Power Electronics Lab

(1) dSPACE 1104 : The dSpace1104 controller is a versatile tool used in power electronics converter applications. It integrates real-time processing capabilities with a powerful digital signal processor (DSP) and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to provide high-speed control and data acquisition. This controller is particularly useful for developing and testing power electronics systems, offering features such as analog and digital I/O, PWM generation, and encoder interfaces. Its seamless integration with MATLAB/Simulink allows for rapid prototyping and implementation of control algorithms, making it an essential resource for researchers and engineers in power electronics and control systems development.

(2) DC regulated power supplies: A DC regulated power supply (0V-32V, 20A) is essential for power electronics converter applications, offering precise voltage and current control. It provides adjustable output from 0 to 32V and up to 20A, catering to various testing and development needs. Features include overvoltage, overcurrent, and thermal protection, ensuring safe operation. Its high-resolution display and fine-tuning capabilities enable accurate adjustments, making it ideal for research and development in power electronics. This power supply ensures stable and reliable power delivery, supporting the efficient and effective testing of converters, circuits, and components in power electronics applications. Total 4 number of DC power supplies are available at the research lab.

(3) Hall sensor current probe: The A622 Tektronix Hall sensor-based current probe is essential for power electronics converters, offering precise and non-intrusive current measurements. Utilizing the Hall effect, it accurately measures both AC and DC currents up to 100 A with a bandwidth of 100 kHz. This probe features a large jaw opening, allowing it to clamp around sizable conductors easily. It provides reliable real-time data crucial for monitoring and analysis. Designed for robustness and high sensitivity, the A622 ensures accurate performance in diverse testing environments. Its compatibility with oscilloscopes
makes it a valuable tool for developing and optimizing power electronics systems. 3 number of A622 Tektronix Hall sensor-based current probes are available in the research lab.

(4) Tektronix TPS 2014B DSO: The Tektronix TPS 2014B Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) is indispensable for power electronics converter applications. This 4-channel, 100 MHz oscilloscope offers isolated input channels, ensuring safe and accurate measurements in high-voltage environments. Its 1 GS/s sample rate captures detailed signal characteristics, essential for analyzing and troubleshooting power electronics systems. The TPS 2014B features advanced triggering, waveform analysis, and FFT capabilities, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of converter performance. With battery operation and lightweight design, it provides portability and convenience for lab work. This oscilloscope enhances the development and optimization of power electronics converters through precise and reliable signal analysis.

(5) High Voltage Isolated Probe: A high voltage isolated probe is essential for power electronics converters, enabling safe and accurate measurements of high-voltage signals. It provides galvanic isolation, protecting both the user and the measuring equipment. This probe ensures reliable data acquisition, crucial for developing and analyzing power electronics systems and converters.

– Testing set-up for Multilevel Inverter: A hardware test setup has been developed in the research laboratory to evaluate multilevel inverters (MLIs). The setup encompasses gate driver circuits utilizing IR2110 IC, and the number of these circuits can be adjusted to meet the specific demands of the developed inverters. Isolation transformers segregate the ground for the control board and the power circuit of the inverters. This versatile setup is capable of testing MLIs at any level using DC sources. Four isolated regulated DC sources can supply power to the inverters, with pulses generated by the microcontroller/dSpace 1104 controller. The setup accommodates various loads such as resistive (R), resistive-inductive (R-L), and dynamic load conditions. Additionally, a 4-channel isolated oscilloscope is accessible for observing diverse output waveforms of the inverter. Hall-sensor-based current sensor probes are at hand to measure different currents, including load current, input source current(s), capacitor charging currents, and device currents, tailored to specific requirements.

-Over the years, Power Electronics Research Lab has excelled in developing innovative converter structures, focusing on cost-effective, high-efficiency designs with reduced sizes. The lab’s work includes detailed modeling and practical implementations, leading to substantial advancements in power electronics.The team has published over 15 SCI journal articles, including in IEEE Transactions, and presented more than 50 papers at prestigious IEEE conferences like INDICON and PEDES. This prolific output underscores the lab’s significant contributions to the field.A diverse team of experts drives the lab’s success, specializing in power electronics converter design, control, and hardware prototyping. Their skills encompass PCB design, component soldering, and rigorous hardware testing, ensuring robust and reliable converter designs.Research Lab-3 is not only a hub for innovative research but also a vital resource for education. It supports undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD research scholars, and faculty research, fostering a dynamic environment for learning and discovery. Through its comprehensive approach, the lab continually advances power electronics technology, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable power systems. Some of the developed project works are-

1. Design and development of switched capacitor multilevel inverters (SCMLIs) that include
a three-phase 7-level SCMLI, single-phase 21-level SCMLI, 13-level SCMLI, 11-level
SCMLI, 19-level SCMLI, 37-level SCMLI, and more.
2. Design and development of high-gain DC to DC converters for PV applications
3. Developing advanced control strategies for multilevel inverters
4. Development of single input multiple output multilevel inverter structures and their control

Collaborations and Partnerships:
Power Electronics Research Lab collaborates with international institutes like Khalifa University, UAE, The Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore and Aalborg University, Denmark, and industries such as SMPS Electric, fostering innovation through joint research, knowledge exchange, and practical applications. These partnerships enhance the lab’s capabilities in power electronics and drive technological advancements.