Research

Automatic Control and Operational Research

The scientific areas involved in this Curriculum are systems and control engineering (scientific sector code ING-INF/04) and Operational Research (MAT/09). These are fundamental subjects for the Master Courses in Management and Information Engineering (Electronics, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Biomedical, Automation). Moreover, they are also present in many other Master Courses in Engineering and (as far as MAT/09 is concerned) also in Business Administration and Science.
The unifying methodological aspect is the Systems Approach, which provides a very powerful viewpoint to face most problems in modern engineering as well as in many other applied sectors.
The basic subjects (system theory, control theory, optimization, estimation methods, filtering and identification, simulation) provide very useful tools to deal with and solve in a formal and general way complex problems that are often faced by special-purpose procedures, sometimes of empirical type.

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Bioengineering

The Bioengineering curriculum promotes the acquisition of advanced skills of highly interdisciplinary character (from engineering to medical and biological sciences, from mathematics and physics to computer science) to face – by means of innovative tools and solutions - complex problems in the field of the life sciences.

The curriculum offers a wide spectrum of research themes, involving electronic, information and industrial aspects of bioengineering.

Strong connections exist between the various themes; frequently, the training and research activities are placed at the intersection of several themes. Each research project will pursue a specific objective: improvement of physio-pathological knowledge, progress in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, advancement in assistive and rehabilitation technologies, optimization of health-care management. The interaction with the other two curricula - thanks also to common courses and seminars - certainly stimulates the sharing of methodologies, the cultural exchange and the multidisciplinary training necessary for an effective approach to bioengineering problems.

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Electrical Engineering

The curriculum in Electrical Engineering provides a wide scientific and technical-professional training in electrical engineering, with good base knowledge, capacity for technological and design innovation, and specific electrical knowledge. The Ph.D. student must be able to apply the analytical tools and the knowledge concerning the advanced technologies typical of electrical/electromechanical/energy sector also to other engineering leading sectors. The academic scientific areas involved in this Curriculum are: Electrotechnics (ING-IND/31), Converters, electrical machines and drives (ING-IND/32), Power systems and technologies (ING-IND/33) e Electrical and electronic measurements (ING-INF/07).

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APPLIED ELECTROMAGNETICS AND CIRCUITS
The activities in this thread concern the study of electromagnetic fields end electric circuits in industrial applications specific of electrical engineering. In addition to the experimental research activities related to the application of interest, this sector includes its modeling by means of numerical (FEM, BEM, ...) and circuital approaches. Possible topics in this area range among EM compatibility, inductive power transfer, LF and HF circuit modeling of renewables and energy storage systems, induction heating, non-linear circuits.

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENTS
This research field refers to measurement architectures used in modern electrical power systems. In particular, the research is oriented to the design and development of measurement architectures for Smart Grids and power apparatus and systems for industrial applications. Some of the main topics covered by the Ph.D in Electrical and Electronic Measurements are the development and implementation of distributed and synchronized measurement systems; measurement uncertainty propagation analysis; characterization and performance evaluation of instruments, sensors and devices.

ELECTRICAL MACHINES AND DRIVES
The research concerns the design, the control and the diagnostics of electric machines, actuators and electric drives used in modern applications, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, generation from renewable energies and more-electric aircrafts, as well as in traditional industrial and automation scenarios. The research aims to improve efficiency, performance, reliability, and fault tolerance by optimizing the electromagnetic design, the topology, and the control of the whole drive.

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE MATERIALS
The Ph.D. activity concerns theoretical and experimental models and methods for innovative electrical technologies and materials of modern power systems. The focus is on development and characterization of new materials for applications in HVDC, HVAC, energy harvesting, electrical sensors and actuators, batteries, as well as qualification and design of novel insulation systems. Additional topics regard reliability and diagnostics of electrical insulation systems (solid, liquid and gaseous) under DC, AC and non-sinusoidal voltage plus thermal transients associated with load cycles.

MAGNET TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED SUPERCONDUCTIVITY
The research concerns resistive and superconducting magnets as well as the application of superconductors to the electric power system and transportations. In particular, magnets for Particle Accelerators, Nuclear Fusion, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Magnetic Levitation and Separation are treated. Applications of superconductors to Energy Storage Systems, Fault Current Limiters, transformers, cables, and rotating machines, are also investigated. Particular attention is paid to the characterization of magnetic and superconducting materials.

PLASMA ENGINEERING AND MAGNETOFLUIDODYNAMICS
This thread is focused on the study of plasmas and weakly ionized gases. The activities are conducted through theoretical and numerical modelling (PIC, drift-diffusion, MHD models), and experimental observation (spectroscopy, interferometry, electrical and fluid-dynamic diagnostics, imaging). Topics of interest include cold plasmas applications (fluid-dynamic control, sterilization, plasma medicine), aerospace applications (MHD re-entry, electric propulsion), industrial plasma processes and plasma power supplies design and construction.

POWER ELECTRONICS AND RENEWABLES
This PhD research field concerns electric and electronic power circuits
for energy conversion, power quality, and renewable sources. Particular emphasis is given to photovoltaic and wind generation, in both stand-alone and grid-connected configurations. Power electronic converters are analyzed and developed, with reference to single- and multi-phase inverters, multi-level converters, switching resonant circuits for wireless power transfer. Energy harvesting and charging systems for electric vehicles also belong to this research topic.

POWER SYSTEMS AND SMART GRIDS
The research field includes projects relevant to the operation, control and protection of modern electric power systems following the smart grid paradigm for the improvement of system security and efficiency, the development of centralized as well as distributed electricity generation from renewable energy sources, the set-up of electricity markets that foster competition and economic efficiency, and the increased electrification of the transportation system.