FACILITIES

The Sensors Laboratory is equipped with advanced experimental, real-time simulation, and data analytics infrastructure supporting research and workforce training in sensing, power systems, and complex engineered systems. The facilities enable system-level studies, hardware-in-the-loop experimentation, and hands-on training across a wide range of operating conditions, from steady-state operation to fast transients and fault scenarios. 

Real-Time Simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL / PHIL)

The laboratory maintains extensive real-time simulation and power hardware-in-the-loop capabilities for studying modern power systems, converters, and grid-interactive devices. These facilities support electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation, controller-hardware integration, and closed-loop testing under realistic operating conditions.

Representative infrastructure includes OPAL-RT real-time simulators for large-scale EMT modeling, a dedicated microgrid power hardware-in-the-loop test bench, and multi-kilowatt four-quadrant power amplifiers for PHIL experimentation.

Representative Platforms:

OPAL-RT OP5707XG real-time simulator; OPAL-RT OP4610XG real-time simulator with microgrid power hardware-in-the-loop test bench OPAL-RT OP1420 and 5 kW three-phase four-quadrant PHIL power amplifier 

Power Systems, Grid Emulation, and Large-Load Testing

Facilities are available for controlled testing of grid-connected equipment, distributed energy resources, and large electrical loads. The laboratory supports both source and load emulation under balanced and unbalanced three-phase conditions, enabling studies of grid interaction, power quality, and system dynamics.

Capabilities include regenerative grid simulators, AC and DC regenerative electronic loads, bidirectional DC power supplies, and grid-connected inverters. These platforms are used for research and training related to transmission, distribution, electrification, and grid-interactive technologies.

Representative Platforms:

NHR 9410 regenerative grid simulator (12 kW, three-phase); NHR 9430 AC regenerative electronic load (12 kW, three-phase); NHR 4760 DC electronic load (600 V, 6 kW); ITECH bidirectional DC power supply (300 V / 120 A / 12 kW); Fronius Symo Advanced three-phase grid-connected inverter (10 kW); Siemens eMobility DC fast charger 

Electric Machines, Drives, and Rapid Control Prototyping

The laboratory supports experimental studies of electric machines, drives, and advanced control algorithms using rapid control prototyping platforms. Testbeds enable hands-on exploration of machine dynamics, converter control, and system-level integration.

Infrastructure includes rapid control prototyping systems integrated with induction and permanent-magnet synchronous machines, supporting both research and graduate-level training in electromechanical energy conversion and control.

Representative Platforms:

Imperix rapid control prototyping system with 4 kW squirrel-cage induction machine test bench and 4 kW permanent-magnet synchronous machine test bench 

Sensing, Measurement, and Monitoring Systems

A core strength of the Sensors Laboratory is advanced sensing and measurement for power and energy systems. Facilities support non-intrusive measurement, field-based sensing, high-precision source-measurement, and grid monitoring.

Representative equipment includes precision source-measurement units, phasor measurement units (PMUs), and dedicated platforms for magnetic-field-based sensing and calibration. These capabilities support research in condition monitoring, diagnostics, and real-time system awareness.

Representative Platforms:

Vizimax phasor measurement unit (PMU); Keithley 2450 high-precision source-measure unit

Electromagnetic and Environmental Testing

The laboratory maintains specialized infrastructure for controlled electromagnetic and environmental testing. These facilities enable characterization of sensors and systems under varying magnetic, thermal, and environmental conditions.

Capabilities include a three-axis Helmholtz coil system for controlled magnetic field generation and an environmental test chamber supporting a wide temperature range. These platforms are essential for evaluating robustness, reliability, and performance under realistic operating environments.

Representative Platforms:

GMW HC16 three-axis Helmholtz coil system; Lorderan JS6010 constant-climate environmental test chamber (–70 °C to 150 °C) 

Modeling, Simulation, and Data Analytics Platforms

Computational infrastructure supports system modeling, large-scale simulation, and data analytics workflows that integrate with experimental platforms. The laboratory employs industry-standard power system simulation tools for planning, EMT studies, and system-level analysis, alongside dedicated servers for data processing and analytics.

Software capabilities include widely used transmission and distribution simulation environments and EMT tools, supporting both research and instruction.

Representative Platforms:

Dedicated modeling and data analytics server; power system simulation software including PSS®E, PSCAD, EMTP-RV, and PowerWorld Simulator