Facilities

The Power Electronics and Electric Machinery Research Group is located at the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC) and is approximately halfway between Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in Oak Ridge, and The University of Tennessee, in Knoxville. 

The NTRC has more than 9,000 square feet of space for developing, building, and testing the next-generation prototype power electronics and electric machine technologies. Staff members use and develop the latest analysis, simulation, and modeling software to develop designs prior to hardware implementation. For more information on the NTRC, please see visiting us.

Facilities Overview Factsheet (PDF 109 Kb 1 pg )

NTRC Facility 1st Floor Location Map (PDF 148 Kb 1 pg)

The facility houses a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art measurement equipment along with a rapid prototyping mechanical fabrication shop.

Dynamometer Test CellsLab

• 150 hp, 7,500 rpm eddy current brake
• 400 hp, 6,500 rpm eddy current brake
• 100 hp, 10,000 rpm 4-quadrant
Digital control for precise regulation of speed or torque

Power Supplies

• 600 Vdc, 600 A, 4-quadrant power supply
• Multiple dc supplies
Ranging from 45-480 V; 85-2,000 A
• Current amplifiers
• Allen Bradley Variacs

1.2 kW Fuel Cells

Motor Drives

• Danfoss inverter
• ABB drive
• Numerous commercial inverters

Environmental Laboratory Hood

Environmental Chamber

• Humidity control capability (-50 to 180°C)

Programmable Environmental Oven (750°)

Ultra High-Speed Rotational Equipment Safety Tank
• 48-inch diameter, 33-inch height

Highlights

Transportation - Maximum capacity . . .
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with SBE Inc. to help test and improve electric vehicle capacitors.

Vehicles - Cool ride . . .
Electric vehicle technology is accelerating at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.