Power and Wind Energy Research (PaWER) Group
The group has a well established record in carrying out research and development in the areas of power-electronics applications in power networks, electric machines and drive systems in addition to renewable energy. Main research activities include FACTS, custom power technology, power quality, embedded generation and active control of power distribution networks. Other main research activities are in the control of variable-speed electric drives (especially synchronous reluctance types), general theory and modelling of ac machines, and control of doubly-fed generators for wind power applications.
Research experience covers theoretical and experimental work together with the development and use of software for system design and analysis.
The group has established collaboration with many national and international institutions and companies. It has carried out several consultancies for industry. Projects conducted by the group are largely supported by industry and/or reputable organisations such as, EPSRC, European Commission, DTI, NEDL, VATECH Reyrolle, NGC, Econnect and NaREC.
Currently, the group is leading a DTI funded project (conducted in collaboration with Econnect Ltd) to develop an “Embedded Controller for Active Management of LV Distribution Networks”. It is also working with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) to develop an “Intelligent Power Analysis System”.
The group has recently undertaken an EPSRC funded project on “Sensorless Direct Torque Control of Brushless Doubly-Fed Reluctance Machines” in addition to “Power Coefficient Estimation in Wind Energy Conversion Systems”.
Other projects that have been successfully completed include a project funded by NEDL to develop a “Hybrid Fault Current Limiting and Interrupting Device” which has resulted in a patent. The group was also involved in a European project to develop “The road map to the machinery directive”.
The University has lately approved the development of a New and Renewable Energy laboratory to support the activities of the group. The new laboratory will provide a test facility and support research and development of new technologies in the region.
Members of the group are actively involved with professional bodies (IET and IEEE).
