Pedro Acosta
MIT EECS | Analog Devices Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scholar
A Two-Stage Power Converter Based on Switched Capacitors and Piezoelectric Resonators
2020–2021
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Energy
David J. Perreault
Power converters are essential for operating a wide variety of devices, with applications present in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and data centers. As a result, there is a demand for improved energy storage devices for smaller and more efficient power converters. This research project will focus on producing a piezoelectric-based power converter for high efficiency and voltage regulation. We will analyze a set of potential switched-capacitor converter topologies and select the most appropriate piezoelectric materials for this project. After assembling and testing the converter, we will analyze its performance through experimental evaluations.
Through this SuperUROP, I hope to gain more experience in the field of power electronics. I am interested in applying knowledge from 6.131 and 6.334 (Power Electronics Lab and Power Electronics) in a long-term research project. I look forward to applying prior knowledge to this project and I am excited to participate in this area of research.