My research interests are special electrical machines, novel topologies of permanent magnet machines, computer-aided design of electrical machines, finite element methods, optimisation methodologies, cooling design and analysis, renewable energy systems. Recently, my work has been focusing on the magnetic gears and flux modulated electrical machine technologies. Our research has been supported by international and local companies.
Current Research Projects
- Eichin, F., Dynamic short circuits of traction motors, PhD (Eng) (2023)
- Teymoori, V., Sensorless control of dual three-phase PM Vernier machine, PhD (Eng) (2022) (Co-Supvr)
- Arish, N., Multi-phase permanent magnet Vernier motor drive, PhD (Eng) (2021) (Co-Supvr)
- Mugyema, M., Large-scale gravity energy storage using linear machine technology, PhD (Eng) (2021) (Co-Supvr)
- Pastellides, S. G., Development of a modular magnetically geared smart motor drive system for EV applications, PhD (Eng) (2018)
Past Postgraduate Students
- Botha, C. D., Critical evaluation of large-scale gravity energy storage using linear vernier hybrid machine technology,
PhD (Eng) (2021) (Co-Supvr) - Botha, M. C., Design of an induction machine for traction application, MEng (2020)
- Tlali, P. M., Design and performance evaluation of a PM Vernier machine for wind turbine generator applications, PhD (Eng) (2019)
- Agenbach, C. J., Mechanical design and analysis of a magnetic gearbox, MEng (2018) (Co-Supvr) (cum laude)
- Smit, Q., Development of a new fan drive system for dry cooling power plants, MEng (2016-2017) (deregistered)
- Sorgdrager, A., Design of line-start permanent magnet synchronous machines using the Taguchi method, PhD (Eng) (2017)
- Matthee, A., Development of a magnetic gear for dry-cooling power plant applications, MEng (2017) (cum laude)
- Gerber, S., Evaluation and design aspects of magnetically geared electrical machines, PhD (Eng) (2015)
- Mutize, C., Optimal design of a line-start permanent magnet motor for cooling fan applications, MEng (2010-2015) (deregistered)
- Tlali, P. M., Design and performance evaluation of an outer stator magnetically geared permanent magnet machine, MEng (2015)
- Sorgdrager, A., Design of a line-start permanent magnet electrical motor, MEng, NWU, Potchefstroom, (2014) (Co-Supvr)
- Brönn, L., Design and performance evaluation of a magnetically geared axial-flux permanent magnet generator, MScEng (2012)
Past Postdoc Projects
- Dr. Gerber, S., Evaluation of emerging electrical machine technologies for heavy traction applications (2018-2020)
- Dr. Tlali, P. M., PM Vernier machines and their applications in utility-scale wind power generators (2020)
- Dr. Gerber, S., Modelling and prevention of bearing currents in inverter-driven electrical machines (2016-2017)
- Dr. Chama, A., Development of advanced finite element software for electrical machines (2015-2017)
- Dr. Gerber, S., An investigation of cogging torque performance drift of fractional slot PM machines due to manufacturing imperfections (2014-2015)