RAP Sessions

The RAP sessions at APEC 2023 will take place Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. EST. Topics include:

RAP Session 1: Batteries Versus Fuel Cells for Future Electrification Applications

Room W109A

Chair: Sheldon Williamson – Ontario Tech University

Panelists:
Gui-Jia Su – Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Samuel Haberl, Sr. Principal Engineer – Our Next Energy (ONE)
Uday Deshpande – D&V Electronics
Rick Szymczyk – Upstartz Energy

Abstract: This RAP Session will discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by both batteries and fuel cells for electrified transportation and e-mobility of the future. The discussion will highlight the inherent differences in the current state of batteries and hydrogen fuel cell technologies as it relates to e-propulsion and related charging infrastructure. Some of the key technological barriers for current and future batteries, as well as fuel cells, will be discussed. Topics that will be discussed include, but are not limited to, driving range, powertrain efficiency, well-to-wheels efficiency, practicality of implementation, charging/refueling facilities, durability, sustainability, and availability.

RAP Session 2: Topologies and Circuits for Power Supply on Chip (PWRSOC) Versus Discrete Implementations

Room W110

Chair: Indumini Ranmuthu – Texas Instruments

Panelists:
Alex Prodic – University of Toronto, Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Séamus O'Driscoll – Tyndall National Institute
Dragan Maksimovic – University of Colorado Boulder
Robert Pilawa-Podgurski – University of California, Berkley Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences

Abstract: Efficient power delivery and management has never been more critically needed across virtually all electronic devices and systems. The challenges for power management in these systems are emerging simultaneously in power efficiency, power density, size, reliability, cost and EMI. We, those who identify ourselves as power electronics circuit designers at APEC, often deploy our expertise in topologies and circuits to address these needs and challenges. However, there are also different and sometimes conflicting opinions and ideas about what topologies and circuits are suitable for different applications, particularly for Power Supply on chip (PwrSoC) versus Discrete implementations on PCB? How many more new topologies and circuits do we still need for each of these application directions? And what’s next in the future for topologies and circuits? Come join the panel of experts in a very interactive debate to get your questions answered, learn about the state-of-the-art, debate your opinion, and explore the future of topologies and circuits design in PwrSoC and discrete implementations!

RAP Session 3: Where Does High Impact Innovation in Power Electronics Come From: Academia or Industry?

Room W109B

Chair: Eric Persson – Infineon Technologies

Panelists:
Christina DiMarino – Virginia Tech, Center for Power Electronics Systems
Johann W. Kolar – ETH Zurich, Power Electronic Systems Laboratory
Thomas Byrd – Lockheed Martin, Power Electronics and Power Systems
Laszlo Balogh – Texas Instruments

Abstract: This RAP session will feature a panel of academic versus industry research leaders. We will cover a range of topics including which institutions are better suited for different types of research, the role of government funding, how intellectual property rights are handled and how to structure research partnerships that deliver the best results for both parties. Come join the panel of experts from the industry and academia in a very interactive debate to learn about research in academia versus industry and get your questions answered.