Core Competences

  • Magnetic components (inductors, transformers) for power electronics (‘kilohertz at kiloamperes’) in order to optimise the use of wide-bandgap power semiconductors (SiC, GaN),
  • Medium-voltage converters for sustainable energy systems, traction/railway applications, e-mobility, data centres and other energy consumers and producers in the lower megawatt range,
  • Modelling and optimisation of complex energy conversion systems with a focus on efficiency, cooling, standards and cost models, using AI to shorten design cycles,
  • Power electronics in fast-growing applications following long-term trends such as photovoltaics, electric vehicles (EV), data centres, green steel, hydrogen production, energy storage, medium-voltage drives

Publications

Research results are communicated through publications in leading international journals (e.g. the IEEE Transactions) and conference proceedings as well as in the form of PhD thesis.

In addition, new concepts for future innovative products in a wide range of application areas are identified as part of research collaborations with industry and typically delivered to industrial partners in the form of fully documented demonstrator systems.

2024

  • J. Huber, U. Drofenik, F. Canales, J. W. Kolar, "Comparative Evaluation of Three-Phase-Unfolder-Based MVAC-LVDC Solid-State Transformers", Proceedings of the Conference on Power Electronics and Intelligent Motion (PCIM Europe 2024), Nuremberg, Germany, June 11 - 13, 2024. [pdf]

2025

  • J. W. Kolar, J. Huber, U. Drofenik, “Powering the Future – Monumental Challenges and Disruptive Innovations in Power Electronics”, Keynote Presentation at the 11th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference 2025 (ECCE Asia 2025), Bangalore, India, May 11-14, 2025. [pdf]
  • J. W. Kolar, J. Huber, U. Drofenik , “Challenges of «Green Growth» — Limited EROEI / Critical Raw Materials Shortage / Geopolitics / Economics / etc.”, Keynote Presentation at the Conference on Power Electronics and Intelligent Motion (PCIM Europe 2025), Nuremberg, Germany, May 6-8, 2025. [pdf]

2024

  • J. W. Kolar, J. Huber, L. Imperiali, U. Drofenik, "Are We Falling Off the «Net Energy Cliff» and Running Out of Critical Raw Materials?", Keynote Presentation at the 9th IEEE Southern Power Electronics Conference (SPEC 2024), Brisbane, Australia, December 2-6, 2024. [pdf]
  • U. Drofenik, J. W. Kolar, "Long-Term Trends and Disruption in Medium Voltage Power Electronics - Identifying Future Power Electronics Technologies of High Impact", 13th International Conference on Renewable Energy Research and Applications (ICRERA 2024), Nagasaki, Japan, Nov. 9 - 13, 2024.
  • U. Drofenik, "Power Electronics Trends and Disruption in the Coming Decades", Lectures on Power Electronic and Mechatronic Systems of the Swiss Chapter of the IEEE Power Electronics Society, Zurich, Switzerland, July 8, 2024. 

2025

  • U. Drofenik, “Long-Term Trends and Disruption in Medium Voltage Power Electronics – Identifying Future Power Electronics Technologies of High Impact”, Präsentation am IEEE Student Branch Vienna "Aktuelle Trends in der Netz- und Energie-Technik", Wien, Österreich, June 5, 2025.
  • ORF1 ZIB magazin, “Solarwechselrichter”, May 30, 2025.
  • U. Drofenik, “Elektrotechnik und Leistungselektronik: Gesellschaftliche Relevanz Energiewende / Medizintechnik / Künstliche Intelligenz”, Präsentation am BG/BRG Mödling Keimgasse, Österreich, May 21, 2025.