Professor Mahinda Vilathgamuwa

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Program Lead - Energy storage systems

Ph D (Electrical Engineering) (University of Cambridge)

Area of research: Power Electronics, Energy Storage, Electromobility, Wireless Power, Electrical Drives, Renewable Energy;   I am most interested in how electric power can be generated, converted, and utilized efficiently.  My main focus is on the development of efficient energy conversion processes using new power semiconductor devices along with novel converter topologies and electrochemical systems. With the electrification and automation of many aspects of our lives, it is of paramount importance that energy is converted efficiently and economically. Presently, the evolving paradigm shifts within the energy sector revolutionizes the way energy is generated via modern energy sources, the way energy is converted to different forms, and the way energy is stored using novel storage devices.  Exploring new avenues in this revolutionary research domain is a challenging yet fascinating task for many contemporary power engineering professionals in today's world.   Academic Qualifications:
  • BSc(Engineering) – (Hons), 1984, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
  • Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering) – 1993, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Summary of Working Experience
  • Jun 1985 - Oct 1988 : Assistant Lecturer, University of Moratuwa
  • May 1993 - Dec 1993 : Senior Lecturer, University of Moratuwa
  • Dec 1993-  Dec  1998: Lecturer, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Jan 1999 - Dec 2000: Asst. Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Jan 2001 – Feb 2014 : Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Professional Qualifications
  • Fellow – Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Service to professional bodies
  • Secretary - IEEE Singapore Section, 2003
  • Secretary - IEEE Singapore Section, 2004
  • Committee member -IEEE Singapore Section, 2005
  • Committee member -IEEE Singapore Section, 2006
  • Deputy Chairman -IEEE Singapore Section, 2007
  • Treasurer -IEEE Singapore Section, 2008
  • Deputy Chairman -IEEE Singapore Section, 2009
  • Deputy Chairman -IEEE Singapore Section, 2010
  • Chairman -IEEE Singapore Section, 2011
  • Chairman -IEEE Singapore Section, 2012
  • General co-chairman - IEEE Power Electronics and Drives Systems Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2005
  • General co-chairman - IEEE Power Electronics and Drives Systems Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 2007
  • General co-chairman - IEEE International conference on sustainable energy technologies, Sri Lanka, 2010
  • General co-chairman - IEEE International conference on sustainable energy technologies, Nepal, 2012
  • Technical co-chairman – International power and energy conference, Ho Chi Ming City, Vietnam, 2012
  • General co-chairman - IEEE Power Electronics and Drives Systems Conference, Sydney, Australia, 2015
  • Associate Editor – IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
Selected List of Grants
  • The Analysis, Design, and Implementation of Solid-State PWM Power Flow Controllers (AcRF RG50/95), Funding Source: Ministry of Education, Singapore,  Principal Investigator,  1995 – 1998
  • The Stability Of Low Voltage Direct Current Marine Systems, Funding Source: Rolls Royce, Principal Investigator,  2010-2014
  • Development of Efficient Inverters for Renewable and Modern Energy Sources, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Panasonic, 2011-2012
  • Novel Energy Efficient Electric Machines For Electric Ships Using Magneto-Caloric Systems, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Maritime and Ports Authority, Singapore, 2010-2013
  • Electro-Mechanical Interactions With Power Inverters In Electric StarterGenerator Application, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Rolls Royce, 2012-2013
  • Electromobility in megacities (TUM CREATE), Funding Source: National Research Foundation, Singapore, 2011-2016
  • Optimization and New Designs of Permanent Magnet Generators for Tidal Energy Conversion, Co-Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Atlantis Resources Corporation, 2009-2012
  • Development of Photovoltaic (PV) Power Conditioners,  Principal Investigator,   Funding Source: Panasonic, 2010-2011
  • Electro-Mechanical Interactions With Power Inverters, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Rolls Royce, 2010-2011
  • Efficient wireless power transfer system for ventricular assist devices, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, 2016
  • Degradation conscious, electrochemistry based, grid-scale battery energy management system, Principal Investigator,  Funding Source: Australian Research Council, 2016-2018
QUT Ph.D. Scholarships available to outstanding candidates: submit your application by searching ‘scholarships’ on the QUT homepage. You may also like to visit my home page. 

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