Abdulkarim Athwer

PhD student

Research Overview

I am a PhD student in the department of engineering, at Lancaster University. My current research focuses on developing and optimizing the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) topology for a WECS system by integrating wide bandgap-based devices (WBG) into the modified model. The research aims to present a new proposed MMC model using a Si and SiC hybrid half-bridge submodule structure. The hybrid MMC-HBSM model aims to combine the advantages of both Si IGBT and SiC MOSFET to allow for the benefits of high voltage and current handling capability, reduced total power loss for each HBSM cell, the ability to operate at high switching frequency, reasonable cost, and improved overall converter efficiency.

Here is a brief summery of my research interest:

  • Wind energy system
  • Semiconductor power devices
  • Modular converter topologies
  • MMC modulation and control techniques