Research Projects

Cross regulation and cross-coupling in coupled SIDO converters

Multi-port converters are an emerging area of research in power electronics. The demand and need of multiple power inputs and multiple power outputs has given rise to the necessity of multi-port power electronic converters. Coupled single input dual output (SIDO) are a class of multi-port converters. They are promising due to the features of high power density and efficiency, in addition to giving two regulated outputs from a single source. However, they suffer from the challenges of cross-regulation and cross-coupling. This research aims to analyze in detail and solve the issues of cross-regulation and cross-coupling in coupled SIDO converters.

 

Ripple minimization in coupled SIDO converters

Input current ripples in power electronic converters play a very important role in deciding the size of input filters. Several power sources especially renewable energy sources have strict limits for the magnitude of input current ripples. The analysis of input current in multi-port converters and so also in coupled SIDO converters are more complex than conventional power electronic converters.  The aim of this research is to minimize the ripples in coupled SIDO converters without adding any passive elements or complex controller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multifrequency Micro-grids

The research explores a new type of micro-grid called as multi-frequency micro-grid. The micro-grid has the unique capability of power subscriptions from different energy sources of consumer's choices. The micro-grid uses different frequencies for distributing power. It fully taps the potential of power electronics to distribute power at different frequencies. A new concept of power market can be established with multifrequency micro-grid.   

 

 

Sponsored R&D Projects

Development of high power density solid state transformer using direct AC to AC power electronic conversion (Ongoing from 2018)

Funded by SERB (DST)

The objective of the project is to design and develop solid state transformer (SST) with reduced size, increased efficiency and increased power density. The project targets to achieve these by use of nanocrystalline magnetic materials and developing power electronic converters with wide bandgap devices like SiC. The project also involves development of FPGA based controllers for the proposed SST. One PhD dissertation is in progress under this project.

 

 

AI and IoT based Attack Detection and Authentication Scheme for Cyber Security in Grid Connected Power Electronic Converters (Ongoing from 2021)

Funded by CPRI

The objective of this project is to detect and prevent cyber-attack in grid-connected power electronic converters.  AI and IoT-based detection and prevention mechanisms are going to be implemented. My role involves the design and development of platforms for grid-connected power electronic converters for cyber attack research.  

Water Filtration, Advanced-oxidation and Capacitive-deionisation Treatments for removal of Emerging Contaminants in Water (Ongoing from 2021)

Funded by DST

The project involves development of specialized water filters of large capacity that can supply up to a small village. These water filters are going to purify water using controlled current source. My role involves design and development of these current controlled power supplies.

 

 

Optimum Power electronic Converter for efficient integration of variable DC and variable AC power sources (2015-17)

Funded by IIT Guwahati

The objective of the project is to design and develop solid state transformer (SST) with reduced size, increased efficiency and increased power density. The project targets to achieve these by use of nanocrystalline magnetic materials and developing power electronic converters with wide bandgap devices like SiC. The project also involves development of FPGA based controllers for the proposed SST. One PhD dissertation is in progress under this project.

Industry Projects

Development of modular inverters (2012-14)

At Cummins Inc.

The R&D project involved the development of a modular inverter design that can take power ranging from 3kW to 16kW, with air cooling at the minimum possible size. One of the objectives of this R&D project was to meet the cost targets of $5.0/kW given by Dept. of Energy (DOE) US. The modular inverter design was suitable for single phase, split phase and three phase applications. The fully developed design was suitable for variable speed diesel generator set products in commercial mobil, RV, Telecom and Marine applications and variable speed fans for forced air cooling in 1MW diesel generator sets.

 

 

Exploration of matrix converters for wind applications (2011-12)

At Cummins Inc.

The objective of the project was to build a prototype of matrix converter and to explore the pros and cons of matrix converter over three level inverters, from industrial point of view, for medium power range wind applications.

 

 

Thesis

Ph.D. - Matrix converter fed power electronic transformers with enhanced features (2008-12)

At University of Minnesota

The objective of the research was to propose and explore the feasibility of matrix converter based topologies for high frequency transformers. High frequency transformers can reduce the size of power transformers present in current power systems. This is very suitable for applications like Wind energy conversion and Electric Ship applications.

• Proposed four topologies and their modulation methods and simulated them in MATLAB/SIMULINK.

• Implemented the proposed topology “Sinusoidal current high frequency transformer” and verified experimentally.

 

 

M.Tech. - Current Direction based Two Step Commutation Control of Matrix Converter (2007-08)

At Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Designed and implemented a 1kW three phase to three phase Matrix converter, with device voltage sensing based two step commutation control, using FPGA.