Sustainable energy is an increasingly important component of the new energy mix. The lab experiments cover the technologies in energy conversion, utilization and storage in solar, wind, fuel cells, and hybrid systems. The smart micro-power grid will also be designed and optimized through a simulation with the consideration of cost and environmental effect.This lab is motivated from the strong need to prepare the next generation of inter-disciplinary engineers with a comprehensive background in sustainable energy. The experiments in this lab are designed to stimulate students’ interest in development and research.
The Laboratory is part of the Center for Clean Energy Engineering and Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Connecticut.The main research focus is on power electronics applications in electric motor drives, renewable energy systems, micro-grids, and the smart grid. Electric drives investigated cover a wide range of applications including plug-in, hybrid, and electric vehicles, and electric propulsion. Renewable energy integration is mainly focused on solar photovoltaic but covers several other areas. Efficiency, control, optimization, reliability, and real-time operation of most power electronic systems are of main interest.The lab has a very dynamic environment with several active research projects. New equipment is already up and running for various experiments.Talented students interested in power electronics, especially electric drives and solar photovoltaic energy conversion are welcome. Funding is very competitive if available. Self- or government-funded students with research skills and established academic performance are highly encouraged to apply.