Robert Balog

Biography

Dr. Balog is the Director of the Renewable Energy and Advanced Power Electronics Research laboratory. The mission is to investigate the fundamental engineering and scientific basis of electrical energy conversion. The current focus in renewable energy is on photovoltaic systems. While the core discipline is electrical engineering and the subject domain is power electronics, research into renewable energy systems require a much broader and holistic base of knowledge. As such, in addition to power electronic topologies and controls, we are focused on balance-of-systems issues. Ultimately, our goal is to move photovoltaic energy (aka solar energy) out of the alternative energy category and into the mainstream portfolio of energy resources in a way that is technologically and economically sustainable.

Research Interest

Internationally recognized center of excellence for research in this area. Advanced power electronic converter topologies and controls Direct ac-ac conversion: high-frequency ac link inverters, matrix converters, Arc fault and arc flash detection for ac and dc power distribution systems, Renewable energy conversion for PV.