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University of Applied Sciences Esslingen
The Faculty of Mechatronics and Electrical
Engineering at Esslingen University of
Applied Sciences currently comprises
24 full-time professors and about 800
students who are mainly working in the
field of mechatronic systems. The me-
chatronic approach of the faculty is fo-
cused on combining and integrating sev-
eral scientific and technical disciplines in
the design process of a complex system,
containing mechanical and electronic
components as well as computer technol-
ogy and software. To realize such an over-
all approach, expertise on system level is
required as well as detailed knowledge
in several fields of engineering sciences.
Hence, besides of control techniques,
communications, and manufacturing
technology, power electronics plays an
important role in the design of modern
mechatronic systems.
The laboratory Machines and Drives, led
by Prof. M. Neuburger, is basically re-
sponsible for drive trains. Main tasks are
designing and validating electrical energy
converters and electrical machines, in-
cluding different types of electrical drives.
To achieve the required key performance
indicators, a multidisciplinary approach
is used, not only taking into account the
basic functional aspects, but also cover-
ing additional requirements and quality
parameters such as electromagnetic com-
patibility (EMC), acoustics, or construc-
tion dependent component placement
during all phases of the developing pro-
cess. This approach aims to tear down
the barriers historically grown between
several subjects of engineering sciences.
In this way, the overall performance of
a system can be optimized, rather than
having optimal partial solutions.
Examples of successfully realized projects
are a wireless power transmission for
EV-charging stations, or the setup of a
completely self-designed wind energy
plant for small scale and home applica-
tions.
To achieve its research assignment, the
lab Machines and Drives has numerous
resources available. Besides of the profes-
sors and the technical staff members lo-
cated in the lab and its several sub-labs
(e.g. high voltage lab, EMC lab, or elec-
trical drives lab) a photovoltaic test field
is available on the campus in Göppingen.
Unlike other photovoltaic power plants,
this test field is not operated in a com-
mercial environment, and hence allows
performing research projects without
limitations due to financial interests.
Besides of applied research, the main
task of the Faculty is education and train-
ing of highly qualified junior employees
for industry. To achieve this goal, differ-
ent study programs are offered. Besides
of the classical full time study program,
cooperative study programs and also
part time study programs are offered for
both, undergraduate and graduate stu-
dents. Moreover, doctoral programs are
also possible in cooperation with other
Universities. The excellent ranking of the
Faculty of Mechatronics and Electrical
Engineering indicates the high level
of education which is offered by the
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
in general and at the site in Göppingen
in particular.
