• Nonlinear Control and Energy Management for Electric Mobility: From Advanced Control Theory to Industrial Deployment in EV/HEV Systems

    Room: A2473, Bldg: Pavillon A, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 1K3

    This keynote provides a comprehensive overview of major scientific and technological advances achieved over more than a decade of collaboration between Renault/Ampere and Centrale Nantes–LS2N within an industrial research chair dedicated to electric mobility. The research activities presented cover three main interconnected domains in electric mobility systems. The first domain focuses on AC motor and converter control for EV/HEV applications, including sensorless control strategies for AC machines with emphasis on position estimation and torque monitoring, as well as advanced control of DC–AC power converters. The second domain addresses energy management and control strategies for EV/HEV charging and discharging systems. This includes global energy management approaches and DC bus regulation techniques for EV/HEV chargers, and automated generation of VHDL code for embedded control implementation. The third domain concerns the control and optimization of EV/HEV powertrains, including the control of batteryless series hybrid electric vehicles and energy management strategies for electric vehicles powered by fuel cell–supercapacitor hybrid systems. A particular emphasis is placed on the successful transition from academic research to industrial deployment, with several control and estimation algorithms currently exploited by Renault Group. Overall, the talk aims to synthesize the main research directions developed within the Chair, highlighting how advances in nonlinear control theory contribute directly to next-generation electric mobility systems. Speaker(s): Malek Ghanes, Room: A2473, Bldg: Pavillon A, École de technologie supérieure, 1100 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3C 1K3

  • Seamless Power: Implanted Antennas for Biomedical Wireless Power Transfer

    Room: TBD, Bldg: Pavillon Lassonde, TBD, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1J4

    Wireless power transfer has emerged as a transformative technology. Traditionally, biomedical devices use batteries as a power source. Therefore, every battery replacement requires surgery. The concept of seamlessly delivering power within the human body through implanted coils and antennas has opened a new frontier in healthcare, enabling the development of innovative medical devices and systems. Some applications of implanted wireless power transfer technology include implantable medical sensors, monitoring devices, drug delivery systems, and neurostimulators. The implanted coils and antennas ensure these medical devices function optimally without the need for invasive procedures for battery replacement or recharging. When it comes to wireless power transfer, there are two major methods used in implanted devices. One is magnetic field coupling, which uses coils, and the second method involves electromagnetic waves transferred through antennas. The development of these components demands careful consideration of factors such as miniaturization, biocompatibility, and efficient power transfer over varying distances and orientations within the human body. Magnetic coupling offers high power transfer efficiency but is limited by the depth at which power can be effectively transferred. Beyond a certain depth, efficiency drops significantly. Radiative power transfer via electromagnetic waves can transfer power over larger distances, but its efficiency may become very low. An interesting research topic is how to take advantage of both methods to extend the range of power transfer while optimizing power transfer efficiency. Another primary focus in this field is the development of safe and efficient systems that comply with safety regulations. Particularly, the regulated levels of exposure in terms of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) are critical considerations in the design and implementation of these technologies. To improve power transfer efficiency, careful modeling and simulation of these devices is essential, as well as rigorous testing in phantom and laboratory environments. This talk aims to explore some of these topics, considering the significance, challenges, and potential of wireless power transfer technology for implanted devices. Speaker(s): Dr. Sima Noghanian Room: TBD, Bldg: Pavillon Lassonde, TBD, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1J4

  • Paths to Discovery: Navigating Between Academia and Industry – A Personal Journey (for general audience)

    Room: TBD, Bldg: Pavillon Lassonde, TBD, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1J4

    Undoubtedly, a question that resonates with every Ph.D. student is the career choice between academia and industry. There are multiple career options ahead of any graduate student. Some of them are traditional jobs such as becoming a professor or an engineer, and some may be different. Regardless of the chosen trajectory, certain fundamental skills are key to success and resilience in any career. While specific skills vary according to the job. In this presentation, I will draw from personal experience and offer insights into this critical decision-making process. By sharing personal anecdotes and lessons, it is aimed to shed light on the symbolic relationship between academia and industry, illustrating how navigating between these two encourages innovation, enriches professional growth, and shapes a dynamic, multi-faceted career trajectory. Speaker(s): Dr. Sima Noghanian Room: TBD, Bldg: Pavillon Lassonde, TBD, 2500 Chem. de Polytechnique, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H3T 1J4