Power electronics is an effective method of controlling power processing. The major research areas include static power conversion and motion control. The key development is to achieve high efficiency, high power density and high performance systems based on high frequency and soft-switching techniques. This, together with new control methods and new machine and magnetic designs, will form the elements of power electronics innovation. Areas of study include converter topology analysis, switched-capacitor converters, high frequency magnetics, inductive power conversion, high power converters, multi-level converters, power quality control converters, LED lighting, wind power generation, high power photovoltaic energy storage processing, and battery, fuel cell and super capacitor energy management. In the motion ad control areas, switched-reluctance machine design, permanent magnet motor, driver analysis, magnetic gear, resonant inverter drives, robotic control, generator design and control, and wind power processing are promising areas of future development. The Department is also developing new areas of research in electric vehicles, high speed transportation, electric vessels, electric aircraft, alternative energy, medical power electronics, electromagnetic compatibility, DC and high frequency AC power distribution.
The Department is also actively involved in commercial development in automotive engineering. The pioneering works are in the areas of vehicle air-conditioning, solar vehicles, in-wheel motors, vehicle integrated charger and motor drives, high power chargers, wireless chargers, battery management systems, vehicle control units, body integrated energy storage, electric vessels, active suspension, electric braking, autonomous vehicle and drive-by-wire.