PECLab develops research across several strategic areas in power electronics, electric mobility, advanced control, machine drives, renewable energy integration, wireless power transfer, and energy storage. These research lines combine converter design, control, embedded implementation, and system integration to address challenges in sustainable transportation, electrification, and efficient energy management.
Research Lines
PECLab develops advanced power electronics technologies for high-efficiency and high-performance applications. This research line includes the study of new power converter topologies for DC/DC, AC/DC, DC/AC, and AC/AC conversion, as well as multilevel converters for high-voltage systems.
The laboratory also works on resonant and soft-switching converters to improve efficiency, together with related topics such as gate-drive circuits, power supplies, and new modulation methods.
Main topics:
- DC/DC, AC/DC, DC/AC, and AC/AC converters
- Multilevel converters
- Resonant converters
- Soft-switching converters
- Gate-drive circuits
- Power supplies
- New modulation methods
This research line focuses on advanced control solutions for power conversion systems. PECLab works on conventional, predictive, and intelligent control methods, as well as expert, adaptive, multivariable, and vector control strategies.
The laboratory also addresses model estimation and adaptation, parameter acquisition, specialized instrumentation, digital signal processing, and implementation on microcontrollers, FPGAs, industrial controllers, and embedded systems. These developments are aimed at improving performance, efficiency, and reliability in electrical and electronic systems.
Main topics:
- Conventional control
- Predictive control
- Intelligent and expert control
- Adaptive and multivariable control
- Vector control
- Model estimation and adaptation
- Parameter acquisition and instrumentation
- Digital signal processing (DSP)
- Microcontrollers
- FPGAs
- Industrial controllers
- Embedded systems
Multilevel converters are a key research topic at PECLab due to their relevance in high-voltage power conversion. The laboratory studies converter topologies and methods suitable for medium- and high-voltage applications, where efficiency, waveform quality, and scalability are especially important.
This line is closely connected with the laboratory’s work in power electronics, advanced control, and energy conversion.
Main topics:
- Multilevel converter topologies
- High-voltage applications
- Scalable power conversion
- Advanced modulation and control
Wireless Power Transfer is a research line focused on contactless energy transfer systems. PECLab studies technologies for efficient wireless power delivery, with applications related to electric mobility and advanced charging systems.
This line is linked to the laboratory’s broader work in power conversion, control, and system integration.
Main topics:
- Wireless charging systems
- Electric mobility applications
- Dynamic wireless power transfer
PECLab develops solutions for efficient energy storage and management in high-performance and sustainable applications. This line includes Battery Management Systems (BMS), battery chargers, and battery equalization techniques aimed at improving performance and extending cell lifetime.
The laboratory also works on the integration and management of hybrid energy storage systems, as well as on technologies such as ultracapacitors, high-temperature batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and second-life battery applications.
Main topics:
- Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Battery chargers
- Battery equalization to improve battery life
- Hybrid energy storage systems
- Ultracapacitors
- High-temperature batteries
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Second-life battery applications
PECLab develops advanced electric drive solutions for industrial and mobility applications. This research line covers a broad range of electrical machines, including Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM), BLDC motors, reluctance motors and generators, induction motors, and axial flux electric machines.
The laboratory also studies advanced control and estimation techniques for machine operation, including sensorless control, Direct Torque Control (DTC), Field Oriented Control (FOC), new AC machine drive concepts, and position sensing and estimation technologies.
Main topics:
- PMSM and BLDC machines
- Reluctance motors and generators
- Induction motors
- Axial flux electric machines
- Sensorless control and estimation
- Direct Torque Control (DTC)
- Field Oriented Control (FOC)
- New AC machine drives
- Position sensing technologies
E-Mobility is a major research line at PECLab, focused on electric powertrains and vehicle charging systems. Our work addresses the main subsystems of electric mobility, including the battery, inverter, electric motor, transmission, and control system, in order to achieve efficient, quiet, and low-emission operation. We also study regenerative braking and intelligent energy management strategies to improve performance and overall system efficiency.
In parallel, PECLab develops solutions for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including slow and semi-fast charging for homes and public charging points, as well as fast DC charging for service stations and long-distance travel. This work also considers compatibility with charging standards such as CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2, and Tesla Supercharger.
Main topics:
- Electric powertrains
- Battery, inverter, motor, and transmission integration
- Regenerative braking
- Intelligent energy management
- Slow and semi-fast charging systems
- Fast DC charging
- Charging standard compatibility