Autonomous Systems

The aim of this research is to develop cooperative multi-agent learning and adaptive control methodologies in the presence of various uncertainties. In absence of a leader, each agent navigates independently.

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Machine Drives

This research focuses on the development of next generation of AC machine drives mainly for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) and Induction Machines (IM).

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Power Conversion

A variety of innovative power conversion systems are implemented on different types of converters: multilevel rectifiers/inverters, matrix converters, and other emerging topologies.

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Energy Storage

Efficient energy storage is instrumental in meeting future energy needs. This research focuses on diagnosis and prognosis methods for energy storage devices like batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.

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Sponsors
Carleton University
NSERC
NSERC
NSERC

Description

In most existing mechatronic systems, maximizing stiffness to minimize vibration and achieve good motion control accuracy is a key element in their design. This high stiffness is achieved by using heavy material and a bulky design. Hence, the existing heavy rigid mechatronic systems are known to be inefficient in terms of power consumption and operational speed. In order to improve such systems, reducing the weight and increasing speed of operation are required. Therefore, light-weight mechatronic systems have received a thorough attention lately, thanks to their better maneuverability, higher operational speed, power efficiency, lower cost, and larger number of applications. However, controlling such systems still faces numerous challenges that need to be addressed before they can be used in abundance in everyday real-life applications. The severe nonlinearities, varying operating conditions, structured and unstructured dynamical uncertainties, and external disturbances, are among the typical challenges to be faced with when dealing with such often ill-defined systems. Additionally, these autonomous systems should be conscious of the impact of their operation on energy usage and components' lifespan.

Description

AC machines proved to be the solution to application which requires high torque density, high precision, wide speed range and efficiency such as electric vehicles and power generation. Although these machines are designed to produce high torque per volume and constant power over wide speed range, achieving all of these benefits underlays the proper optimum control system based on the behavior of the machines. Since they can be used in various applications, their performance is limited to unknown uncertainties, such as load torque variations and external disturbances. Therefore, efficient control and operation are required to utilize them at the best of their performance.

Description

In the last decade, alternative energy sources such as renewable energies have received a thorough attention and have been considered as a way of fighting climate change. Power generation from sustainable energy sources requires maximum power extraction for optimal energy utilization. This increases the requirements on energy storage and conversion systems, particularly in the presence of highly nonlinear dynamics and continuously variable and unpredictable operating conditions. Therefore, research is essential to accelerate the development of realistic models, health assessment, estimation/prediction algorithms, and advanced control schemes for various multilevel and multiplex power conversion topologies to address industry needs in a variety of applications that include but are not limited to energy generation, power conversion, energy management, electric and intelligent vehicles, and smart grid.

Description

Fuel-cells and lithium-ion batteries along with other emergies battery chemisteries have received an increasing interest from the scientific community. Unlike other types of batteries such as lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH), they offer higher energy efficiency and power density. Moreover, several other advantages such as low steady-state float current, light weight, small size, wide temperature operation range, rapid charge capability, long life cycle, low self-discharge rate, no memory effects, and absence of hydrogen outgassing make them good candidates for many applications such as laptops, mobile phones, and electric vehicles. However, optimal energy utilization and minimization of degradation effects are among the typical challenges to be faced. Energy management systems (EMS) rely on accurate information about the state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), and remainning useful life (RUL) as a inaccurate information might significantly damage the energy storage device and ultimately result in a reduced lifespan.