Johann W. Kolar

Professor and Director, Power Electronic Systems Laboratory,

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland

 

Bio: Johann W. Kolar is a Fellow of the IEEE, an International Member of the US NAE and a Full Professor and Head of the Power Electronic Systems Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich. He has proposed numerous novel converter concepts incl. the Vienna Rectifier, has spearheaded the development of x-million rpm motors, and has pioneered fully automated multi-objective power electronics design procedures. He has supervised 90 Ph.D. students to completion, has published 1000+ IEEE journal and conference papers, 4 book chapters, and is named as inventor or co-inventor in 44 international/WO patents, 28 US patents, and 100+ patents in various European countries, filed in the course of global industry research collaborations. He has served as IEEE PELS Distinguished Lecturer from 2012 - 2016. He has received numerous awards incl. 45+IEEE transactions and conference Prize Paper Awards, the 2016 IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award, and 2 ETH Zurich Golden Owl Awards for excellence in teaching. His current research focuses on ultra-compact/efficient WBG converter systems, ANN-supported multi-objective design procedures, Solid-State Transformers, ultra-high speed drives, bearingless actuators, and life cycle analyses of power electronics converter systems.

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Title of Keynote Speech

Challenging the Deep — Ultra-Deep Seas eROVs

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Abstract: Future far-offshore floating windfarms and floating PV power plants in combination with hydrogen production and alternative energy transport by molecules instead of electrons utilizing former oil/gas pipelines, as well as repurposing off-shore platforms and decommissioned oil/gas wells as part of CO2 capture and storage systems are examples of critical elements of a transition to green energy generation, industry decarbonization, and finally a sustainable society. Aquacultures are another fascinating sector of the Blue Economy and of primary future importance considering that oceans cover over 70% of the earth´s surface.

    In this context, advanced technologies for the installation, integrity inspection, and maintenance of the newly built infrastructures will gain major importance. Prominent examples are unmanned “Hydrones”, i.e., tethered Remote Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) and un-tethered / battery-powered Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) capable of operating for extended periods without being recovered to the surface and accordingly reducing risks, weather dependence, and costs.

    The talk first introduces future sectors of the Blue Economy and presents the concept and challenges of ROV technology, including the vehicle AC or DC power supply over long distances down into the deep and the operation in extreme pressure environments and shows examples of recently developed fully electric work-class industrial e-ROVs featuring higher reliability, reduced overall weight, improved efficiency, and better overall control compared to traditional hydraulic systems. Furthermore, challenges of the wireless re-charging of seabed resident AUVs, and the utilization of the electromagnetic field for landing the AUV precisely on the charging platform will be described. Moreover, a moored local surface wave energy generator system floating over the point of use and allowing the elimination of a charging system power umbilical running back to a surface support vessel or the shore, i.e., providing full autonomy, is presented. Finally, visions of bioinspired deep-sea soft robots, which mimic the characteristics of deep-sea creatures, and of an underwater version of the International Space Station, which aims to generate a livable space for scientists contributing to exploring the mysteries of the deep sea, are presented.

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