| Power Electronics & Electric Machinery Research Researchers at the Power Electronics and Electric Machinery Research Center (PEEMRC) are well-known for their expertise in developing and prototyping advanced power electronic devices and electric machines. As transportation shifts from combustion-driven vehicles to hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, power electronics and electric machines (PEEM) will become increas-ingly important. Hybrid and electric vehicles demand more power in less volume at reasonable cost. Technologies being developed at PEEMRC will increase vehicle efficiency, reliability, and durability; and will reduce component cost, weight and volume. Research Focus PEEMRC serves as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s broad-based research center for power electronics and electric machinery development. The Center’s scientists conduct high-risk, long-term research, evaluate hardware, and provide technical support to DOE. They also work with industrial and university partners to develop and evaluate automotive electric motors and integrated power modules. PEEMRC researchers are developing and prototyping the next generation of cost-effective and efficient converters, inverters, adjustable-speed drives, motor controls, and compact electric machines. They perform simulation, modeling, and analysis of power electronics for transportation and utility applications. Technologies developed at PEEMRC are used in hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cells, distributed energy, and motors and drives for special applications. Expertise Research at PEEMRC is applied to transportation to enable electric and hybrid vehicle traction drives, motor-assisted turbochargers, electric air conditioners, fuel cell converters, and other auxiliary drives. The Center has a world-wide reputation supported by a compelling portfolio of awards, patents and publications, and recognition by professional societies, academia, industry and DOE. PEEMRC researchers are experienced in electric machines (motors and generators), power inverter and converter topologies, thermal management, control techniques for motor drives, system energy management, energy storage applications, and packaging technolo-gies for EMI minimization and space and weight reduction. Research capabilities include:
R&D Facilities PEEMRC provides 700 m2 of laboratory space, including several labs
specifically designated for proprietary research. Equipment available
at PEEMRC includes a variety of power supplies ranging from 25 Vdc,
2 A to a 600 Vdc, 600 A bi-directional; two dynamometer test cells;
and an ultra high-speed rotational equipment safety tank. A complete
list of available equipment is at Partnerships and Collaborations The Center’s researchers are actively involved in partnerships with major automotive manufacturers, universities, private and public companies, Federal agencies, and consortia. Through the DOE FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Program, PEEMRC works with major automotive companies Ford, Daimler-Chrysler, and General Motors under the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership. The Center also works with a number of companies through cooperative agreements or sponsored research agreements, including John Deere, Lockheed Martin Control Systems, Delphi, and Tennessee Valley Authority. PEEMRC is a member of the Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium, and is an industry partner in the Center for Power Electronics Systems, a consortium sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
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