Recent News

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering proudly announces that the invention “Zero Voltage Switching Full-bridge Converter for Multiple LED Lighting Loads with Reduced Switch Current” with Application number: 202241076718 has been granted to Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Assistant Professor, Dr Tousif Khan Nizami, Associate Professor, and Ms Aswini Patakamoori, PhD Scholar in the Indian Patent Office Journal.

The research focuses on creating an energy-efficient power supply for LED lights, especially in areas that use a DC electricity system. The team has designed a system that can power multiple LED lights from a single unit, saving energy and cost. This system works at a very high efficiency of about 97.5%, which means very little energy is wasted as heat.

The special design uses a method called “soft switching,” which helps the internal parts of the system turn on and off with less stress, reducing heat and improving lifespan. It also needs fewer parts for each light, making it simpler, more reliable, and cheaper to produce. Additionally, the system allows the lights to be dimmed easily using a basic on-off control method, giving flexibility in brightness as needed.

Abstract

A 110 W soft-switched full-bridge multiple load LED driver is designed for DC-grid applications, achieving a high efficiency of 97.52%. The full-bridge configuration ensures that the switches carry minimal current, reducing conduction losses, and offers zero-voltage switching, significantly lowering switching losses. The reduced component count per lamp simplifies the design, enhances reliability, and reduces overall system costs. Additionally, the driver supports PWM-based dimming through simple on-off control, offering flexibility in illumination levels.

Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research

The developed 110 W soft-switched full-bridge multiple-load LED driver is a highly efficient and scalable solution tailored for DC-grid applications, particularly those integrated with solar and battery-based energy systems. Operating at an impressive efficiency of 97.52% ensures minimal energy loss. This technology promotes sustainable development by enabling cleaner energy usage and reducing carbon emissions. Its simple, cost-effective design makes advanced lighting more accessible, especially in low-income or remote communities. Additionally, the ability to dim lights easily helps conserve energy further and allows users to adapt lighting to different needs, enhancing comfort and minimising waste.

Future Research Plans

To design more efficient, adaptable, and sustainable LED driver circuits,

1. Extending soft-switching techniques to automotive, industrial, and smart lighting systems for broader applications.
2. Incorporating digital control strategies for intelligent dimming, adaptive power regulation, and real-time performance monitoring.
3. Exploring advanced semiconductor materials, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), to enhance switching performance and thermal stability. Integration of energy harvesting techniques to create self-sustaining LED driver systems powered by renewable sources such as solar energy.

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The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering invited Prof. Archana Sharma, Distinguished Professor at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee International Institute of Information Technology, Naya Raipur, and Senior Professor at HBNI Mumbai, for a Distinguished Lecture on May 01, 2025. Prof. Archana Sharma delivered an insightful session on “Era of Multi-Disciplinary Research and Networking in Engineering Education” emphasising the significance of multidisciplinary research and networking in engineering education, commending institutes driving innovation for a progressive, Viksit Bharat.

Prof. Sharma, a globally acclaimed expert in beam technology and nuclear applications, elucidated that as India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047 during its ‘Amrit Kaal’, synergy among academia, industry, and researchers is vital. She also shed light on her pioneering contributions—from developing India’s first multi-gigawatt pulsed power system to driving sustainable technologies in wastewater treatment.

The talk sparked vibrant discussions around emerging research opportunities, with special focus on the possible installation of an electron beam accelerator at SRM AP for material and agricultural applications. The session provided invaluable insights to students and researchers on navigating the evolving landscape of science and technology with a multi-disciplinary lens.

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering organised a Skill Development Workshop on Next-Gen Power Electronics: Magnetics, Gate Drivers & Converter Design. Mr Sadeep Sasidharan, Director, Reliamotive Labs, Dr Ashiq Muhammed, Assistant Professor, NIT Calicut and Mr Aravind Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder, Reliamotive Labs, were the resource persons for the workshop along with faculty members of SRM University-AP.

The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving field of power electronics, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights. Participants enhanced their expertise through offline sessions delivered by in-house faculty and industry experts from Reliamotive Labs, Bangalore.

The workshop covered the latest trends and technologies in power electronics, with a particular focus on hardware design and development of converters, the design of magnetics for the Flyback Converter, and designing PCBs using KiCad software. It offered hands-on learning opportunities and provided exposure to real-world applications. Participants had the chance to network with professionals, researchers, and experts, fostering collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. The workshop has resulted in the participants developing technical skills in circuit design, analysis, and troubleshooting, as well as gaining proficiency with industry tools and software.

An insightful Q&A session helped participants clarify concepts and deepen their understanding during interactions with industry experts. Post-workshop, attendees applied the knowledge gained through mini-projects or continued practice, especially in hardware design and magnetics. Networking with peers and staying connected with resource persons opened doors for collaborative opportunities and further learning.

As part of the project-based learning initiative, Dr Tousif Khan from The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering organised a Project Exhibition titled “Redefining Boundaries in Technical Learning” for the 2025 batch (CSE-J and CSE-K sections). 120 first-year B.Tech students, organised into 40 groups, showcased their talent and creativity through a series of innovative tech projects aimed at solving real-world problems with smart solutions.

Some of the notable tech demonstrations were:-

• Hand Gesture Controlled Surveillance Car – Used motion sensors to respond to hand commands offering a futuristic approach to remote-controlled security.
• SenseFusion – A mobility aid designed specifically for individuals who are both blind and deaf, combining sensors to provide better spatial awareness and safety.
• The Wireless Power Transmission Device – Eliminating the need for physical cables – an eco-friendly leap toward efficient energy use.
• Smart Plant Watering System – Used soil moisture sensors to automatically hydrate plants, promoting sustainable agriculture with minimal human intervention.
• Solar Tracker – Followed sunlight throughout the day to optimise energy capture
• Automatic Wind Power Street Light – Converted wind energy into reliable, self-sufficient lighting.
• EM Wave Detector – Used CA3130 by detecting unauthorised mobile devices, ideal for ensuring exam hall integrity.

These projects not only reflect technical skill and creativity but also highlight the SRM AP students’ commitment to building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. The showcase was a proud testament to the emphasis on experiential learning and innovation brewing within the halls of SRM AP.

The patent titled “A System to Control Dc-Dc Buck Power Converter And A Method Thereof” by research scholar K Mounika Nagabushanam, and Assistant Professors, Dr Somesh Vinayak Tewari, and Dr Tarkeshwar Mahto with application no: 202441098288 presents an innovative approach to managing power conversion in renewable energy systems extending its applications in electric vehicles and microgrids, highlighting the importance of robust power control in advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Abstract

The work disclosed a system to control DC-DC buck power converter and a method thereof. The system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) panel, a first DC-DC buck converter for voltage step-down, and a battery for energy storage. A bidirectional DC-DC converter manages power flow between the battery and the source bus, while a second bidirectional converter exchanges power with the AC grid. The load bus integrates a second DC-DC buck converter to regulate power for constant power loads and resistive loads. Switching components like IGBTs controlled through PWM signals, ensure precise power control. Inductive and capacitive elements stabilize voltage, filter ripples, and reduce noise. The system supports adaptive power distribution and robust load handling, ensuring efficient energy management.

Explanation in layperson’s terms

Passivity-based control (PBC) is a control technique applied to buck converters within renewable energy systems to maintain stability and efficiency despite varying input conditions. Buck converters are essential for stepping down fluctuating voltage outputs from renewable sources, such as solar panels, to a consistent level suitable for storage or direct use. In solar power systems, PBC is used to manage the voltage conversion from solar panels to batteries or the grid. It stabilizes the voltage output, ensuring efficient battery charging and smooth integration with the electrical grid. PBC’s application in renewable energy systems demonstrates its critical role in advancing sustainable energy technologies, providing a reliable and efficient power supply.

Practical and Social Implications

The proposed control can be used in Electric Vehicle, Microgrid applications to stabilize voltage under load variations.

Future research plans

Future research plan is to work on the testing of proposed control with high level DC-DC converters