The Electric Power and Drives (E-PAD) Group provides a forum for fundamental and transformative research in various facets of electrical energy conversion. Our particular focuses are on the design and control of electric machines and power converters, and their applications in energy and transportation systems.
The working group focuses on the development of sustainable energy systems and devices, including solar/wind energy generation, battery energy storage and their thermal management, green hydrogen generation, electric power machines, metamaterials, and energy harvesting technologies.
Our previous projects have included the research and development of functional materials, design and prototyping of energy devices, design, prototyping and test of renewable energy systems, including projects:
- Power electronics control system for green hydrogen generation (Innovate UK, KTP, Ealing Council)
- Concentrate PV (CPV) using multijunction PV (Innovate UK)
- Hybrid solar cooker for heat and electricity generation (Innovate UK)
- Development of micro- energy harvesting devices (EPSRC, BAE Systems)
- Energy harvesting technologies for railway applications (HS2)
- Electric vehicle wireless charging and renewable energy integration (EPSRC)
We aim to provide a complete research solution covering materials research, design of devices and systems, prototyping, testing and demonstration. These utilise our cross-disciplinary expertise in materials, electrical, mechanical, mechatronic, rapid prototyping and system engineering, in order to develop sustainable technologies in different TRLs.
Our facilities and experience include:
- Electronic and electrical testing
- Rapid prototyping with 3D printing and CNCs
- Materials fabrication including ball milling, plasma coating, inkjet and screen-printing circuit, embroidery circuit, and high-voltage poling
- Solar simulators
- Providing innovative vibration and acoustic solutions for the energy systems and applications
