One-Week Online Short-Term Training Program on Developments in Power Electronics for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Technologies

#Power #Electronics #IEEE, #Marwadi #University

Topic: Developments in Power Electronics for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle Technologies

Organized by: Department of Electrical Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot

Sponsored by: IEEE Gujarat Section (IES-IAS-PELS Joint Chapter)

Date: July 8 – July 12, 2025

Title of STTP: Developments in Power Electronics for Renewable Energy and Electric

Importance of the topic:
The topic "Developments in Power Electronics for Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicle
Technologies" holds significant importance as it supports the global transition toward sustainable
energy systems and transportation. Power electronics, encompassing devices such as inverters,
converters, and controllers, are crucial for converting and managing electrical energy efficiently.
In renewable energy systems, power electronics enable the integration of variable energy sources
like solar and wind into the power grid. They accomplish this by converting the variable outputs
from these sources into stable, grid-compatible electricity. For instance, photovoltaic inverters
convert the direct current (DC) produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for
grid use, while wind turbine power converters adjust output to meet grid requirements. Additionally,
power electronics facilitate Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), optimizing the energy
harvested from renewable sources under changing conditions.
In the electric vehicle (EV) sector, power electronics play a crucial role in vehicle operation and
efficiency. They manage the flow of electricity between the battery, motor, and other components to
ensure optimal performance. Key applications include traction inverters that convert DC from
batteries to AC for motors, DC-DC converters that provide appropriate voltage levels to various
vehicle systems, and on-board chargers that change AC from the grid to DC for battery charging.

Furthermore, power electronics enable regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy back
into electrical energy during braking, improving vehicle efficiency and range. Additionally,
advancements in semiconductor materials, particularly the development of wide-bandgap (WBG)
semiconductors such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), are paving the way for
more efficient, compact, and high-performance power electronic devices. These materials enhance
efficiency and allow for compact designs of power devices, which are critical for renewable energy
and EV applications.
Moreover, power electronics also play a crucial role in smart grid technologies, allowing for real-
time monitoring and control of energy production and consumption. This capability is vital for
optimizing the integration of renewable energy sources and improving the resilience and efficiency
of the grid. In the context of EVs, technologies like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) enable bidirectional
energy flow, allowing EVs to supply power back to the grid, thereby enhancing grid stability and
supporting renewable energy integration.
In summary, developments in power electronics are critical enablers of a sustainable energy future,
driving efficiency, reliability, and innovation in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. As
the world continues to shift toward sustainable energy sources and transportation, the importance of
power electronics will only continue to grow.
The aim and objectives of the STTP:
This program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of students (UG/PG), researchers,
faculty members, and industry professionals in the rapidly evolving fields of renewable energy and
electric vehicles (EVs). The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest
advancements in power electronics, which are pivotal for the efficient integration and operation of
renewable energy systems and EV technologies.
Objectives of the STTP:
Comprehensive Understanding of Emerging Technologies: Provide participants with in-depth
knowledge of current and emerging technologies in renewable energy and electric transportation,
including power electronics, electric drives, control techniques, smart grids, intelligent charging
infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL).
Integration of Power Electronics in Renewable Energy Systems: Provide insights into the role of
power electronics in integrating renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind
energy into the power grid, focusing on efficient energy conversion and grid stability.
Advancements in Electric Vehicle Technologies: Discuss the application of power electronics in
EVs, emphasizing power conversion systems, AI integration for enhancing performance, optimizing
power efficiency, improving battery life, and enabling features like fast charging and autonomous
driving.
Exposure to Recent Trends and Research Opportunities: Expose participants to recent trends and
research opportunities in power electronics related to renewable energy and EVs, fostering an
environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.
Hands-on Experience and Practical Applications: Offer practical sessions and virtual laboratory
experiences to reinforce theoretical knowledge, enabling participants to apply concepts in real-
world scenarios effectively.
By achieving these objectives, the STTP aims to empower participants to contribute significantly to
advancing sustainable energy solutions and electric mobility, aligning with global efforts to address
environmental challenges and promote cleaner energy alternatives.