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Institute
The Institute for Electrical Machines,
Traction and Drives (german: IMAB) was
founded in 1920 and has a great tradition
in academic teaching and research in the
fields of electrical machines and power
electronics.
Today, two professorships cooperate
closely at the institute: Prof. Regine Mall-
witz is professor of Power Electronics, the
chair of Electrical Machines and Drives is
held by Prof. Markus Henke. This combi-
nation gives excellent preconditions for
the comprehensive research and develop-
ment of complete electric drive systems
and power electronic equipment.
Research
Currently, research topics focus on elec-
tromechanical drive solutions for hybrid
and full electric vehicles including also
auxiliary power supplies und battery
charging topologies and decentralized
energy systems powered by batteries or
photovoltaic modules. Central aspects
are small weight and size of all compo-
nents and the whole system.
Increasing the engine’s speed is one basic
approach to increase its power density of
drive systems. Intelligent system design,
innovative circuit topologies and new
component technologies are the key fac-
tors in power electronics.
Some of the latest general research topics
in power electronics at IMAB are:
•
Investigation of the potential of new,
fast switching power semiconductors
based on silicon (Si), silicon carbide
(SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN).
•
Approaches to overcome negative im-
pacts of fast switching devices on gate
drivers, EMI and passive components.
TU Braunschweig
•
Improvements of the heat transfer in
high density power electronic systems.
•
Development and test of various proto-
types in a power range from 1 kW up
to about 250 kW.
•
Development of reliability tests espe-
cially of semiconductor devices.
Staff and equipment
Traditionally, highly motivated and dedi-
cated students and young scientists are
attracted by IMAB. High competence in
engineering and scientific work is passed
down from generation to generation.
On more than 660 m² of laboratory area
the IMAB is equipped with several test
benches for rotating and linear electric
machines as well as for power electronic
devices and systems. Several DC and AC
sources are available to emulate batteries
or photovoltaic sources, electric machines
or AC grids. A wide range of applications
and power levels can be covered.
The institute’s workshop is experienced
in building all kinds of prototypes, mak-
ing the path from scratch to the running
system in the test field a short one.
Vehicles with inductive charging systems (up to 200 kW) in Braunschweig
High speed motor test bench (up to 200 kW,30.000 min-1)
Full SiC boost converter (100 kW, 100 kHz)
