Research Interests
(Last Updated: July 10, 2007)
My broad research interests are in the areas of Control Systems Design
and Mechatronics. My current interest is geared towards using the
tools provided by systems/control theory towards the development of
disruptive technologies for intelligent/clean
transportation (see "Automotive Controls") and alternate energy devices (see "Control of
Large Wind Turbines").
Automotive Controls
Over the years, automobile subsystems have evolved into highly complex
mechanical entities. The trend today, the world-over, is to replace
mechanical complexity with intelligent mechatronics. Mechatronic
systems promise to provide the benefits of cheaper costs, better
vehicle handling performance, cleaner engines, lighter vehicles,
reconfigurability etc.
In keeping with this global trend, several Tier-I (complete subsystem
providers) manufacturers and OEMs (original equipment
manufacturers/vehicle manufacturers) in India are keen on investing in
research programs that would provide them access to "in-house"
automotive control and embedded system technology. My group at IIT,
Bombay has taken the lead to initiate industry-relevant projects in
automotive controls.
Active projects include:
Control of Large Wind Turbines
Wind energy is, by far, the fastest growing energy industry in the
world. The growth of this industry can be attributed, primarily, to
rapid developments in wind turbine technology. Today, many wind farms
are able to produce electricity at a cost (Cost-of-Energy, CoE) comparable
to conventional sources of power (coal, natural gas based plants).
Due to cost considerations, much of the work on wind turbine
development has focussed on large wind turbines. Amongst the
technologies identified as key to realizing even lower CoEs, advanced
control plays a crucial role. My research is focussed on the
development of sensing and control technologies aimed to maximizing
power capture and minimizing fatigue/ultimate loads - both of which
have a direct bearing on the CoE.
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