Research Group in Electromechanical Drives, Energy Conversion and Power Quality. GAECEQS

The acronym GAECEQS stands for Research Group in Electromechanical Drives, Energy Conversion and Power Quality. It is a research group made up of professors and researchers from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia at the Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona Campus Sud and Terrassa Campuses.

The GAECEQS is a group recognised by the Generalitat de Catalunya through the call for proposals SGR-2021.

GAECEQS was created in 2021 as a merger of the GAECE and QSE groups with a long tradition of research in the fields of electromechanical energy conversion, quality of supply and mechanical manufacturing. The research group has more than 200 published articles, 38 doctoral theses, 38 competitive projects, various technology transfer activities and patents.

Data

11

Researchers

+200

Published articles

38

PhD theses

38

Competitive projects

Research

The activity of GAECEQS focuses on four lines of research covering different areas of technological development that in one way or another contribute to the improvement of society's daily life.

Energy Conversion

Energy Conversion: Motors, Drives and Power Electronics

This line of work focuses on electromechanical devices and the power electronics required for their use. Various work stages are considered, from the conception of ideas for a specific application, to the design of actuators, as well as converters and their control.

The studies are based on finite element simulations and dynamic simulations with specialised software. Special areas of expertise are self-switching reluctance motors. A test bench is also available for engine mapping and motorbike testing.

Power Quality

Power Quality: Harmonics, Voltage Dips and Stability

The research line in power supply quality analyses devices and electrical networks affected by harmonics, voltage dips, unbalances and other problems derived from the non-ideality of the voltages and currents in the system. The presence of harmonics in the system produces a degraded operation of the devices.

The analysis of these systems requires the application of numerical methods and optimisation techniques. Currently, the high penetration of non-linear elements in the electricity grid makes it necessary to carry out stability studies to ensure that the electricity system does not collapse in the presence of these devices.

Mechanics and hybrid manufacturing processes

This research focuses on two key processes in industrial forging: electric current assisted cutting and laser texturing.

In current-assisted cutting, techniques are perfected for the manufacture of high-precision parts, especially in the aerospace and machinery industries. The aim is to optimise efficiency, reduce costs and minimise tool wear.

Laser texturing aims to improve the quality and strength of metallic components by modifying the surface to increase durability and strength. Manufacturing engineering involves optimising laser configurations and understanding laser-material interaction.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

In biomedical engineering, research is being carried out on inertial sensors and machine-learning for movement disorders.

The first area combines biomechanical engineering and medicine, focusing on advanced inertial sensors and machine-learning for the monitoring and diagnosis of disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

The second area addresses breast reconstruction surgery with autologous tissue, developing image processing systems to assist in the planning and execution of procedures. Manufacturing engineering excels in the creation of specialised devices for intraoperative image capture and visualisation.

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