CONFERENCE
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Paul Stein
Chief Scientific Officer, Rolls-RoyceAbstract
Electrical and mechanical power systems have always had a close relationship, from the magneto spark ignition systems used in early gasoline engines to modern reciprocating and gas turbines engines which utilise closely coupled electrical power management with sophisticated control strategies.
The talk will start with a historical look at how electrical technology has helped the growth of mechanical machines, and vice-versa. Through most of the 20th century there are scattered examples of integrated power solutions, arguably the submarine representing the pre-1980s pinnacle of achievement. But more recently the advent of low cost, reliable power electronics, power dense energy storage and compact electrical and mechanical engines have marked a new departure. Hybrid systems are now used routinely in ships, busses, trucks, passenger vehicles, military vehicles and submarines to maximise fuel economy and for other user benefits. The gas turbine, once considered a machine too hostile for anything other than limited interaction with electrical systems, is now beginning to succumb to this trend.
The impact of low cost electronic sensors, wireless technology and control software will also be considered. These essential elements of any power control system have made as much an impact on hybrid power as developments in the core technology.
Finally, the talk will close by looking at which at future visions for hybrid power. Given the pace of change of technology, what can we expect to see in land, sea and air transportation in a future world of fully integrated wires and fires? -
Jon Clare
Professor of Power Electronics & Head of the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group, The University of Nottingham, UKAbstract
The talk will begin by discussing trends in high power converters for grid applications concentrating on voltage source converter (VSC) HVDC schemes, which have many potential advantages over the traditional thyristor based schemes. The advantages and current status of the technology will be outlined along with the ongoing challenges. Some examples of research work at Nottingham in this and related areas will be discussed. The talk will close with a short round-up of the other activities in the PEMC Group at Nottingham.
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Ron Hui
Chair Professor, Imperial College London and the City University of Hong KongAbstract
Prof. Ron Hui will introduce the historical developments of wireless power transfer, from the apparatus of Tesla patented in 1900 to the launch of the world's first wireless charging standard, Qi, in 2010. He will explain the basic principles laid down by Tesla - which are still valid today. Then he will zoom into the historic developments of the horizontal-flux and vertical-flux approaches for non-radiative "short-range wireless transfer". The charging methods adopted in the Qi standard are explained. The technical and safety concerns of the electronics industry are addressed. The major technical challenges (electrical, thermal, manufacturing, materials, EMC, safety etc] overcome in the process from a concept to a commercial product will be highlighted. He will share his views on future challenges and research trends for short-range wireless power transfer and the main issues involved in wireless EV charging. At the end of the talk, he will illustrate some new developments of "mid-range" wireless power transfer and their application potentials in power electronics, medical and superconductivity research.
2011 Invited Plenary Sessions
Session Chair: Dushan Boroyevich, Virginia Tech
