Power and energy systems research center under the Smart Power Control domain, encapsulates all aspects of electrical energy, innovation in energy generation and delivery, alternative resources, and efficient devices. Research projects focuses on systems and devices for the conversion of energy, transmission and distribution, and use of energy in electrical form. The activity ranges from controls for large utility systems to micro-grids. Electrical energy continues to be the foundation of the modern economy. The growth of solar energy, wind energy, and other resources, combined with trends such as electric and hybrid vehicles will a have profound impact on global society.
The key focus areas are:
Smart grid: The Smart Grid is a combination of hardware, management and reporting software, built atop an intelligent communications infrastructure.
Wireless Power Transfer: Wireless power or wireless energy transmission is the transmission of electrical energy from a power source to an electrical load without man-made conductors. Wireless transmission is useful in cases where interconnecting wires are inconvenient, hazardous, or impossible.
Distributed generation: Distributed generation means power is generated locally, Avoids the losses that occur in transmission over long distances; energy is used locally, Supply is robust, but precautions are required to avoid the local system feeding back the power to grid during maintenance
The research centre also has state of the art equipment for research and teaching on topics in High voltage engineering which is also a VGST for center of excellence in high voltage and power systems.
Research Team:
Dr. B. K. Keshavan, Professor and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Gayathri Devi, Associate Professor
Ms. Jyoti T N, Assistant Professor
Ms. Pankaja (Research scholar)
The Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology under the Power Electronics in Drives and Energy Systems Domain works on harnessing Renewable sources of Energy for utilization and also has ongoing projects on Green Hydrogen, a current topic of interest in sustainable energy usage.
The center has over two kW of installed solar photovoltaic capacity and battery storage with voltage levels up to 230V DC. There is also a 1kW wind generator for experimental work.
The focus areas of ongoing research are on DC micro-grids and peer to peer energy sharing in evolving distribution systems. The center also has the facility to run regenerative tests on motors saving energy during the testing process. Student and funded projects are being carried out in these areas as also power converters for drives and utility interface
Research Team:
Ms. Pushpa K. R., Assistant Professor
Mr. Raghumanth A (Research scholar)
Ms. Ramya A (Research scholar)
Dr. Rex Joseph
Another Center under the PEDES domain is the Center for Hybrid and Electric Mobility. The objective of this center is to facilitate research and projects in the important area of hybrid and electric vehicles. The center also has a student formula electric team, team Vega which provides hands on knowledge to students on building a midsized open cockpit vehicle, including all mechanical and electrical design and safety procedures needed.
Research is also being carried out in developing better electric motors under funded projects and work is also being carried out in improving performance of vehicle batteries including solid state Li Ion cells.
Autonomous and connected vehicles, another emerging area is also a focus technology that is proposed under this center.
Research Team:
Dr. Venkatarangan M J
Dr. Prasanna Kumar C, Associate Professor
Mr. Vadhiraj K P P. Assistant Professor
Ms. Revathy (Research scholar)
Ms. Hema R (Research scholar)
Dr. Rex Joseph