Prof. Dr. Bernd Runge

Power electronics is concerned with the low-loss conversion and control of electrical energy. In recent decades, semiconductor components in power electronics have proven to be reliable components and future innovations will ensure dynamic further development of the products.

Power semiconductors are already ubiquitous today. One important area of application is the realization of speed-controlled drives, such as those used in trains, vehicles, machine tools and processing machines, pumps, compressors and conveyor systems. But lighting, heating, computers and consumer electronics are also almost inconceivable today without power electronics. Their power spectrum ranges from a few watts, such as in the electronic power supply unit of a cell phone, to the classic speed-controlled drive with up to several megawatts, through to energy transmission in the gigawatt range.

Advancing automation requires drives with a wide speed control range and good control characteristics. Thanks to the use of powerful microcontrollers and modern power electronic components, it is now possible to realize controlled drives with high dynamics.

Electronic drives have developed rapidly over the last few decades. By using "rare earth magnets", compact drives with an extremely high power density can be realized today, which also work very energy-efficiently. New areas of application are constantly developing with new challenges in terms of dynamics and precision.

The important electrotechnical foundations are taught to all students in various courses right from the start of their studies. Accompanying and in-depth metrological studies of the course content are of great importance. For this reason, practical training is used in the electrical engineering and energy management courses. The in-depth knowledge gained in this way can be used effectively throughout the course to understand the interrelationships of complex systems.