Title: Advances in Machines ~ and Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Electric Vehicle Applications
Speaker: Prof. Steve Pekarek - Purdue University
Date: November 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM (EDT)
Location: East Architecture Building (Room 123)

Abstract: In this lecture, an initial focus will be on describing tools that have recently been developed to enable rigorous multi-objective optimization of electric machinery used in vehicle propulsion. At the heart of the tools is a custom method-of moments-based solver that eliminates the need to mesh nonmagnetic regions of a machine and can be used to model materials operating in the nonlinear region of the B-H curve. The use of the tool to explore new machine architectures that minimize steel will then be highlighted. An interesting characteristic of these machines is that they have relatively low winding inductances, which can be a challenge when attempting to regulate phase currents using voltage-source inverters. Finally, I will highlight research being performed within the Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure (ASPIRE) NSF engineering research center, including the development of a pilot dynamic wireless power transfer testbed for heavy-duty vehicles on a roadway (US 231) in West Lafayette, IN.

Speaker: Dr. Steve Pekarek received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1996. From 1997-2004.Dr. Pekarek was an Assistant (Associate) Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. He is presently the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University. He is an active member of the IEEE Power Engineering and Power Electronics Societies, the Electric Ship Research and Development Consortium (ESRDC), and the Research Director of the ASPIRE Center. He is presently serving as the Vice President of Conferences for the IEEE Transportation Electrification Council.