Reflections of Regis Nibaruta
In our serie "What does the future bring?" our ESR's are sharing their perspective. This serie is linked to the Horizon Magazine article published on Monday, March 13 2024 which focusses on EU support for Ukrainian researchers including ETUT project regarding "Building bridges between Ukrainian and EU researchers" featuring Regis Nibaruta, Ivan Struzhko, Vladimir Havryliuk, Gert Rietveld and Frank Leferink. The full article can be found https://ec.europa.eu/research-and-innovation/en/horizon-magazine/building-bridges-between-ukrainian-and-eu-researchers By Andrew Dunne.
Via Cordis, the project is described as'the ETUT project will model, design, estimate, quantify and monitor economic measures for a reliable, safe, effective and greener electrical transport system. The training programme will include innovative methods to be applied in electric transport... it may have far reaching consequences and may even see the railway network supporting or replacing local electrical utility networks' Can you explain the problem specifically? In simple terms, what exactly is the electrical engineering challenge in terms of future electric transport systems and what's the link with local electrical utility networks too?
The electrical engineering challenge in future electric transport systems (including railway electrification) is to design and implement systems that are efficient, reliable, and capable of managing the increasing demand for clean and sustainable transportation. This requires the design electrical power systems that can deliver the necessary power to electric vehicles (EVs) and trains, as well as charging and battery systems that are efficient and safe.
The link with local electrical utility networks is crucial as these networks will need to supply the electricity required to power EVs and trains. This requires local utilities to upgrade their infrastructure to support the growing electricity demand from EVs and ensure efficient integration with the electrical systems used in transportation.
When we spoke you described these two areas of electrical engineering where the main focus was - electromagnetic compatibility and power electronics. Can you give me examples of the kind of devices that might benefit from improvements to both and can you explain the link with these two areas and future electric transport systems?
Power electronics and Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are critical components of future electric transport systems, particularly in the context of Electric Vehicle battery chargers and Railway systems. Power electronics involve the use of electronic devices to control and convert electrical power, while EMC refers to the ability of devices to function without interference from electromagnetic emissions.
The link between power electronics and EMC in electric transport systems is that power electronics devices, can generate electromagnetic emissions that might interfere with other systems. Improving EMC in these devices helps to minimize interference, ensuring smooth operation.
Examples of devices that might benefit from improvements to both power electronics and EMC include:
On-board power electronics systems in electric vehicles: These systems are responsible for converting electrical power from the battery to drive the vehicle's electric motor. Improving the efficiency and EMC performance of these systems can help to extend the range of electric vehicles and ensure their smooth operation.
Rail electrification systems: The power electronics components in these systems, such as substations and rectifiers, need to be highly efficient and reliable, while also generating minimal electromagnetic emissions that could interfere with the operation of the train's on-board systems.
Charging systems for electric trains: These systems need to be able to quickly and efficiently charge the EVs and train's batteries, while also generating minimal electromagnetic emissions.
Are there any examples of really applied research which you are currently conducting which relates to electric transport systems which we can talk about? Can you explain what you are working on - in an applied sense - with whom, and how?
Efficient electric vehicle battery chargers, particularly transformer less designs, are a significant focus of our applied research. This involves collaboration with leading EV manufacturers and utility companies to develop chargers that more compact, cost-effective, and efficient, improving the overall performance of battery management systems (BMS).
Our work includes:
- · Designing and testing prototype transformer less chargers that offer higher efficiency and lower cost compared to traditional chargers.
- · Collaborating with EV manufacturers to integrate these chargers into their vehicles, enhancing the overall efficiency of their BMS.
- · Working with utility companies to ensure these chargers can be effectively integrated into existing electrical grids without causing undue strain or interference.
These efforts aim to create a more efficient and reliable charging infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of EVs.
What is the long-term hope with this work? From a research point of view, what are YOUR long-term motivations for this all is and what are the impacts he envisages in the future (i.e. who does he see will benefit from this research in the future, and how?).
From a research perspective, the long-term hope with work on efficient electric vehicle battery chargers, especially transformer less designs, is to achieve more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective charging solutions. This can significantly support the adoption of electric transport systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions. The long-term impact includes:
- · Greater adoption of EVs: Making EVs more practical and convenient for everyday use.
- · Reduced emissions: Contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- · Improved energy efficiency: Enhancing the overall efficiency of power systems, reducing energy waste.
- · Economic benefits: Lowering costs for consumers and manufacturers, promoting sustainable growth.
These benefits will be felt by individuals, communities, and industries, driving progress toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Could I get a reflection from you on the importance of developing future electric transport systems in view of climate change and emission reduction targets? Why is this issue you're tackling so important from an environmental perspective?
The development of future electric transport systems is vital in addressing climate change and meeting emission reduction targets. The transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to electric transport systems is essential for mitigating climate impacts.
Efficient electric vehicle battery chargers, particularly transformer less designs, play a crucial role from an environmental perspective. These chargers enhance the viability and adoption of electric transport systems by improving charging efficiency and reducing costs. If EV charging infrastructure is not efficient, reliable, and cost-effective, the uptake of EVs will be limited, hindering their potential to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
From an environmental perspective, it is also important to consider the entire life cycle of batteries, including production, usage, and disposal. Research in efficient charging systems, can improve the sustainability of energy storage systems, making them a more environmentally friendly option throughout their lifecycle. This research is critical for advancing sustainable transportation and achieving climate goals.