Prof. Yue Cao Energy Systems Group @ OSU

 

Research Topics

The group's research interests lie in the power electronics based systems, i.e., utilizing power electronics, machines and drives, energy storage, and control solutions to address challenges in complex energy systems. Examples of these systems include stationary applications, such as energy efficient buildings, microgrids/nanogrids, renewable energy integration; or mobile applications, such as electric vehicles and more electric aircraft. They are complex systems because multiple subsystems of energy conversion exist and require interconnection, including multi-physics domains and knowledge from multi-disciplinary expertise. There are great research opportunities with system-level approaches to control and optimize energy flow, increase power density, improve efficiency, and enhance reliability, all under the broader power electronics context.

We build state-of-the-art power electronic converters and lab-scale electro-mechanical system prototypes. We also apply controls and models to large-scale system simulations. At Oregon State, we are part of the greater Energy Systems Group in EECS, and we cover a wide range of power systems and power electronics research topics. Expanding current lab capabilities is ongoing and will take advantage of the existing Wallace Energy Systems & Renewables Facility (WESRF), which is one of the few university owned high-power testbeds in the US. Combined with the geographic advantages, university resources, and excellent people, we will do great work!

We are currently working on or seeking research projects in the following directions (in no particular order of preference).
Please click on the Current Projects and Past Projects tabs for more details.

Keywords

Power electronics, motor drives, energy storage, power systems, modeling, control
Transportation electrification, eVTOL UAVs, more electric aircraft (MEA), EVs, locomotives, charging stations
Microgrids/nanogrids, energy efficient buildings, grid-tied renewables (esp. hydrokinetic, wave, solar)
Machine learning enabled design automation and optimization, electric-thermal integrated systems

Stationary Systems: Grid, Energy Storage, Renewable Energy

* Power electronics enabled multi-physical real and virtual energy storage

* Energy efficient buildings/infrastructure for smart connected communities and grid resiliency

* Big data in renewable energy conversion, especially for solar converters

* Power converters and controls for ocean wave/tidal energy and associated microgrids

Mobile Systems: Urban Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Heavy-duty Trucks, More Electric Aircraft (MEA), Locomotives

* Efficient and reliable power systems for heavy-duty UAVs (esp. eVTOL)

* Machine learning enabled design automation and optimization for e-transportation power systems

* Medium-voltage motor drives achieving high efficiency, high power density, and high reliability

* Charging infrastructure (station and grid) for heavy-duty trucks and locomotives