Ghent University

Ghent University (UGent) is a top 100 university, founded in 1817, and one of the major universities in Belgium with 50,000 students and 9,000 employees. Our 11 faculties offer more than 200 programs and conduct in-depth research within a wide range of scientific domains. Our credo is ‘Dare to Think’, challenging everyone to question conventional views and to dare to take a nuanced stand. We are a pluralistic university open to all, regardless of their ideological, political, cultural or social background. Ghent University Global Campus is also the first European university in Songdo, South Korea.

In the GEN1200 project, the Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering (EMSME) of UGent is involved. The relevant competencies of EMSE are electrical machines and power electronics. Prof. Hendrik Vansompel is involved in research projects on advanced control of modular motor drives, powertrain multiphysics integration aspects, power electronics combining multiple functionalities in particular for EV powertrains, multiphysics measurements in powertrain components using e.g. fiber brag gratings. Prof. Hendrik Vansompel is partner in the EU projects Alpheus, Highscape and Harmony, and scientific coordinator of the EU CliMAFlux project.

The involved researchers are supported in their industry oriented activities by a business developer (Jeroen De Maeyer). Furthermore, we are a core lab of Flanders Make, the strategic research center of the Flemish government for the manufacturing industry. Prof. Guillaume Crevecoeur is principal investigator for the cluster Motion Products, Prof. Kurt Stockman is the core lab representative.

Ghent University is coordinating the GEN1200 project. UGent is also work package leader on Highly-efficient integrated 1200V traction unit ensuring compatibility across charger generations and will focus on developing an innovative 1200V SiC motor-inverter traction unit for electric vehicles. This involves creating simulation models to optimize efficiency and power density while integrating advanced control strategies.

Efforts include optimizing gate drivers with variable slew rates to reduce power losses and adjusting control settings to address electromagnetic interference (EMI). Additionally, UGent evaluates and compares two-level and three-level inverter configurations to identify the best techno-economic solution.

These activities aim to develop a highly efficient, compact, and integrated traction unit that supports fast charging and is compatible with different charger generations, contributing to the advancement of next-generation electric powertrains.