Power electronics
Known as pioneers in the development of Inductive Power Transfer, we aim to make cost-competitive wired systems with varied applications.
We are a recognised world leader in medium-to-high powered systems within IPT research. IPT allows electrical power to be delivered without electrical contact to stationary or moving loads.
In the past decade, IPT power levels have increased from a few watts to several hundred kW. Such progress is placing stress on the available components and complexity of the control strategies to maintain stability. The goal is to make the system cost competitive with conventional wired systems.
Power electronics research and magnetic modeling combine in the area of IPT to find means of improving the quality of supply while reducing costs. New areas of research at both PhD and masters level include improved low cost power supplies, high band width communications, self tuned high-power pick-up regulators, better magnetic structures and improved controllers.
IPT in practice
Our technology has been utilised in biomedical implants by our University's Biomedical Institute, and are also used under our UniServices license by partners that include:
- Daifuku Company Ltd. in Japan with materials handling and clean room applications
Conductix-Wampfler AG in Germany with applications in major German car assembly plants - 3i Innovations Ltd. with Smart Road Studs for use in traffic control and marine systems worldwide
- Cabco Industries Ltd. with hands free charging applications for children's carts in shopping malls
- Lextar Pty Ltd in Australia with applications in wireless security systems
- Dream Solutions Ltd for applications in stage lighting
- PowerbyProxi, for wireless charging of mobile devices