Power and energy systems research emphasizes all aspects of electrical energy, innovation in energy generation and delivery, alternative resources, and efficient devices. Research projects address systems and devices for the conversion, delivery, and use of energy in electrical form.

The activity ranges from controls for large utility systems to energy harvesting devices for microsensors. 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.

CONCENTRATIONS

Activity in the Power and Energy Systems Area focuses on the following three topics:

• Power Systems: Concerned with the most economic, most reliable ways to assemble and operate a large electric power network, given its inherent nonlinearities and uncertainties.
• Power Electronics: Seeks better, more reliable ways to design, analyze, and control switching power converters.
• Electric Machines: Studies devices for converting motion into electromagnetic energy, and vice-versa. with a special emphasis on control issues.