2020 - aau
TRANSCRIPT
2020A N N U A L R E P O R T
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
SELECTED PROJECTS . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
GRADUATED PHDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15
NEW PHDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20
LABORATORY FACILITIES . . 22-27
SELECTED EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
AWARDS AND HONOURS . . . . 30-31
CONTACT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . 32
2020 was another good year for the Department of Energy Technology. In this annual report, you can read about the department’s activities and new initiatives that characterised the year.
CHANGE OF MANAGEMENTIn May 2020, Professor Lasse Rosendahl was appointed as new Head of Department as the former head, John K. Pedersen at the end of 2019 went on to take a position as vice dean for research and innovation at the Faculty of Engineering and Science. With a background as manager of the Advanced Biofuels Research Programme, Lasse Rosendahl brings significant experience in research management with him to his new post.
OUTSTANDING RESEARCH2020 brought with it achievements across our field of activities, including significant new funding as well as major new results. Among other things, 106 researchers from Aalborg University were ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world according to the Stanford University’s list “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators”. 30 of the 106 researchers on the list are employed at the Department of Energy Technology. Also, Professor Frede Blaabjerg was awarded the prestigious IEEE Edison Medal for his contribution to and leadership in power electronics, developing a sustainable society.
During the year, we have been working on approximately 200 different research projects with a turnover of 93 million DKK. Also, in collaboration with industry and other universities, we have initiated more than 71 new research projects in the range of 20,000 DKK to 19 million DKK. Please see pages 8-13 and our website et.aau.dk for more information.
Another remarkable result is a record high number of research publications, around 800, all in high-ranking journals and conferences.
Finally, our intake of PhDs remains strong. We welcomed 38 new students and graduated 28 candidates.
CHALLENGES AND UN GOALS In society we face many global challenges when it comes to environment and climate changes. At the department we adapt our research and our activities to current and upcoming challenges in the world, in close collaboration with other departments and industry. We address many of the sustainable development goals but five goals that we have a special focus on are the following:
#4 Quality Education#7 Affordable and Clean Energy#9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure#11 Sustainable Cities and Communities#13 Climate Action
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE We will continue to update and develop our research programmes, in order to ensure that they continue to foster high impact research. Read more about the research programmes at et.aau.dk/research-programmes.
Recently, we have appointed two research signature areas for our section in Esbjerg: Offshore energy and biorefining. In future, there will be much more focus on cooperation with local industry as our employees are very skilled and have competencies which the industry can benefit from through applied research.
Another important focus point for the coming years is to develop our strong educational programs in order to make them grow in terms of students and relevance for industry and research institutions. In the light of this, it was therefore very satisfying when we, at the end of 2020, received approval for General Engineering (Ingeniørvidenskab),
which is a new education starting up in Aalborg in September 2021.
We hope you will enjoy this annual report and look forward to collaborating with you in 2021 where we will be pursuing new goals.
Lasse Rosendahl, Head of Department of Energy Technology
I N T R O D U C T I O N
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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The Department of Energy Technology focuses on a sustainable energy future, focusing our re-
search on renewable energy, efficient energy consumption and distribution, conversion technolo-
gies and control of energy. The department addresses the energy technological challenges, which
occur in the pursuit of a society that is free from fossil energy and based on a robust energy system
with a high degree of supply security.
As global and national priorities for the transition towards a sustainable society continuously de-
velop and evolve, so does the research targets and activities of our scientists: always pushing the
limits, providing research results with high impact for society.
SECTIONS AND RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
To cover the many challenging areas within energy technology, the Department of Energy Technology
is organised in six sections and eighteen research programmes. The six sections make up the basic
organisation of all scientific employees and reflect the primary core competences. Each section has a
leader who is part of the department’s overall management group. Five sections are placed in Aalborg
and one section is placed in Esbjerg.
The eighteen research programmes reflect the current research focuses in technologies and applica-
tions. The programmes are dynamic and they continuously adjust to new possibilities. A programme
leader is in charge of the programme, its development and its research, PhD and collaboration projects.
AIMS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
The department has four overall objectives:
• to conduct definitive international leading edge research with strong industry interaction
• to educate highly qualified candidates at all levels from BSc to MSc and PhD
• to interact with peers in the industry and academia
• to create a good and innovative work environment in the department
T H E D E P A R T M E N T O FE N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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CLOSE COLLABORATIONS
The Department of Energy Technology places great emphasis on being international and collabora-
tion oriented with world-class experimental facilities. The department has a comprehensive col-
laboration with the industry in both research projects and consulting and is proud of the fact that
numerous world renowned companies have chosen to have in-house divisions at the department,
which contributes to closer collaborations.
ORGANISATION – DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEMS AND MICROGRIDS
MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
POWER ELECTRONIC SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND MATERIALS
APPLIED POWER ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS
THERMAL ENGINEERING
ESBJERG SECTION
SIX SECTIONS
WIND POWER SYSTEMS
EFFICIENT, INTELLIGENT AND RELIABLE
FLUID POWER TECHNOLOGY
OFFSHORE ENERGY SYSTEMS
BIOGAS AND BIOREFINERING
ADVANCED BIOFUELS
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
MODERN POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
INTELLIGENT ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ACTIVE NETWORKS
MICROGRIDS
ELECTRONIC POWER GRID (EGRID)
FUEL CELL SYSTEMS
BATTERY STORAGE SYSTEMS
ELECTRO-FUELS
EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE POWER ELECTRONICS
E-MOBILITY AND INDUSTRIAL DRIVES
LOW POWER ENERGY HARVESTING AND I-SOLUTIONS
HEATING AND COOLING
MULTIPHASE FLOWS AND HEAT TRANSFER
18 MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
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K E Y F I G U R E S
K E Y F I G U R E S 2 0 2 0
New PhD students
50
40
30
20
10
0
Total PhD students
250
200
150
100
50
0
Publications
1000
800
600
400
200
0
50
40
30
20
10
0
Graduated PhD students
21
2019
117
2019
820
2019
27
2019
52
2018
129
2018
843
2018
32
2018
45
2017
112
2017
705
201730
2017
27
2016
98
2016
610
2016
26
2016
30
2015
99
2015
552
2015
28
2015
2020
38
2020
121
2020
802
202028
K E Y F I G U R E S 2 0 2 0
K E Y F I G U R E S
External turnover (m)
125
100
75
50
25
0
125
100
75
50
25
0
New external portfolio (m)
Total number of employees at the department
500
400
300
200
100
0
Total turnover (m)
250
200
150
100
50
0
75,6
2019
129,
4
2019
290
2019
138,
4
2019
79,5
2018
58,7
2018
330
2018
161,
7
2018
88,9
2017
107,
6
2017
280
201716
9,1
2017
92,0
2016
77,2
2016
250
2016
163,
2
2016
2020
93,4
2020
88,3
2020
300
2020
155,
9
94,5
2015
81,5
2015
250
2015
161
2015
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S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
GREENCEM
In spite of development of more energy efficient systems and the use of green fuels, the production
of cement still results in large CO2-emissions. On a global basis, this production accounts for the
second largest industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
Aalborg Portland is the largest industrial point source of CO2 in Denmark with an annual emission of
2,2 mill. ton CO2 or approximately 4% of the total Danish CO2-emissions. Without the use of carbon
capture and storage, the company cannot fulfil the Danish goals about a national reduction in CO2-
emissions of 70% in 2030.
The purpose of the GreenCem project is that Aalborg Portland actively focuses on developing the
necessary technical solutions to capture, transport, store and utilize CO2.
The Department of Energy Technology is involved in modeling the technical solutions for CO2 storage
and liquefaction. Additionally, we will develop a utilization system at lab scale for the production of
jet-fuel based on the CO2.
Period: August 2020 – January 2022.
Participants: AAU-ET, Aalborg Portland Group, Port of Aalborg, Aalborg Energi Holding,
REintegrate, Cemtec Fonden, DFDS and RenoNord.
Funding: EUDP. Total project amount: 11,245,978 DKK (department part: 3,303,882 DKK).
Contact person: Associate Professor Mads Pagh Nielsen, [email protected].
District heatAalborg Forsyning
Electrolyzer
400kV
Carbon Utilization Plant REintegrate
Fuel storagePort of Aalborg
Carbon Capture
E‐fuel
Waste to Energy plantRenoNord
Carbon Capture
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Green electricity
CO2 offshore storageCement productionAalborg Portland
CO2
CO2
CO2
CO2 liquefaction
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S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
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LIGHT-AI FOR COGNITIVE POWER ELECTRONICS
The nexus between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and power electronics paves the road for data-driven
solutions and holds great potentials to address longstanding challenges in power electronics. This
project aims to design and develop light-AI, including computation-light AI and data-light AI, to enable
cognitive power electronic systems. Combining state-of-the-art research from computer science and
power electronics, the project will tailor the cutting-edge AI tools for power electronics application.
Firstly, computation-light AI tools for operation optimization of power electronic converters with
enabled self-adaptability will be developed. Secondly, the data-light AI tools for condition monitoring
to facilitate predictive maintenance will be investigated. Moreover, an integrated platform with
innovative AI tools and public datasets for benchmark analytics will be established in order to
accelerate the paradigm shift to data-driven research in power electronics.
Period: August 2020 – July 2023.
Participants: AAU-ET (Department of Energy Technology and Department of Computer
Science).
Funding: Villum Synergy Fund from the Velux Foundations. Total project amount: 2,996,278
DKK (department part: 1,506,606 DKK).
Contact person: Professor Huai Wang, [email protected].
S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
MEDIUM VOLTAGE POWER ELECTRONICS FOR WIND SYSTEMS (MVOLT)
The common goal for this project is to prepare and design medium voltage power electronics based
on Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors. The Department of Energy Technology has extensive experi-
ence with this technology and together with industry we wish to make a solution that adheres
to industry standards. The ultimate success criteria of this project hinges on creating a working
demonstration with components designed and manufactured during the project. This demonstrator
consists of the components in an electrical setup, where they can be qualified.
Period: October 2020 – September 2024.
Participants: AAU-ET, Vestas Wind Systems, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, KK Wind
Solutions A/S.
Funding: Innovation Fund Denmark. Total project amount: 26,115,016 DKK (department
part: 21,075,011 DKK).
Contact person: Professor Stig Munk-Nielsen, [email protected].
Foto: Lars Horn
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S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
ULTRADAPT
Approximately 20% of the world’s energy consumption is used to overcome friction and tribome-
chatronic technologies aim to reduce this loss. The UltrAdapt project focuses on adaptive ultra-
sound reflectometry for lubrication film thickness measurements. The project aims at exploring
multi-frequency adaptive filters to enhance applicability and robustness of the technique, so that
novel tribomechatronic systems can be developed and enable friction reduction and energy savings
in construction, transportation, manufacturing and power generation.
Period: September 2020 – August 2024.
Participant: AAU-ET.
Funding: Independent Research Fund Denmark. Total project amount: 3,507,454 DKK.
Contact person: Associate Professor Per Johansen, [email protected].
ULTRADAPTUU
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S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
ACOMAR
The project partners aim to develop and demonstrate a subsea robot, ACOMAR - Auto COmpact
MArine growth Remover. The objective is to ensure a cost-effective process with a reduction in CO2
emissions compared to conventional solutions. The technology is based on a high degree of auto-
mation and a special focus is set on developing methods for locating and controlling the ACOMAR in
offshore conditions near subsea structures.
Project period: September 2020 – February 2023.
Participants: AAU-ET, SubC Partner, Mati2ilt, Sihm Højtryk, Total E&P Denmark, Siemens
Gamesa Renewable Energy.
Funding: EUDP. Total project amount: 26,137,063 DKK (department part: 6,841,955 DKK).
Contact persons: Associate Professor Simon Pedersen, [email protected] and Assistant Professor
Jesper Liniger, [email protected].
D E P A R T M E N T O FE N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y
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S E L E C T E D P R O J E C T S
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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G R A D U A T E D P H D S
Songda Wang:Advanced Control Strategies of Modular
Multilevel Converter.
Yingzhou Peng:An Advanced Condition Monitoring System for
Power Converter.
Qiao Peng:Stability Analysis of highly Aggregated Power
Electronic-based Photovoltaic Power Systems.
Navid Bayati:Fault Detection and Location of DC Microgrids.
Mads Valentin Bram:Grey-Box Modeling and Plant-Wide Control
in Water Treatment for Offshore Oil & Gas
Production.
Simon Klinge Nielsen:Pelleting of Biomass.
Bochen Liu:A Universal and Optimized Robust EV Charger.
Yacine Terriche:Improving Power Quality Issues of Shipboard
MICROGRIDs.
Weihua Zhou:Stability Assessment and Control of Power
Electronic-Dominated Power System with
Underground Cable and Reactive Power
Compensation Devices.
Morten Eggert Nielsen:Computational Methods for Wave-Structure
Interaction - Numerical Analysis of a RBF-
based Method.
Mojtaba Yousefi:Stochastic Energy Management in Smart
Home with Integration of PV/Plug-in Electric
Vehicle and Battery Storage.
Jing Yuan:Efficient and Cost-Effective Impedance Source
Converters for Grid-Connected Renewable
Energy Systems.
Mengxing Chen:SiC-based 1.5-kV Photovoltaic Inverter:
Switching Behavior, Thermal Modeling and
Reliability Assessment.
Uffe Sjølund Freiberg:Cyclical Varying Pitch Propeller.
Bahram Shakerighadi:Modelling and Control of Large-Signal Stability
in Power Electronic-based Power Systems.
Mani Ashouri:Protection of Multi-Terminal VSC-HVDC
Transmission Lines.
Xiyan Li:CFD Modeling of Biomass Thermo-Chemical
Conversion and its Experimental Study.
G R A D U A T E D P H D S
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G R A D U A T E D P H D S
Lennart Petersen:Proof-of-Concept on Next Generation Hybrid
Power Plant Control.
Linlin Wu:A New Micro-Actuator Applied for Capsule
Robot Locomotion and Drug Release.
Mads Graungaard Taul:Modeling of Multi-Converters under Grid Fault
Conditions.
Federica Conti:Valorization of Waste Fractions through
HydroThermal Liquefaction. Conversion of
Plastics, Lignocellulosic Materials and Organic
Residues into Biocrude and Recovery of
Valuable Products.
Heng Wu:Small-Signal and Transient Stability Analysis
of Voltage-Source Converters.
Rodica-Elisabeta Stroe:Photocatalytic Degradation of Plant-Generated
Ethylene over Titanium Dioxide Thin Films:
Kinetic Modelling and Photoreactor Design.
Zhan Shen:Multiphysics Modeling and Reliability of
Magnetic Components in Power Electronics
Applications.
Yi Zhang:Mission Profile-based System-Level Lifetime
Prediction of Modular Multilevel Converters.
Mateja Novak:Model Predictive Control of Multilevel Power
Electronic Converters: Design, Optimization
and Performance Evaluation.
Niels Christian Bender:A Design & Optimization Framework for Valves
in Digital Displacement Units.
René Casaretto:Modelling of Efficiencies in Biogas Plants with
Consideration of Incomplete Mass and Energy
Balances based on Calorimetric Investigations
and Data Sampling - Developing a new
Management Tool System.
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N E W P H D S
N E W P H D S
DECEMBER
Nur Najihah Binti Abu Bakar:Energy Efficiency Optimization at Seaport by Integrating Microgrid Control Strategies. NOVEMBER
Seyed Hassan Ashrafi Niaki:Protection Coordination for Multi-Terminal HB-MMC based HVDC Grids.
Alejandro Gismero Galiatsatos:Battery State Estimation Methods for Electric Vehicles under Real Temperature Conditions.
Zhaoxin Wang:Study of Insulation of High-Voltage High-Frequency Transformers in Modern Power Electronics based on Electro-Thermal Analysis.
Yao Bo:Advanced Condition Monitoring of Film Capacitors for Predictive Maintenance of Power Electronic Converters.
Zhe Yang:Coordination Between Protection and Control System for Renewable Energy Sources. OCTOBER
Huizhong Sun:Digital Twin and Multi-Objective Design of PV lnverters.
Zejie Li:Modeling and Control of Scalable Versatile Grid Emulation System.
Rui Wang:Medium-Voltage Three-Level Converter using Series Connected 10kV/15kV SiC MOSFET.
Monika Sandelic:Reliability-Oriented Design of a Microgrid System.
Hongyi Wang:Modeling, Analysis and Control for Large Scale Renewable Energy Sources.
Liang Zhao:Stability and Control of Multi-Paralleled Single-Phase Traction Converters.
Dimitrios Dimitropoulos:Stability Analysis of Wind Turbines under Small and Large Disturbances.
Wenlong Liao:Modeling and Optimization of Active Distribution Network Operation based on Deep Learning. SEPTEMBER
Qinghan Wang:Research on Optimal Control Strategy based on MAS and Stability Evaluation of Integrated Energy System.
Yizhi Miao:Data-based Wind Farm Modeling and Control.
Jannick Kjær Jørgensen:SiC Medium Voltage Power Module Simulation, Design and Manufacture.
Bjarne Søndergaard Bukh:Methods for Harmonic Analysis in Meshed Transmission Systems. AUGUST
Siyu Jin:Smart Battery Management Systems for Improved Lifetime with Extended Useful Capacity.
Stefan Jespersen:Optimal Control of De-Oiling Hydrocyclones based on Online Oil-in-Water Sensor Fusion.
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N E W P H D S
JULY
Laura Sini Sofia Hulkko:Extraction of Value-added Compounds from Green Fractionated Halophyte Biomass.
Malthe Fredsgaard:Optimized Extraction, Purification and Stabilization of Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Halophytes. JUNE
Yubo Song:Stability and Reliability Validation of a Microgrid System.
MAY
Swanand Bhatwadekar:Watervalue.
Huang Liang:Stability and Control of Wind Generation System Connected to Weak Grid.
Shiyi Liu:Stability and Reliable Operation of Wind Farm.
APRIL
Jiahui Wu:Reconfigurable and Compact DC/DC Converter for Future Energy System.
Antonio Jaime Azuara:Hydrothermal Processing of Solid Plastic Waste: A Chemical Recycling Technology to Promote Circular Economy for Plastics.
MARCH
Pedro Catalán Lago:Advanced Analysis and Control Method of High-Power Wind Turbine in Offshore Wind Farm.
Yicheng Liao:Stability and Control of Grid-Interactive Converters.
Yun Yu:Microgrid Technologies for Future Offshore Wind Power Plants.
Zakariae Machkour:Deep Learning in Robotics and Big Data for Applications in Wind-Turbine Inspections. FEBRUARY
Diptish Saha:Model Predictive Control and AI Techniques for EMS in Multi-Microgrids.
Haoyuan Yu:Advanced Modelling, Analysis and Optimization Framework of Urban Traction Power System Considering Regenerative Braking Application.
Tarek Ibrahim:Integrated PV Solar Panel with Graphene Supercapacitors.
Mohammad Ali Lasemi:Intelligent Scheme of Integrated Energy Management for Future Smart Energy System.
JANUARY
Kasper Gram Bilde:Separation of Particulate Matter from Marine Scrubber Washwater using a High-Speed Separator.
Daniela Pagnani:Wind Farm Black Start Service Integration to Assure Resiliency in 100% Renewable Future Power Systems.
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E D U C A T I O N
E D U C A T I O N
In the Department of Energy Technology we have several up to date energy engineering edu-
cations where it is possible to learn about energy production, energy transfer, energy distri-
bution and sustainable energy. The studies are developed in close cooperation with industry
and organisations to ensure relevant competences for employment after finalisation of the
studies. All studies include relevant energy engineering courses and courses in mathematics
and control theory. Depending on specialisation more focus is then put on thermal, electrical
or mechatronic aspects. 50% of the time is allocated to project work using problem based
learning normally done as team work in groups. All teaching in courses as well as projects is
research-based due to the high research level of lecturers and professors in all specialisation
areas in the department. This means that the students will always be surrounded by the lat-
est cutting-edge knowledge in their field. As a natural part of this the department strives to
improve both dissemination and paper writing skills of the upcoming engineers at the depart-
ment. Thus a conference for Energy Students (CES) is organised every year in December where
the master students present their projects and results for employees from both academia and
local industries. Our students will also have many opportunities to test their theoretical knowl-
edge in the department’s well-equipped and modern laboratories in both Aalborg and Esbjerg.
Furthermore, the department has very good coopera-
tion with industry. Many of the project proposals
are offered by the industry and made as a
part of their development.
The department offers Bachelor’s
(undergraduate) and Master’s (post-
graduate) programmes for inter-
national students in both Aalborg
and Esbjerg. International stu-
dents are also welcome to join a
study programme as a guest or
exchange student.
See the department’s study pro-
grammes on the next page.
E D U C A T I O N
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Below you wil l f ind the structure of the Energy study programmes
and how you can combine a Bachelor ’s programme and a Master ’s programme.
Your opt ions for the Master ’s programmes depend on the Bachelor ’s special isat ion you have
chosen.
AA L
BACHELOR OF SCIENCEAALBORG
MASTER OF SCIENCEAALBORG
MASTER OF SCIENCEESBJERG
BACHELOR OF SCIENCEESBJERG
Electrical EnergyElectrical Power Systems and
High Voltage EngineeringDynamic Systems
Mechatronic Control Engineering
Mechatronics Power Electronics and Drives Thermal Processes
Process Engineering and Combustion Technology
Thermal Energy and Process Engineering
Thermal Energy Wind Power Systems
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology
Applied Industrial Electronics
Advanced Power Electronics
Offshore Energy Systems
Below you wil l f ind the structure of the Energy study programmesand how you can combine a Bachelor ’s programme and a Master ’s programme.
Options for the Master ’s programmes depend on the chosen Bachelor ’s special isat ion.
E D U C A T I O N
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K E Y F I G U R E S 2 0 2 0
Student intake (first study year)Aalborg undergraduate ............................................... 42Aalborg bachelor of engineering .............................. 18 Esbjerg undergraduate (Energy) .............................. 12Esbjerg undergraduate (Electronics) ...................... 15Total .................................................................................... 87
Student intake Aalborg (Postgraduate) ............... 60Student intake Esbjerg (Postgraduate) ............... 13
Total number of students as of October 1Aalborg .............................................................................. 252Esbjerg .............................................................................. 118Total .................................................................................... 370
Graduated students in AalborgUndergraduate ................................................................ 34Bachelor of engineering .............................................. 8Postgraduate ................................................................... 67Total .................................................................................... 109
Graduated students in Esbjerg (Energy)Undergraduate ................................................................ 2Postgraduate ................................................................... 18Total .................................................................................... 20
Graduated students in Esbjerg (Electronics)Undergraduate ................................................................ 11Bachelor of engineering .............................................. 0Postgraduate ................................................................... 1Total .................................................................................... 12
Up to the 6th semester the students may change from bachelor of science to bachelor of engineering and vice versa..
EDUCATION
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The brand-new power-cycling facility of X-Power Lab, comprising six
inde
pend
ent c
hann
els
for
para
llel
tes
ting
Thermal characterization room in X-P
ower L
abor
ator
y
X-POWER LABORATORY
X-Power Lab is a newly acquired facility for
reliability testing and failure analysis of power
electronics components and systems, which
has been built in collaboration with the Dan-
ish Ministry of Research and Education. With
more than a total of 200 m2 testing rooms
and a dedicated high-stress test area out-
side the buildings, the laboratory offers
a complete set of possibilities to com-
panies, including power cycling, ther-
mal cycling, humidity and vibration,
from watts to megawatts.
S E L E C T E DN E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
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S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
POWER-2-X LABORATORY
The Power-2-X Lab facilitates state-of-the-art
facility for testing complete integrated Power-
2-X systems. The facilities consist of a small scale
system for testing various catalytic materials
used in for example methanol synthesis. In the
laboratory it is also possible to test and develop
various electrolysis technologies at small scale
and develop these technologies. Furthermore,
researchers in the department, together with
industrial project partners in the EUDP-project
Power2Met, have developed a lab scale pilot
plant based on an alkaline electrolysis system
and a plant for the hydrogenation of CO2. The CO2
can be a waste product from biogas production.
If the electrolysis system is provided with
renewable electricity, the produced methanol
will be a renewable fuel. The pilot plant
can, in continuous operation, produce up to
300.000 L of methanol. In full scale, coupled
to an averaged sized Danish biogas plant, the
system will be able to produce up to 20 million
L; corresponding to a potential of substituting
gasoline fuel from approximately 14,000-
15,000 cars.
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The Advanced Biofuels research group has its
main focus on thermo-chemical conversion
of biomass and plastics for the purpose of
solid/liquid/gaseous biofuels and chemicals
production in sustainable and circular solu-
tions. Activities cover full value chains from
feedstocks through conversion to final prod-
ucts and end use applications, for example in
engines, and further developments into fully
equipped bio-refinery platforms.
S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
BIOFUEL LABORATORY
Main facilities in the lab include:
• Continuous Bench Scale 1 (CBS1) near-pilot
scale hydrothermal liquefaction research
facility
• Lab-scale flow systems for biomass and
plastics processing
• Chemical analysis lab for biomass, bio-crude
and transport grade fuel characterization
• Distillation and upgrading (hydro process-
ing) batch and continuous facilities for bi-
ocrude upgrading
• End use technology test facilities (diesel en-
gines and aero-engine).
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
As part of the H2020 project AQUA-COMBINE,
Aalborg University has in 2020 build Phase 1 of
the demonstration plant for processing of hal-
ophyte biomass (e.g. Salicornia) into bioactive
extracts (for cosmetics and functional foods),
pre-biotic protein and carbohydrates and bi-
ogas. The plant consists of all unit operations
needed to be able to process and valorise the
non-food part of Salicornia, giving added value
for Salicornia farmers in a circular manner,
where all fractions of the plants are utilised.
AQUA-COMBINE unit operations beeing tested with biomass from partners in Portugal and France.
Phase 1 consists of: Washer, shredder, extrac-
tor, autoclave reactors, juicer, fermentors, sep-
aration tank and biogas reactor.
Key processes will be further scaled up to
demostration scale during 2021 in Phase 2 of
the execution of the plant.
AQUA-COMBINE BIOREFINERY PLANT
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
MEDIUM VOLTAGE LABORATORY (MV-LAB)
The MV-lab is connected to 20 kV utility network
via a 2 MVA 20/20-10-6-3 kV transformer
and an 800 kVA 20/0,69-0,40 kV transformer.
Transformers operate by local switchgear and
an automatic interlocking and safety system
protects from hazards and explosion danger.
The laboratory supports the MVolt project
testing a 4160V, 350kW induction machine fed
by a 10 kV silicon carbide transistor power
converter. The unique features of the MV-lab
provide a safe working environment as well
as grid-connected power and cooling.
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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S E L E C T E D N E W L A B F A C I L I T I E S
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S E L E C T E D E V E N T S
S E L E C T E D E V E N T S
IEEE COMPEL 2020
The twenty-first IEEE Workshop on Control and Modeling for Power Electronics, COMPEL 2020,
was conducted as a virtual event because of the corona pandemic. Researchers, engineers and
students from academia and industry were brought together online for an interactive discussion
with a special emphasis on Control, Stability and Reliability of Power Electronics and Systems,
and although the circumstances were different and challenging the event turned out to be a great
success.
CES CONFERENCE 2020
Every year the Master students at the Department of Energy Technology present their projects and
results at the Conference for Energy Students (CES) which strives to improve both dissemination and
paper writing skills of the upcoming engineers at the department. In 2020, the department hosted
the conference online via Zoom on December 18th. With a strong focus on tomorrow’s green energy
technologies, our Master’s students presented online in front of more than 100 participants - consisting
of people from both academia and local industries.
A A L B O R G U N I V E R S I T Y D E P A R T M E N T O F E N E R G Y T E C H N O L O G Y
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GRADUATION
June 30th, the department held the yearly Graduation
Ceremony. For the first time ever it was scheduled as a digital
ceremony where candidates graduating from the following
five specialisations: 1) Electrical Power Systems and High
Voltage Engineering, 2) Mechatronic Control Engineering, 3)
Power Electronics and Drives, 4) Thermal Energy and Process
Engineering and 5) Wind Power Systems were celebrated. After
the welcome by Head of Studies, Birgitte Bak-Jensen, Dean Mogens
Rysholt Poulsen, from the Faculty of Engineering and Science, held a
speech for the graduates. Thereafter, prize awards from the department’s Energy Sponsor
Programme were handed out, followed by an announcement of “Teacher of the Year 2020”. The
ceremony ended with entertainment by the “Energy Band”.
PHD DEFENCES
In 2020, no less than 28 PhD students at the department in
both Aalborg and Esbjerg defended their PhD study. Many
of the defences were held online because of the corona
restrictions but although this was a new and different
way of conducting these events it also meant more
participants than before as people from all over the
world were given a possibility to join the defences.
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PROFESSOR CLAUS LETH BAK RECOGNIZED WITH TWO AWARDS FROM THE CIGRE ASSOCIATION
Professor Claus Leth Bak has received the rare double recognition from the CIGRE
Association: the Technical Council award and the Distinguished Member award. The awards
were given to Claus for his outstanding participation in the activities of the technical work of a
CIGRE Study Committee and his significant contribution to the activities of the association, in particular
the highly successful symposium held in Aalborg in 2019.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR POOYA DAVARI RECEIVES IEEE AWARD
Associate Professor Pooya Davari received the 2020 IEEE EMC Society Young
Professional Award in recognition of his contribution to “EMI and Harmonic Mitigation
and Modeling in Power Electronic Applications”. The Young Professional Award of the
IEEE Electromagnetic Society (EMC-S) is established to recognize and encourage the
achievements and potentials of a Young Professionals member of the IEEE EMC-S working
in the topical area covered by IEEE EMC-S, in an early period of their career, age up to 38.
SEVERAL AWARDS AND HONOURS TO PROFESSOR FREDE BLAABJERG
The prestigious 2020 IEEE Edison Medal was presented to Professor Frede Blaabjerg “for
contributions to and leadership in power electronics, developing a sustainable society”
and he is now joining an exclusive list of previous Edison Medal recipients with the likes
of Alexander Graham Bell and Nikola Tesla. The 2020 IEEE Edison Medal is given for
a career of meritorious achievement in electrical science, electrical engineering or the
electrical arts.
Frede Blaabjerg also received the EPE Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in the last three
decades, pioneering researches and innovations as well as conducting leadership in the power
electronics technology. His work has helped to create a modern sustainable society and his contributions
in the fields of components, circuits, control, systems, and reliability are impacting in a very large scale
in Europe and at a global level.
Along with 14 other scientists from the scientific research world, Professor Frede Blaabjerg was also
welcomed to The Royal Danish Society of Sciences. They all entered into a years-long tradition, and in the
footsteps of famous former members such as Niels Bohr and H.C. Ørsted, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein
and Charles Darwin.
A W A R D S A N D H O N O U R S
A W A R D S A N D H O N O U R S
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A W A R D S A N D H O N O U R S
ASGER BJØRN JØRGENSEN RECEIVES THE 2020 EPE OUTSTANDING YOUNG EPE MEMBER AWARD
In September, Postdoc Asger Bjørn Jørgensen received the Outstanding Young EPE
Member Award for the paper on “Thermal Characteristics and Simulation of An Integrated
GaN eHEMT Power Module” presented at the EPE 2019 ECCE Europe conference. Co-authors
from the department are Szymon Bęczkowski, Stig Munk Nielsen and Christian Uhrenfeldt.
WINNER OF BEST ORAL PRESENTATION
PhD Student Muhammad Salman Haider won Best Oral Presentation at the 2020 Thermal &
Catalytic Sciences Virtual Symposium, held in the United States. The title of his presentation
was “Art of smooth continuous hydroprocessing of biocrudes obtained from hydrothermal
liquefaction: The role of advanced analytical tools”.
RANKED IN THE TOP 2% OF SCIENTISTS IN THE WORLD
In 2020, 106 researchers from Aalborg University were ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world according
to the Stanford University’ s list “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators”.
The database covers career-long and/or single year impact (2019). 30 of the 106 researchers on the list are
employed at the Department of Energy Technology.
STUDENT PROJECT DEMONSTRATIONS AWARD
Scientific Assistant Yingzhou Peng won the IEEE ECCE 2020 Student Project
Demonstrations Award at the ECCE 2020 Student Project Demonstrations on Emerging
Technology Event sponsored by IEEE PELS. The event is a hardware demo event for
students to showcase their research outcomes and interact with academia and industry.
MORTEN EGGERT NIELSEN WINS THE ESBJERG UNIVERSITY PRIZE 2020
The Esbjerg University Prize is awarded to particularly talented and skilled university students
in Esbjerg. In 2020 Morten Eggert Nielsen received the prize for his development of several
new computer-based calculation methods which in the long run, will allow more accurate
estimates of wave loads on solid and floating structures.
BEST PAPER AWARD
PhD Student Yiwei Pan received the Best Paper Award for the paper “A Random
Sampling-Rate MPPT Method to Mitigate Interharmonics from Cascaded Bridge Photovoltaic
Inverters” which was presented at the IPEMC2020 – ECCE Asia.
AALBORG UNIVERSITY
Department of Energy Technology
Pontoppidanstræde 111
9220 Aalborg East · Denmark
Phone: +45 9940 9240
www.et.aau.dk
Head of Department
Lasse Rosendahl
Phone: +45 9940 9263
Head of Department Secretariat
Tina Lisbeth Larsen
Phone: +45 9940 9240
Head of Research
Birgitte Bak-Jensen
Phone: +45 9940 9274
Head of Education
Mads Pagh Nielsen
Phone: +45 9940 9259
Head of Workshop
Jan Christiansen
Phone: +45 9940 9256
Chair of Study Board
Tamas Kerekes
Phone: + 45 9940 3308
Mechatronic Systems
Torben O. Andersen
Phone: +45 9940 9261
Thermal Engineering
Henrik Sorensen
Phone: +45 9940 9261
Esbjerg Section
Simon Pedersen
Phone: +45 9940 3376
A A L B O R G
E S B J E R G
SECTION LEADERS AALBORG AND ESBJERG
Electric Power Systems
and Microgrids
Claus Leth Bak
Phone: +45 9940 9281
Power Electronic System
Integration and Materials
Stig Munk-Nielsen
Phone: +45 9940 9242
Applied Power
Electronic Systems
Francesco Iannuzzo
Phone: + 45 9940 3314