Category Archives: News

PhD Defense: Shima Hasanpour on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine and Magnetically Geared Motor

We are pleased to announce the PhD defense of Shima Hasanpour!

Date: October 11th, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM (Central Time)
Zoom: https://tamu.zoom.us/j/98219696192

Shima will be presenting her research on the optimization and design of reliable multiphase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs), along with the development of a Magnetically Geared Motor (MGM) prototype. Her work focuses on high-torque applications, such as electric helicopters, where torque density and efficiency are crucial. Shima is also the first to introduce machine learning into the electric machine design process, significantly improving the optimization and design methodology.

Join us on Zoom to dive into the innovative breakthroughs in electric machine design and optimization! 😎

PhD Defense: Dorsa Talebi on Axial Flux Dual Rotor Motor

We are pleased to announce the PhD defense of Dorsa Talebi!

Date: October 4th, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM (Central Time)
Location: Wisenbaker Engineering Building, Room 324
Zoom: https://tamu.zoom.us/j/94021663701?pwd=fFEHBU94Gf26l3iXlBgrOZMl37Go4V.1

In her defense, Dorsa will present her research on the design and performance of axial flux dual rotor motors, a highly efficient pancake-shaped electric motor technology. These motors are versatile and can be customized for various applications, ranging from cost-effective HVAC systems to aerospace technologies that require a high power-to-mass ratio.

Join us in person or virtually to explore the potential of this innovative motor technology!

We look forward to seeing you there! 😀

Electric Powertrain Testing Milestone for Texas A&M Formula Electric Team

The Texas A&M University Formula SAE (FSAE) team has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing their electric powertrain at the Electrical Machines and Power Electronics (EMPE) Laboratory. This was done under the supervision of Mehdi Seyedi, who is currently a PhD student at the EMPE lab. Mehdi provided guidance to the students, overseeing both the preparation of the testing setup and the execution of the powertrain experiments. Read More about TAMU FSAE Team …

Photo back row left to right:

Purav Datta, Luis Diaz-Santini, Nick Martin, Sean Wall, Mehdi Seyedi.

Photo front row left to right:

Robert Haefner, Jorge Adan Ray Corral, Jeff Cunningham.

Bryton and FluxWorks wins overall Rice Business Plan Competition

Dr. Bryton Praslicka, a Texas A&M University alumnus and CEO of FluxWorks, led his team to victory at the Rice Business Plan Competition (RBPC), securing both the grand prize and the elevator pitch award.

FluxWorks, a firm specializing in the development and manufacture of magnetic gears and gear-integrated motors, stood out among competitors from esteemed institutions such as Rice, Brigham Young, Yale, MIT, and Harvard. Their innovative technology offers improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional mechanical gears, transforming the industry. The awards, totaling $360,000, serve as a testament to the potential impact of FluxWorks’ unique magnetic gear technology.  Read More…

Gearing up for the future

Thomas Simms, an electrical engineering senior at Texas A&M University, developed leadership skills through the Engineering Honors Community of Scholars (ECOS).

In 2021, Simms pursued research on magnetic gears with Dr. Matthew Johnson, collaborating with doctoral student Bryton Praslicka. Their research in this emerging field led to innovative use of magnetic gears for wave energy converters. Their concept won the Water Power Technologies Office Bonus Prize at the Department of Energy’s EnergyTech UP competition, marking a significant achievement in their research journey.   Read More…

Bryton and Thomas win DOE Energy Competition with Magnetic Gears

A team consisting of doctoral student Bryton Praslicka and senior Thomas Simms from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University was selected as Water Power Technologies Office Bonus Prize Winner at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) EnergyTech UP competition in March.

The team was awarded $25,000 for its innovative business plan to apply magnetic gears to wave energy converters through Praslicka’s startup company, FluxWorks LLC, which develops and manufactures magnetic gears for various applications. Read More…

Bryton Wins 2022 Texas New Ventures Competition

Dr. Saurabh Biswas and Bryton Praslicka holding a large first-place check for $35,000 from the Texas A&M New Ventures Competition. Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M University Innovation Partners logos are at the bottom of the check.

Bryton Praslicka, president and CEO of FluxWorks, competed with other startups throughout Texas at TNVC to win the $35,000 first-place prize and several other sponsored prizes for its magnetic gear technology, which has improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs compared to its counterpart, the mechanical gear.   Read More…

Professor Lipo Visits EMPE Lab

Professor Lipo visited EMPE Lab and Texas A&M University as part of Distinguished Speaker Series on October 26th.

Prof. Lipo is a Life Fellow of IEEE and has received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the IEEE Industry Applications Society in 1986 for his work in motor drives, the William E. Newell Award of the IEEE Power Electronics Society in 1990 for contributions to power electronics, and the Nicola Tesla IEEE Field Award from the IEEE Power Engineering Society in 1995 for his work on electrical machinery. In 2002, Dr. Lipo was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering(UK) (one of only about 25 US members) and in 2008 a Member of the National Academy of Engineering(USA). In 2014 he received the IEEE Medal in Power Engineering, the highest award presented by IEEE for research in the field of power engineering.

Ajay’s Final PhD Defense

Ajay successfully defended his dissertation on October 10. He invented a system reconfiguration and control technique for a multiphase induction motor drive that can give up to 93% higher torque for acceleration. He designed and developed Silicon carbide inverter to drive a 6-phase motor. He also did a comprehensive study about the applications of wide bandgap devices in motor drives, opportunities, and typical issues and challenges.

EMPE Lab congratulates Dr. Morya and wishes him best of luck with his professional career

Matthew Featured in Student Snapshot

Matthew is featured in student snapshot for his work on magnetic gears. Read more tx.ag/magneticgears

Gardner works in the Advanced Electrical Machines and Power Electronics Lab under Dr. Hamid Toliyat, Raytheon Professor. His work has been conducted largely in part with former doctoral student Dr. Matthew Johnson.

“Matthew has done a lot of work that has the possibility to significantly transform the field of electric machines,” Toliyat said.

“I am excited about the opportunity to make a disruptive change in the field of electric machines,” Gardner said. “Magnetic gears and magnetically geared machines offer the possibility to provide a significant, not just incremental, improvement in systems involving electric machines.”