Dr Ian Laird
BEng (Syd.), PhD (Syd.)
Expertise
Holistic optimisation of power electronics via the development of automated multi-domain (electrical, thermal and mechanical) software tools that design high efficiency, low volume converters for renewable and EV applications
Current positions
Contact
Press and media
Many of our academics speak to the media as experts in their field of research. If you are a journalist, please contact the University’s Media and PR Team:
Biography
Research interests
Open to supporting PhD scholarship applications, for entry at any time of year, to perform research on the following topics in Power Electronics:
Holistic Design Optimization of Power Converters
- Topology modelling, control and selection
- Multilevel structures including neutral point clamped (NPC), flying capacitor (FC) and modular multilevel converter (MMC)
- Dual active bridge (DAB) structures
- Passive component design and optimisation
- DC-link, line filter and EMI filter capacitors
- Inductor and transformer magnetics
- Thermal modelling and heatsink design
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to converter optimization
- Machine learning
- Artificial neural networks
Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductor Applications
- Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices
- Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices
- High voltage, high power and/or high frequency converter applications
Electric Vehicle (EV) and More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Applications
- Traction inverters (single and multi-phase)
- Onboard and offboard charging systems
- Converters for motors and drives
Power Converters for Renewable Energy Systems
- Wind energy (onshore and offshore)
- Photovoltaics
If you are interested in working with me on any of these topics, please feel free to drop me an email (see my contact details)
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Multi-Domain Design Optimisation of Wide Band-gap Power Electronic Converters for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of Electrical & Electronic EngineeringDates
21/03/2022 to 20/03/2023
Multi-Domain Design Optimisation of Wide Band-gap Power Electronic Converters for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of Electrical & Electronic EngineeringDates
21/03/2022 to 20/03/2023
Multi-Domain Design Optimisation of Wide Band-gap Power Electronic Converters for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical EngineeringDates
21/03/2022 to 20/03/2023
8031 SUPERGEN Silicon Carbide in Energy Networks Outreach Program
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of Electrical & Electronic EngineeringDates
01/10/2021 to 30/09/2022
8461 SUPERGEN Silicon Carbide in Energy Networks Outreach Program
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical EngineeringDates
01/10/2021 to 31/10/2022
Thesis supervisions
Publications
Selected publications
01/04/2018A Design Optimization Tool for Maximizing the Power Density of 3-Phase DC-AC Converters Using Silicon Carbide (SiC) Devices
IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
Opportunities, Challenges and Potential Solutions in the Application of Fast-Switching Silicon Carbide (SiC) Power Devices and Converters
IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
Experimental Evaluation of a Low-Cost QFN Silicon Carbide Half-Bridge Module
IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology
Recent publications
08/10/2024Multi-objective efficiency-oriented optimization for DAB converters minimizing current stress and backflow power with soft-switching assurance
2025 IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition (APEC)
Volume and Power Loss Optimization Tool for N-level Half-bridge Sub-module Modular Multilevel Converters with Filter Inclusion Assessment Capabilities
2024 IEEE 10th International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference, IPEMC 2024 ECCE Asia
Impact of Temperature and Base Bias Stress on the Static Characteristics of Silicon and 4H-SiC NPN Vertical Power BJTs
PCIM Europe 2023
Power Loss Calculation Tool for N-level Half-bridge Sub-module Modular Multilevel Converter used for Offshore Wind Energy
PCIM Europe 2023
A 1200V DC-link Hybrid Si/SiC Four-level ANPC Inverter with Balanced Loss Distribution, dv/dt and Cost
2022 International Power Electronics Conference, IPEC-Himeji 2022-ECCE Asia
Teaching
CADE10002: Engineering Communication, Measurement & Data Analysis - Academic lead for microcontroller programming
EENG10003: Electromechanical Design & Manufacturing Principles
MENG35000: Individual Research Project - Academic project supervisor
MENGM0059: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering (Integrated & Holistic Design of Converters & Drives) - Unit Coordinator
I also periodically supervise group industrial projects and students undertaking the year in industry program. I've previously taught the following units:
EENG10007: Experimental Skills - Unit Coordinator
EENG16200: Application of Electronics
EENG18020: Projects - Unit Coordinator
EENG37000: Industrial Electronics 3 - Unit Coordinator
MENG10005: Engineering by Investigation - Academic lead for microcontroller programming
Related people
Professor David Barton
Professor of Computational and Experimental Mathematics
School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology
Dr Jun Wang
Senior Lecturer
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Dr Saeed Jahdi
Senior Lecturer in Power Electronics
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Dr Wenzhi Zhou
Honorary Senior Research Associate in Electric Drives
School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering
Mr Kesheng Wang
Senior Resident
Student Journey