Center for Power Optimization of Electro-thermal Systems

Overview

Many engineered systems develop the electrical systems first, then use these to set thermal system requirements. POETS’s vision is one of co-design, driving synergistic thermal and electrical power for tightly-constrained mobile environments to achieve increased power density across a broad array of industrial and consumer uses. 

We are developing the ability to route thermal power as readily as electrical power, and utilize this capability to integrate thermal and electrical design and operation. Our target research focuses on power conversion modules, energy storage elements, thermal management technologies, and electric machines as subsystems in overall mobile systems.

In order to create integrated electro-thermal systems, we have had to develop some basic capabilities that do not currently exist. For example, POETS is building the thermal equivalent of electrical solid state circuits. In parallel with the new thermal circuitry, new designs for wide bandgap and other types of power electronics are being pursued. 

With these building blocks, POETS will be able to lay out electrical and thermal circuit designs simultaneously.

To organize these research efforts, POETS has defined three thrust areas:

  • System Design and Operation
  • Packaging and Integration
  • Component Fabrication

To expedite and sustain this comprehensive research, the POETS headquarters and core partners offer diverse facilities and testbeds which enable a multitude of concurrent and coordinated activities.