Research

Overview

Our lab explores a variety of research topics, with key methods and tools including:

Facilities

Battery Cycler

The lab's battery cycler is capable of testing up to 32 cells simultaneously. This includes real-time current and voltage control, as well as 8 chambers for independent temperature control. 

Microgrid PHIL System

This Opal-RT Microgrid Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) Testbench allows for simulation of a variety of energy and power device models using a MATLAB-based virtual environment and DC loads. It can be physically connected to real devices for testing through the bus bar connections. Data acquisition (DAQ) and controller devices are also coupled with the testbench to provide active measurements and real-time control.

Projects

Sustainability-Centric Computing Systems: Our work on computing systems and data centers places an emphasis on analyzing and ultimately reducing system environmental impacts at multiple life stages. To accomplish this, we use data-driven modeling, controls-based analysis, and optimal design techniques.

Battery Cells & Packs: One of our most established research areas, we have explored the modeling of electrical, thermal, and degradation dynamics for lithium-ion battery cells and packs. Our models and frameworks are used to build computationally-efficient estimators and balancing controllers.

Electrified Vehicles: Our vehicle work emphasizes the hierarchical control and control co-design (CCD) for electric vehicle powertrains with inclusion of electrical and thermal dynamics. Our procedures are applicable to both ground- and air-based transportation systems.

Photovoltaics & Microgrids: Research into photovoltaics has led to the development of estimators capable of determining solar panel temperature and irradiation from current measurements. Our studies have expanded into control of these components, as well as power-based control for larger microgrid systems.

Thermostatically Controlled Loads: Previous work from the DOC Lab has explored model reduction for the analysis of thermostatically controlled loads (TCLs), motivated by demand response control.