The 4th IEEE International Power Electronics and Application Conference

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Industry Session, Tutorial Submission Deadline Extended to July 30th, 2026
2026/7/16 10:24:26
Digest Submission Deadline Extended to July 20th, 2026
2026/7/1 9:51:49
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2026/5/19 10:32:38
Call for Papers for IEEE PEAC 2026 Released!
2026/9/9 14:48:33

Johann W. Kolar

Johann W. Kolar
ETH Zurich, Power Electronic Systems Laboratory, Switzerland
International Member, U.S. National Academy of Engineering
IEEE Fellow
Title: Integration in Power Electronics: Types – Benefits – Penalties – Boundaries

Abstract:

Integration is a fundamental innovation vector in power electronics, extending far beyond advanced packaging and maximum power density. The talk first provides a holistic view across hierarchical levels, from components to systems of systems, and across hardware, control, and software domains. It then contrasts benefits such as reduced part count, size, weight, and cost, and improved performance with penalties from increased complexity, interdependencies, and reduced flexibility. Finally, the boundaries of integration are framed as a multi-dimensional optimization problem that balances performance and economics against modularity, reliability, thermal decoupling, scalability, maintainability, and lifecycle requirements, including repair, refurbishment, and recycling.

Biography:

Johann W. Kolar received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees (summa cum laude) from the Vienna University of Technology, Austria. After 15 years as an international consultant and independent researcher, he was appointed Associate Professor and Head of the Power Electronic Systems Laboratory at ETH Zurich in 2001 and promoted to Full Professor in 2004. His research has resulted in numerous novel converter concepts, including the Vienna Rectifier, the Swiss Rectifier, the X-Rectifier, and the Sparse Matrix Converter. He spearheaded the development of x-million-rpm motors and pioneered fully automated, multi-objective power electronics design procedures. He has supervised more than 90 Ph.D. students, published extensively in IEEE Transactions, and is named as an inventor on numerous patents. His distinctions include the 2016 IEEE William E. Newell Power Electronics Award, the 2016 IEEE PEMC Council Award, the 2025 IEEE Medal in Power Engineering, the 2026 Global Energy Prize, and two ETH Zurich Golden Owl Awards for excellence in teaching. As Professor Emeritus since 2024, he continues research on ultra-compact WBG converter systems, AI/ML in power electronics, solid-state transformers, life-cycle analysis, and electrification of hard-to-abate sectors. He is an International Member of the U.S. NAE, an NAI Fellow, and an IEEE Life Fellow.

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