Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS)
POETS is a multi-state, multi-organization, group that focuses on the “clear and long-term trend toward increased electrification in all modes of mobility and transport.” To push innovation in this direction, POETS recognizes “a strong need to increase the power-to-weight or power-to-volume ratio for such electrified components.” POETS has several field sites among its organizational membership, however the University of Illinois has a new, million-dollar test-bed facility right here on campus. Faculty members from the Power & Energy group, as well as many others, have current research applications there and often split their time between their regular laboratories and the POETS Research & Development Center (PRDC). PRDC hosts modular testbed facilities which allow for high-power testing of electrical systems such as motors, drives, power electronics, and batteries. The Center Director is Power & Energy Professor Kiruba Haran.
