The research at the Power Group is in the area of power electronics, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and renewable energy systems. The research is focused on realizing more efficient use of electric energy and exploring the application of new alternative energy sources. Higher efficiency translates to cost saving, stronger economy, and oil independence. The research work related to alternative powered vehicles can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thus improve our environment. However, there are still abundant technical challenges in these areas, such as size, cost, and efficiency. Our research is to tackle these challenges.

The research in this area is to further the understanding of core losses of HEV powertrain motors.

The study look into the energy absorption, interparticle intereaction, and heat transfer of gold nano parrticles for possible treatment of cancer with hyperthermia.

Research in this area covers topics such as modeling and simulation of hybrid powertrain; novel hybrid powertrain topologies; hybrid vehicle testing; cognitive power management of HEV; applications of bond graphs, fuzzy logic, and iterative learning control in antilock braking and traction control of HEV.

Topics in this area include isolated bidirectional DC-DC converters and SiC power converters, with focus on short-time scale pulsed phenomena of power electronic systems. Topology, filtering requirements, switches, switching frequency, electromagnetic interference considerations, thermal management, types of magnetic components, cost, reliability, weight, and volume are among the critical factors of the new system designs.

The research in this area investigate the starting performance of large solid pole motors and laminated pole sychronous motors by means of lumped circuit model, and trasient FEA.

SiC semiconductors have been investigated because they offer outstanding power conversion capabilities, include higher operating temperature, higher switching frequency, and lower power losses that has potential to meet the FCS targets by 2012. Although a variety of power devices based on SiC technology have been demonstrated, SiC based converters have not been fully investigated. One of the facts is that SiC JFETs are normally "ON" devices; therefore, special gate drive circuits needs to be developed. System-level impacts (technical/economical benefits) of using available SiC devices compared with a silicon based converter needs to be studies through design, modeling, prototyping, characterization and testing. Other issues include the development of advanced gate drive circuits and passive components that will be compatible with the high temperature and high switching frequency operation of SiC devices; and advanced thermal management that can fully utilize the system advantages.

The research in this area uses advanced control algorithms such as iterative learning control, fuzzy logic and machine learning to achieve optimimal fuel economy for hybrid electric vehicles.