Coday Research Group: High Performance Capacitor-Based Power Converters for Future Electrification

Professor Coday's research group designs high performance power converters and systems to enable future electric aircraft, space travel and renewable integration. Focus is on the modeling, design and control of high efficiency and lightweight converters utilizing the advantages of capacitor-based and multilevel topologies.

Some specific research includes:

(*) Increased utilization of energy-dense capacitors -- Capacitors have over 10,000x higher specific energy (energy per unit weight) potential compared to inductors. To fully unlock their potential, our group explores topologies and systems which allow us to better utilize capacitor’s energy processing capability.

(*) Accurate component characterization and modeling -- As we push to higher efficiencies and power densities, understanding component losses under realistic operating conditions becomes vital. We use calorimetric methods to accurately determine models for capacitors and switches.

(*) Implementing novel components in new topologies -- Our group is currently investigating the use of monolithic bidirectional switches (or four-quadrant switches) which allow both buck and boost mode with bidirectional power flow, with a single-stage design. Coupling these new devices with hybrid-switched capacitor
converters unlocks possibilities for flexible and dense converter operation.

(*) Reliable control and ultra-dense power converter design -- With increased component count and complexity, design and control are integral parts of our research. We explore new techniques to carefully control complex topologies for reliable and robust operation.