Electric DRIVES

Electric Drives Systems in the EDGE Lab

The Electric Drive and Renewable Energy (EDGE) lab at IIT Ropar houses a diverse range of electric drive systems, each designed for specific applications and research purposes. 

Below is an overview of the different drives available in our lab:

• Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) Drive
  The SRM drive is known for its rugged construction, reliability, and high efficiency. It operates with a simple control strategy, making it ideal for high-speed and torque-demanding applications. The unique construction of the SRM, with a salient rotor and stator, results in minimal mechanical wear and an extended operational lifespan, which makes it well-suited for both industrial and transportation applications. Our SRM drive setup allows researchers to explore control techniques for minimizing torque ripple and improving overall performance.

• Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor Drive
  The BLDC motor drive is widely used in applications that require high reliability, long life, and low maintenance. With its electronic commutation and high torque-to-weight ratio, the BLDC drive is a perfect choice for electric vehicle (EV) propulsion systems, robotics, and HVAC systems. The lab's BLDC motor drive is equipped with advanced control interfaces to study efficient speed control, sensorless operation, and fault detection methods. Researchers can explore various PWM strategies and current control techniques to improve efficiency and reduce acoustic noise.

• DC Motor Drive
  DC motor drives are still extensively used in many industrial processes due to their precise speed and torque control capabilities. The EDGE lab's DC motor drive system features a state-of-the-art setup that enables real-time experimentation on speed regulation, torque control, and energy efficiency optimization. These drives are well-suited for students and researchers interested in understanding the fundamental aspects of motor control, armature voltage regulation, and field weakening techniques.

• Induction Motor Drive
  The induction motor drive is one of the most common and versatile electric drives in the world, used in various industries ranging from manufacturing to transportation. The lab's induction motor drive system offers hands-on learning opportunities for vector control, direct torque control (DTC), and energy efficiency optimization. With both single-phase and three-phase induction motor setups, the EDGE lab facilitates research on modern control methods, including flux and torque estimation, making it a versatile platform for mastering motor control techniques.

The electric drives in the EDGE lab provide an extensive foundation for both educational and research purposes, equipping students and researchers with the practical knowledge required to solve complex motor control challenges.

CONVERTERS
The EDGE lab is also engaged in research on various power electronic converter systems to improve power quality. 

Our focus includes:

• AC-AC Converters
  The AC-AC converters in the lab are designed to provide efficient power conversion for applications such as voltage regulation, motor speed control, and frequency conversion. Researchers are working on improving the efficiency and power quality of these converters, focusing on minimizing harmonics and reducing losses.

• AC to DC Converters
  AC to DC converters are fundamental in applications ranging from renewable energy integration to electric vehicle charging systems. The lab is focused on developing advanced rectifier circuits that ensure high power quality, low harmonic distortion, and improved power factor. Researchers are exploring various topologies and control strategies to enhance the performance of AC to DC conversion.

• DC to AC Converters
  The DC to AC converters, or inverters, play a crucial role in renewable energy systems and motor drives. The lab's research is aimed at developing inverters with high efficiency, minimal harmonic distortion, and advanced control techniques. These converters are used in applications like grid-tied solar inverters, electric vehicle drives, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Researchers are working on innovative pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques to enhance power quality and ensure reliable operation.

The converter systems research at the EDGE lab is dedicated to improving the efficiency, reliability, and power quality of modern power electronic systems, contributing to the development of sustainable and high-performance energy solutions.

battery management system
Battery Management Systems in the EDGE Lab

Battery Management Systems (BMS) are crucial for the safe and efficient operation of battery packs, especially in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. The EDGE lab is actively involved in the research and development of advanced BMS technologies to enhance the performance, safety, and lifespan of battery systems.

Our research focuses on developing intelligent BMS solutions that include real-time monitoring of battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC). The lab is working on designing algorithms for accurate state of health (SOH) estimation, fault detection, and battery balancing to ensure optimal performance of the battery packs.

In addition, researchers are exploring advanced control strategies to integrate BMS with renewable energy sources and electric drive systems, ensuring efficient energy flow and maximizing overall system efficiency. The BMS research at the EDGE lab aims to address challenges related to battery degradation, safety, and energy management, contributing to the development of reliable and high-performance energy storage solutions for various applications.