Advanced Electromechanical and Power Electronics Components for Energy Conversion

Research focus

The Peer review has evaluated this group as Good

The research lines concern both the methodological and the technological aspects of converters, machines and electrical drives; specific areas are design and modelling of electrical motors and generators and their control, electronic devices and methodologies, new materials, sensors, transducers, and related topics. The activities include studies about electrical machines, electrical sensors and actuators, power electronics devices and converters, electrical and electronic materials, electrical drives, electrical and electronics technologies, design of electromagnetic and electromechanical components and electrical applications for industry; moreover, fundamental aspects and application problems are investigated related to the energy conversion aiming at making it available in the form, quantity and quality requested from different applications for industry, transportation, buildings, and services, being the energy derived from both standard and renewable sources. Advanced Electromechanical Components for Energy Generation and Drives The research line concerns development, modelling, design and application of novel structures of synchronous electrical machines, equipped with concentrated coil armature windings: the positive features of these electromechanical components concern both constructional advantages (mainly easy, safe and economical manufacture) and operational improvements (high quality of voltage waveforms, no cogging, no torque ripple, high torque/mass ratio). The novelty of this new family of electrical machines has been confirmed by the achievement of an European Patent [1] ([a]) (granted by the Technology Transfer Office of the Politecnico di Milano, Proprietor of the Patent); moreover, these concepts are applicable to a great variety of components, operating both as generators and actuators, with radial or axial flux configuration, for rotating components and linear motion devices, with single or double sided dispositions. The relevant application sectors are: high pole number power generators (wind driven gearless alternators; permanent magnet, field regulated, hydro generators) [10], [18], [28], [29], [34] ([h]); self-starting or inverter driven torque motors [13], [14] ([d]); special industrial actuators [32]; flat and tubular linear components for special automation drives [4]; terrestrial and naval propulsion motors. On these topics, some collaboration contracts with industries are in progress, for research development; moreover, an Italian University Ministry Grant is active (Prin 2005: “Thermal Aspects in Design and Control of Innovative Electrical Drives”). Other significant research activities regarding the electromechanical components concern advanced modelling and optimized design of traditional electrical machines, among which isotropic and salient pole alternators [2] ([b]), [5], [6], [7], [17] ([e]), [20], [21] ([f]), [22], [23] and high speed universal motors [3], [8] ([c]), [9], [11], [12], [19], [24] ([g]), [27]. The studies involve development of refined models, both with circuit and field approach, definition of design algorithms, parameter identification procedures, experimental activities. 76 Power Electronics for Energy Flow Management Development and design of controlled static converters for energy flow management may be considered the main activities of this research line. The typical application fields are: distributed generation systems, high power and dynamics suppliers, high performance electrical drives. The principal efforts are spent, on one hand, on the modulation strategies of modular multiconverter [35], [37], [39], [42], [48], [52], [53], [40] ([i]), [47] ([j]), [49] ([k]); on the other hand on the study of innovative control strategies for the management of the power train in order to increase efficiency of distributed generation system, in a standalone configuration or parallel to the mains [38], [43], [44], [51], [50], [45] ([?]), [54]. The first line of research has led to the definition of the "Smart Modulation Technique for Modular Converters", which is a predictive method, characterized by a constant switching frequency, high dynamics response and high power configurations. The second line of research has led to the start up of a company, spin-off of "Politecnico di Milano", with the aim to realize and promote the scientific results of the research group. On these topics, some collaboration contracts with small and medium enterprises are in progress, for research development; moreover, an Italian University Ministry Grant is active (Prin 2005: “Optimization of conversion in systems for the generation and storage of electric power obtained by renewable resources”). Other significant research activities regarding power electronics and electrical drives concern very low cost drives, linear actuator suppliers and high efficiency converters.

Dipartimento di afferenza

Dipartimento di Elettrotecnica

Docenti afferenti

Full Professors
Mario Ubaldini
Gabrio Superti Furga
Antonino Di Gerlando
Assistant Professors
Stefania Carmeli
Roberto Perini
Gianmaria Foglia