Enhancing Electric Power for Information Technology
Modern societies rely heavily on information technologies (IT) comprising communication networks, data warehouses, e-commerce, and the control of industrial processes. Such technologies are extremely dependent on reliable, high quality sources of electric power, free from interruption and signal distortion; the slightest power interruption or surge can wreak havoc on an IT infrastructure.
As a pioneer in his field, Dr. Géza Joós believes the best way to address the strict reliability needs of IT is to integrate novel power electronic systems with existing and new power grid configurations. In addition to providing a broad range of flexible and cost-effective solutions, power electronic systems allow integration into the power grid of alternate energy sources, such as wind energy and fuel cells, which respond to environmental concerns.
Dr. Joós is highly respected for his extensive expertise and leadership in the area of power electronics and related applications. His papers are widely quoted and he is frequently invited to collaborate with industry partners. His most significant contributions have focused on enhancing static power converter systems in the medium to high power range and demonstrating the benefits of such systems in terms of improved power delivery, quality and reliability.
As Chair, Dr. Joós is designing novel power electronic converter systems to enhance the production and delivery of extremely reliable, high quality electric power in order to meet the very strict requirements of IT infrastructures. He is also developing local and centralized control techniques to integrate these power electronic systems into electric power grids that are fed by conventional or alternate energy sources.
The program follows three main research thrusts based on power electronic devices, adding supplemental equipment to enhance power supply quality, adding auxiliary power supplies, and enhancing the reliability and use of the power grid. The specific issues he is addressing are power quality enhancement, integration of distributed generation, and efficient power electronic conversion systems and interfaces.