, ePOWER researchers develop power electronics technology for alternative power generation, power transmission, and power utilization. They apply power electronics in wide range of applications such as photovoltiac (PV) and wind electricity generation, smart-grid, energy storage, electric vehicle, aerospace and information system. Researchers have published in leading journals, presented at prestigious conferences, produced significant intellectual property and performed solid fundamental research and innovative practical applications to benefit industry and society. The ePOWER lab has attracted talented and motivated graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting researchers. Fundamental and applied research conducted at ePOWER is resulting in the development of new energy-efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly power electronic technologies.
Energy and power electronics research in areas such as power semiconductor devices, converter topologies, power management techniques, machine drives, analytical and simulation techniques, application-specific integrated circuit chips and advanced control methods. With growing energy demand, shortage of traditional energy sources and increasingly rigorous environmental standards, work conducted at ePOWER is playing a significant role in combating growing energy costs, conserving energy and protecting the environment.
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Clean technology
- Energy
- Information and communication technologies and media
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Development and Prototype Lab |
QuadTech transformer tester | The lab contains all the equipment required to implement experimental prototypes operating at low to medium power ranges. Equipment in this lab includes oscilloscopes, AC and DC sources, AC and DC loads, high-frequency function generators, power analyzers, and network analyzers. |
| EMI Lab |
| To analyze the conducted EMI and radiated EMI of experimental prototypes. |
| PCB and Magnetics Lab | Magnetic analyzer | Can precisely extract the B-H curve of magnetic materials such as ferrite, powdered cores, etc. |
| PCB and Magnetics Lab | PCB maker | Manufacture 2-layer PCBs |
| PCB and Magnetics Lab | Reflow oven | |
| PCB and Magnetics Lab | Pick-and-place machine | For the assembly and population of the PCB boards |
| Silicon Integration Lab |
| This lab has equipment to manufacture ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), as well as equipment used to solder BGA (ball grid array) packages. |
| Smart-grid Lab |
| Allows researchers to simulate smart nanogrids or microgrids. Four interrelated themes and microgrid platforms: integrating reliable green energy sources within a smart grid; designing reliable microgrids; design of high power energy storage systems; and development of cost-effective electric vehicle battery power electronic technologies able to provide back-up capacity for renewable power generation (i.e. vehicle to grid capability). |
Private and public sector research partners
- Cistel Technology Inc.
- SPARQ Systems Inc.
- Honeywell ASCa Inc.
- Freescale Semiconductor Inc.
- EION Inc.
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| ePOWER video | http://vimeo.com/28311361 |