Get involved in projects

We specialise in electric vehicles, ranging from the smallest – such as electric scooters and motorbikes – through to electric cars and go-karts, right up to large vehicles such as electric buses, trolleybuses, trams and locomotives, as well as boats and aeroplanes. We also work on key components of powertrains for motorsport (Formula Student, SuperKart, WRC, e-bikes).

Furthermore, we work on transport simulators, modelling, planning and traffic management.

Our research also includes the development of compact high-speed powertrains; in collaboration with industrial partners, we have succeeded in achieving significant reductions in the weight and volume of the powertrain whilst maintaining full traction performance. We also focus on multi-phase electric motors, which are smaller, more powerful and more reliable than traditional three-phase solutions – they are capable of continuing to operate even in the event of a failure in one or more phases. 

Fig.: Electric go-kart. A student project from 2012

An important area of our activities is mechatronics, robotics and industrial automation, where we focus on individual components and the control of robots, specialised manipulators, machine tools, production equipment and production lines.

Fig.: Model of the uARM robotic arm designed for teaching robotics.

We specialise in power electronics technologies for the transmission and distribution of electricity, smart grids and the efficient use of renewable energy sources. We design new technologies for the generation of electricity and heat. In the field of power conversion, we also work on specialised technologies for electric heating and wireless power transmission, for example.

Fig.: Smart home demonstration

An integral part of almost every complex piece of equipment or technology is electrical machines and other devices. At the department, we focus on their design, modelling, construction, and testing.

Fig.: Working with software for modelling electrical machines

The operation of electrical equipment requires an understanding of the fundamental principles governing its behaviour and the derivation of a mathematical description. Historically, these simplified models and control strategies were devised by people on the basis of experience and experimentation. Nowadays, such a vast amount of data and high-speed simulators are available that it is possible to use artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to find more accurate models and more precise control strategies.  These methods can be used to improve the design of electrical equipment.

Fig.: Transport modelling software.

Formula Student is an international competition organised by SAE International, with a history dating back to 1979, in which more than 600 universities currently take part. In the past, the UWB Formula team http://uwbracing.cz/ achieved impressive results in numerous races in the internal combustion engine category. Students are now developing an electric-powered formula car powered by a traction battery. At our department, you will learn more about the design of electric motors, inverters, traction batteries (including BMS) and other associated electronics.

• A project you can join straight away.
• Areas of potential collaboration:
• design and manufacture of electronics
• programming of units, communication and visualisation
• preparation of documentation and participation in races.
• It doesn’t matter what skills you have now, but rather which ones you want to acquire during your studies.