Research Pillars

Although FREEDM projects often cover multiple fields, we categorize our research into four main pillars: Wide Bandgap Power Electronics, Electric Transportation, Modern Power Systems and Renewable Energy.

Wide Bandgap (WBG) Power Electronics

Projects include the use of Silicon Carbide (SiC) or Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices. Examples include the development of solid state transformers, converters that connect directly to the grid 15,000 volts, and novel approaches to design. We design new bidirectional switches, create new techniques for measuring very high efficiencies, and build medium frequency transformers to enable high power density applications.

Electric Transportation

This pillar includes design of EV fast chargers, mobile microgrids, and even charging networks for powered wheel chairs. Our students and faculty build and test inductive power transfer systems for autonomous drones, new traction motor topologies that eliminate the use of rare earth magnets, and super efficient motor drives that increase EV range. We may not build a complete electric vehicle, but we build everything that supports vehicle electrification.

Power Systems

Projects include traditional grid analysis to support our utility partners as well as cybersecurity development, new communication techniques, and AI tools to support grid operators. Much of this work relies on application of machine learning to very large datasets and real-time, Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations.

Renewable Energy

This pillar covers wind, solar, hydro, and marine kinetic sources. We develop microgrid design and control software, wave energy emulators, and novel control techniques for DC microgrids. Our faculty have developed prize winning solar forecasting models and economic techniques to optimize operations of multi-energy microgrid networks.

Read our Annual Reports

Annual Conference Agendas

Watch our Webinars