Hassan Abdallah
MS Graduate, 2025
Thesis: Electromagnetic Interference Mitigation Toolset for Power Electronic Systems
Abstract: The increasing demand for compact and efficient power electronic systems has intensified the challenge of managing electromagnetic interference (EMI). While wide-bandgap semiconductors are known to generate substantial conducted EMI as a side effect of high edge rate and high frequency switching. Traditional EMI mitigation techniques often result in bulky, costly, and suboptimal solutions. This thesis introduces an innovative methodology leveraging machine learning and virtual prototyping, specifically genetic algorithms and surrogate modeling, to optimize EMI mitigation in power electronics applications. The developed EMI mitigation toolset integrates computationally efficient predictive models and multi-objective optimization techniques (NSGA-II) to effectively manage both common-mode and differential-mode noise. Detailed modeling and analysis, including simulation results using PLECS, demonstrate significant improvements in EMI performance while maintaining system efficiency and compactness. The results reveal the potential of machine learning techniques to revolutionize EMI management, providing scalable, robust, and optimized filtering solutions critical for advancing digital engineering practices in power electronics.
BS in EE and Electronics Engineering with a Minor in Economics from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 2023.
PhD Candidate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee CSEES
Allen Gee Jacob
MS Graduate, 2024
Thesis: Power Electronics Simulation for Grid Application and Transportation Electrification
Abstract: The global shift toward renewable energy and electrified transportation is transforming modern power systems, with power electronics playing a critical role in enabling efficient energy conversion and control. However, their nonlinear dynamics, high-speed switching, and complex controls requirements brings challenges, particularly when integrated into larger networks. This thesis addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced simulation and real-time testing techniques. Using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, Typhoon HIL, and OPAL-RT, it develops accurate models of power converters, capturing key phenomena like switching dynamics, losses, and fault responses. These models are validated through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Controller-in-theLoop (CHIL) simulations, enabling rigorous testing of control algorithms and system interactions under realistic conditions. The result emphasizes the values value of combining simulation and real-time testing to design power systems that are efficient, reliable, and robust. By addressing key challenges and advancing tools for modeling, this work supports the seamless integration of renewable energy and transportation electrification, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
BTech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Kerala, India, 2019.
Electrical Power Engineering Specialist
Energy Management Corporation
Joseph Raymond Lentz
MS Graduate, 2024
Thesis: Development of a Smart Power Lab for Advanced Power Electronics Research
Abstract: In the pursuit of enhancing power systems efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, the establishment of advanced research laboratories plays a pivotal role. This thesis dives into the development and integration of a cutting-edge power laboratory aimed at fostering innovation across three key domains: Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) analysis, Microgrid studies, and Energy Storage exploration. The first section focuses on the creation of an EMI laboratory tailored for the comprehensive evaluation of both radiated and conducted emissions. EMI poses significant challenges in modern electronic systems, necessitating meticulous analysis and mitigation strategies. By meticulously designing and equipping an EMI lab, researchers can gain insights into the electromagnetic compatibility of devices, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards and enhancing overall system performance. The second segment highlights the establishment of a microgrid laboratory featuring a two bus system. Microgrids, characterized by their decentralized and resilient nature, are pivotal in shaping the future of power distribution. Through the emulation of real-world scenarios, this lab enables researchers to explore the dynamic interactions between distributed energy resources, load demands, and grid operations. Such studies are instrumental in optimizing microgrid configurations, enhancing grid stability, and facilitating seamless integration of renewable energy sources. The last section discusses the integration of an energy storage system within the laboratory framework. Energy storage technologies play a critical role in addressing intermittency issues associated with renewable energy sources and enhancing grid flexibility. By deploying diverse energy storage solutions and evaluating their performance under varying conditions, researchers can uncover novel strategies for grid optimization, demand response management, and peak shaving. Collectively, the establishment of this integrated power laboratory underscores our commitment to advancing research in key areas of power engineering. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we aim to address pressing challenges, drive technological innovation, and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
BS in EE and Electronics Engineering from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 2021.
Laboratory Manager
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee CSEES
Skyler Schwartz
MS Graduate, 2023
Thesis: Applications of Surface Discharge Modeling, Simulation and Testing to Electrical Insulation Systems
Abstract: Advances in power electronics and the increasing demand for highly power dense power distribution systems have increased the demands for electrical insulation systems. A critical challenge in insulation system design is the prevention and mitigation of partial discharge which drives premature aging and failure of electrical assets. This work applies and validates a recently proposed model for surface discharge applied to the case of a laminated bus bar. The results from the modeling and testing shows the traditional concept of creepage, while essential for preventing a flashover events provides little insight into surface discharge. The approach to characterize the laminated bus bar provides insight into producing partial discharge free designs as a result of modeling. However, in many applications various stresses and conditions could result in partial discharge inception during the assets life, even if partial discharge is not present at commissioning. This motivates the selection of a candidate material which can endure partial discharge to some extent. In this pursuit an approach for rapid material characterization is explored through the testing of commercially available Corona Resistant Kapton (Kapton CR) and Non-Corona Resistant Kapton (Kapton NCR).
BS in Electrical Engineering and Physics from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 2021.
Associate Substation Services Engineer
American Transmission Company
William Koebel
MS Graduate, 2023
Thesis: Allocation and Compilation Methodology for Modular Power Electronic Equipment Metamodels
Abstract: With the ongoing electrification of Navy vessels motivated by increased power demands, evolving operating environments, and more stringent pollution policies, modular distribution networks have been proposed to introduce survivability, affordability, and resiliency into future ship designs. A virtual prototyping process (VPP) has been introduced to produce scalable metamodels for the Leading Edge Architecture for Prototyping Systems (LEAPS) database that enables development of modular distribution networks on the U.S. Navy’s Smart Ship System Design (S3D) design platform. This work proposes an allocation and compilation methodology for use in the VPP that modularizes enabling technologies for integration into a modular distribution network through the use of spatial insulation, thermal, conductor, accessibility, and frame allocations. A use case, as distribution bus voltage varies from 5kV to 30kV, is performed on a DC no-load disconnect switch to demonstrate the methodology’s applicability. Performance metrics, termed MOP’s, are output from the proposed allocation and compilation methodology and provide transparency into performance metric trade-offs introduced once technology is modularized. Calculated MOPS, power density and specific power, suggest diminishing returns on performance gains once a distribution bus voltage of 16kV is reached as insulation coordination requirements begin to dominate space claim.
Senior Energy Markets Engineer
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Nicholas Hoeft
MS Graduate, 2020
Thesis: POWER ELECTRONIC ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTI-VEHICLE EXTREME FAST CHARGING STATIONS.
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EV) are quickly gaining popularity but limited driving range and a lack of fast charging infrastructure are preventing widespread use when compared with gas powered vehicles. This gave rise to the concept of multi-vehicle extreme fast charging (XFC) stations. Extreme fast charging imposes challenges in the forms of power delivery, battery management, and energy dispatch. The extreme load demand must be handled in such a way that users may receive a timely charge with minimal impacts on the electric grid. Power electronics are implemented to address these challenges with highly power dense and efficient solutions. This work explores a power electronic architecture as one such solution. The system consists of three parts: a cascaded H-bridge (CHB) active rectifier that interfaces to a medium voltage (MV) grid, a dual active bridge (DAB) based solid state transformer (SST) that provides isolation and forms a low voltage DC (LVDC) bus, and full bridge DC-DC converters configured as partial power converters (PPC) that interface with the vehicle battery.
BS in EE and Electronics Engineering from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 2017.
Assistant in Research
Florida State University