State-of-the-art infrastructure for research and development
Under the brand RICE Power Lab, we operate a state-of-the-art laboratory facility for research, development and validation of technologies in the fields of power electronics, electric drives, energy, automation and robotics. We cover the entire development chain in one place – from design and simulation, through prototype construction, to experimental validation and testing of systems up to 4 MW. We use the laboratories for research projects, collaboration with industrial partners, as well as practical teaching and student projects.
Our laboratories:
Hall Laboratory for Transport Systems and Energy
A test facility for testing converters, electrical machines and complete drive systems up to 4 MW, with heat dissipation of up to 500 kW. All European traction power supply systems (AC 25 kV / 50 Hz, AC 15 kV / 16.7 Hz, DC 600 V to 3 kV) and three-phase voltages from 400 V to 22 kV are available. Programmable AC 0–11.5 kV and DC 0–15 kV power sources enable testing outside standard voltage levels. Direct torque measurement up to 20 kNm, high-speed measurement with a sampling period of 50 µs, and a 12.5 t crane. We also test sets incorporating internal combustion engines up to 500 kW.
Semiconductor Characterisation Laboratory
Static and dynamic characterisation of Si, SiC and GaN-based power semiconductor devices. Measurement of V-A characteristics, switching behaviour using the double-pulse test method, and switching losses at the inverter’s actual operating points. Thermal transient analysis in accordance with JEDEC and IEC standards, characterisation across the operating temperature range, and verification and calibration of component simulation models. The bonding facility enables sample preparation and modifications to modules directly in the laboratory. The results are used for the design and sizing of power converters, the comparison of components from different manufacturers, and the assessment of the suitability of new technologies for specific applications.
National Emulation Laboratory for Electrical Networks
Emulace přenosových a distribučních elektrických sítí, ověřování nových technologií a prvků, tvorba digitálních dvojčat a validace matematických modelů. Simulace provozních, poruchových a havarijních scénářů, analýza jejich příčin, testování kybernetické bezpečnosti a příprava podkladů pro provozní systémy a tvorbu síťových pravidel (Grid Codes).
Robotics Laboratory
State-of-the-art facilities for teaching, experimentation and the implementation of student projects in the field of industrial robotics and automation. Work with cutting-edge technologies such as ABB GoFa collaborative robots, the ABB YuMi dual-arm robot, Zimmer Group grippers and the Beckhoff XPlanar transport system.
The laboratory also supports the teaching of robotics at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEL), collaboration with industry partners, and educational activities aimed at secondary schools and their teachers.
Power Electronics and Drive Laboratories
Development and measurement of power converters using IGBT, SiC and GaN components. Test rigs with ASM, PMSM, WRSM and RSM motors up to 15 kW, industrial power converters up to 300 kW, ZIMMER LMG500 power analysers, and programmable AC and DC power supplies. Simulation environments: Matlab/Simulink, Plecs, dSPACE.
Measurement of charging and discharging characteristics of batteries (Li-ion, LiFePO₄, NiMH and others), testing of batteries, UPS systems and power converters up to 1 kW, development of power supply and charging systems, including automotive applications.
Testing of equipment behaviour under both normal and fault conditions on the grid: undervoltage, overvoltage, outages, frequency variations, asymmetry, busbar bounce. California Instruments MX30 (30 kVA) and CSW5550 programmable power sources, generation of harmonics up to the 50th order, harmonic analysis.
Electrical Machines Laboratories
Type testing, measurements of efficiency and load characteristics, static and dynamic torques, including pulsating torques within a single revolution. Dynamometers ranging from 0.5 to 30 kW, torque transducers up to 200 Nm and 10,000 rpm. ANSYS and SolidWorks design environments.
