The Mechatronic Systems section is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research and education in actuated mechatronic systems. With core expertise in the design, control, monitoring, and optimization of electrical actuators, drives, battery storage, and fluid power systems, our work focus on critical research challenges, including improving energy efficiency in these systems, enabling the electrification of society, and advancing sustainable technologies.

Electrical actuators and drives
Electrical actuators and drives are a backbone in the electrification of society, and research in electrical motors, drives, and inverters is crucial for addressing global energy challenges and advancing the transition to sustainable and electrified systems. At the core of our work is the study of motor design, where improving efficiency, reducing losses, and optimizing performance are key to achieving substantial energy savings across industrial, transportation, and residential sectors. These advancements are essential as electrical motors remain among the largest consumers of electricity worldwide.

Our research also focuses on the reliability and performance of inverters, which are critical components for controlling electrical motors and integrating renewable energy sources like wind turbines. Our focus lies on enhancing the reliability of inverters for e.g. wind turbines and PV-panels through advanced prognostics and health management strategies. Therefore, by advancing the science of motor design and inverter reliability, our research contributes to more efficient, durable, and sustainable energy systems, supporting the global shift toward a low-carbon future.

Battery storage
Battery systems are integral to a wide range of applications, from portable electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) to grid-scale energy storage. Optimizing their performance and lifespan requires a deep understanding of their internal states. Our research focuses on advancing the field of battery monitoring, specifically in the areas of State-of-Charge (SoC) and State-of-Health (SoH) estimation. Accurate SoC determination is crucial for efficient energy management, ensuring optimal power delivery and preventing over-discharge. We investigate novel algorithms and sensor techniques to enhance SoC estimation accuracy under varying operating conditions. Furthermore, our research delves into SoH assessment, which quantifies the battery's degradation level. Precise SoH estimation is vital for predicting remaining useful life, informing maintenance schedules, and ensuring safe operation. Critically, accurate SoH assessment also enables effective second-life applications for batteries, such as stationary energy storage for homes or businesses, after their primary use in EVs. This reuse contributes to a circular economy, maximizing resource utilization and reducing environmental impact. By improving SoC and SoH estimation techniques, our research aims to enhance battery performance, extend lifespan, improve safety, and contribute to the wider adoption of battery-based technologies, while also promoting sustainable practices through battery reuse.

Fluid power systems
Fluid power systems are ubiquitous in mobile machinery, driving essential functions in construction, agriculture, and material handling. However, these systems typically suffer from low energy efficiency, with overall system efficiencies sometimes as low as 20%, representing a significant opportunity for improvement. Our research addresses this challenge by focusing on developing novel fluid power system topologies and components aimed at drastically increasing system efficiency. We investigate innovative architectures, advanced control strategies, and new component designs to minimize energy losses and maximize power output. This includes exploring concepts like digital hydraulics, electro-hydraulic actuators, and energy regeneration techniques. Recognizing the critical role of reliability and availability in demanding applications, our research also extends to the reliability and prognostics of fluid power systems, particularly related to renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. Here, fluid power is often used for critical functions like blade pitch control, where system failures can have significant economic and safety consequences. We focus on advanced monitoring and diagnostic techniques to predict component failures, optimize maintenance strategies, and ensure the reliable operation of these systems in harsh operating environments. Through these combined efforts, our research aims to improve both the efficiency and reliability of fluid power systems across diverse applications, contributing to more efficient and more sustainable solutions.

Research Mission
Our mission is to contribute to the green transition by advancing technologies that transform energy systems. We focus on improving efficiency through the development of innovative mechatronic components and integrated solutions, facilitating energy storage solutions, and creating self-monitoring and reliable sustainable energy systems. Through these efforts, we aim to address critical challenges in sustainability and foster a future of cleaner, smarter technologies.