Electrical Machine Group of TalTech

01/10/2025

🚀 Open PhD Position | Electrical Machine Group of TalTech

We're looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team at TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology in a project that pushes the boundaries of electrical machine control and additive manufacturing.

🧠 PhD Topic: Development of Control Methodology for Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines

This project aims to explore how novel machine control methods can maximize the performance of 3D-printed switched reluctance machines, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, real-time testing, and system-level optimization.

🎯 Key elements of your research:

📌Custom control algorithms for AM-based machines
📌Loss-minimization strategies considering both motor and converter
📌Real-time simulation & practical test bench validation
📌MATLAB/SIMULINK model-based development

👨‍🏫 Supervisors: Prof. Ants Kallaste & Prof. Anton Rassõlkin
📍 Tallinn, Estonia 🇪🇪
📅 Application deadline: October 26, 2025

🔗 Apply now: https://taltech.glowbase.com/positions/1044
📩 Information: [email protected] | [email protected]

22/09/2025

🌍✨ Recognition in the Top 2% Worldwide ✨🌍

We are proud to share that Toomas Vaimann and Ants Kallaste from the Electrical Machine Group of TalTech have been recognized in Stanford University and Elsevier’s global list of the Top 2% Most Influential Scientists (Single Year Impact) based on citation metrics. 📊

This recognition highlights the international influence and visibility of their research in the fields of electrical machines, diagnostics, additive manufacturing, and reliability of energy systems. It is also a testament to the excellent teamwork within TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology and our broader international collaborations.

👏 Congratulations Toomas and Ants for this well-deserved acknowledgment of your contributions to science and engineering!

🔗 Explore the full dataset here: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8

15/09/2025

🚀 New Publication Alert 🚀

We are happy to share that our research group has a new paper published in IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications:

“Design and Prototyping of Additively Manufactured Axial Flux Switched Reluctance Machine”

📄 Read it here: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11145279

In this work, we present the design, additive manufacturing, and experimental validation of an axial flux switched reluctance machine tailored for high-speed propulsion applications. Additive manufacturing enabled us to fabricate complex geometries and introduce laminated-lattice stator structures, reducing iron losses by more than 30%. The fabricated prototype was experimentally tested, showing strong correlation with FEM simulations and confirming the feasibility of such machines for next-generation electrified transport systems such as drones and air taxis.

👏 Congratulations to the author team: Shahid Hussain, Ants Kallaste, Muhammad Usman Naseer, Hans Tiismus, Martin Sarap, Bilal Asad, and Toomas Vaimann.

This work was supported by the ETAG - Estonian Research Agency (PRG1827).

This paper presents the development of an axial flux segmented stator dual rotor switched reluctance machine, specifically designed for high-speed propulsion ap

10/09/2025

⚡ Our PhD student and junior researcher Zahoor Ahmad presented his latest research at the ECCE Europe 2025 conference in Birmingham, UK (31 August – 4 September).

His paper:
📄 “Design of a Two-Phase Field Excited Switched Reluctance Motor for Improved Torque Performance”
Authors: Zahoor Ahmad, Ants Kallaste, Toomas Vaimann

The study explores a permanent magnet-free approach for enhancing the performance of two-phase switched reluctance motors (SRMs) by integrating a DC field coil into the stator yoke. This innovation provides:

🚀 41.8% higher peak torque
📈 48.4% higher average torque
⚙️ Improved torque per current and torque per motor volume

These gains are achieved using low-cost, controllable DC excitation, reducing dependence on rare-earth permanent magnets while maintaining robust operation. The approach offers new opportunities for sustainable, cost-efficient motor design in applications ranging from electric vehicles to aerospace systems.

👏 Congratulations to Zahoor for an excellent presentation and contribution to advancing next-generation SRM technology!

08/09/2025

🌍 From 31 August – 4 September 2025, our PhD student and junior researcher Shahid Hussain represented the Electrical Machines Research Group of TalTech at the ECCE Europe 2025 conference in Birmingham, UK.

He presented his research paper:
📄 “Design Analysis and Validation of BLDC Machine with Novel PCB Winding”
Authors: Shahid Hussain, Martin Sarap, Ants Kallaste, Nawaf Ahmad, Dr. Muhammad Usman Naseer, Toomas Vaimann.

This work introduces a novel wave-shaped multi-layer PCB winding for coreless axial flux BLDC machines, targeting lightweight and efficient solutions for aerospace and UAV propulsion systems. The study combines:

📌 Advanced design and thermal modeling to determine maximum current density
📌 3D finite element simulations to validate electromagnetic performance
📌 Prototype fabrication and experimental testing, showing strong agreement with simulations

The results demonstrate higher torque and power density compared to existing PCB motor designs, while reducing manufacturing complexity and weight – opening new possibilities for next-generation drone applications.

👏 Congratulations to Shahid for an excellent presentation and contribution to advancing electrical machine technology!

02/09/2025

🎓 On 22 August 2025, our junior researcher Martin Sarap successfully defended his PhD thesis “Additively Manufactured Advanced Thermal Management Solutions for Electrical Machines” at TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology.

The thesis, supervised by Prof. Ants Kallaste (TalTech) and Dr. Payam Shams Ghahfarokhi (Tampere University, Finland), explores how additive manufacturing (3D printing) can enable next-generation cooling solutions for electrical machines.

Martin’s work provides:
📌 Material insights: characterization of anisotropic thermal and electrical conductivities of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg and Fe-Si alloys.
📌 Novel cooling structures: advanced fin and lattice designs for passive and active air-cooled machines, improving efficiency through reduced aerodynamic drag and enhanced heat transfer.
📌 Algorithmically optimized solutions: application-specific heatsink designs verified with physical prototypes, including topology-optimized structures for propulsion motors.

We thank the defense committee and the opponents – Prof. Roman Pechánek (University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia) and Prof. Pia Lindh (LUT University, Finland) – for their valuable contributions.

📖 The full thesis is available here: https://doi.org/10.23658/taltech.54/2025

Congratulations, Martin, on this excellent achievement! 👏

01/09/2025

🔬✈️ The Electrical Machine Group of TalTech wad proudly represented at SDEMPED 2025 – the 14th IEEE International Symposium on Diagnostics for Electric Machines, Power Electronics and Drives, August 24–27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Our researcher Hadi Ashraf Raja was presenting two of our latest contributions:

📄 “A Neuro-Fuzzy Approach for Broken Rotor Bar Fault Prediction in Induction Motors via Current Spectrum Analysis”
Authors: Hadi Raja, Toomas Vaimann, Bilal Asad, Ants Kallaste, Muhammad Usman Sardar

📄 “Wideband Frequency Diagnosis for High-Sensitivity Turn-Insulation Degradation Estimation in Inverter-Fed Machines”
Authors: Muhammad Usman Sardar, Toomas Vaimann, Lauri Kütt, Bilal Asad, Ants Kallaste, Hadi Raja

This symposium is a leading international platform for advancing knowledge in diagnostics, condition monitoring, and fault prediction for electric machines and drives. We are excited to share our research and engage with the global community.

27/08/2025

📢 Exciting news for the diagnostics community!

At the ongoing SDEMPED 2025 in Dallas, it was officially announced that the next edition of the IEEE International Symposium on Diagnostics for Electric Machines, Power Electronics and Drives (SDEMPED 2027) will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 24–27 August 2027 🎉

The event will be organized jointly by the Electrical Machine Group of TalTech and the Aalto University Research Group of Electromechanics, bringing together world-leading experts in diagnostics, condition monitoring, and fault prediction for electrical machines and drives.

We are proud to share that Toomas Vaimann (TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology) and Anouar Belahcen (Aalto University) will serve as the conference chairs. Dr. Vaimann also had the honor of presenting the 2027 edition plans during the gala dinner at SDEMPED 2025 in Texas.

We look forward to welcoming the global community to Tallinn in 2027! 🇪🇪✨

10/06/2025

🎓 Successful PhD Defense Alert! 🎓

On June 9, 2025, Muhammad Usman Naseer successfully defended his doctoral thesis titled "Design and Modeling of Contoured Airgap Topology for Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines" 🛠️⚡

His research introduces innovative strategies for enhancing the performance of electrical machines through 3D design enabled by additive manufacturing — a significant contribution to the next generation of compact and efficient machines.

👏 Congratulations to Dr. Naseer, as well as to his supervisor Prof. Ants Kallaste and co-supervisor Dr. Toomas Vaimann!

🙏 We also extend our sincere thanks to the official opponents:
Prof. David A. Lowther (McGill University, Canada)
Prof. Avo Reinap (Lund University, Sweden)
for their valuable insights and thoughtful feedback.

📘 The full thesis is available here:
https://digikogu.taltech.ee/en/Item/af3abd72-6077-43be-b7ed-5fa0b3f58602

10/06/2025

🚀 New Research Alert from Electrical Machine Group of TalTech! 🔧🌬️

We're excited to share our latest publication in IEEE Access — now available as early access! A collaboration between TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology, University of Alberta, and Tampere University!

📄 Title: Comparative Study of Advanced Heatsink Structures for Improved Thermal Performance in Axial Flux Motors

👨‍🔬 Authors: Martin Sarap, Shalini Singh, Ants Kallaste, Ahmed Qureshi, Hans Tiismus, Toomas Vaimann, Payam Shams Ghahfarokhi

In this study, we explore how additively manufactured heatsinks with advanced geometries — such as airfoil pins, lattice structures, and TPMS forms — perform in real-world cooling of axial flux motors. The airfoil pin design emerged as the top performer in absolute thermal resistance, while the rhombi-octet lattice showed excellent mass-efficiency, offering insights into material-smart thermal management.

🔍 Key highlights:
Physical testing of 6 heatsink prototypes produced via metal 3D printing (LPBF)
Focus on cooling windings in axial flux switched reluctance motors
Results relevant for aerospace, automotive, and compact motor design

🛠️ Supported by Estonian Research Council (PRG-1827), this work is part of our ongoing mission to push the boundaries of thermal design in next-gen electric machines.

📘 Read the paper: DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3577289

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02/06/2025

🎓 New PhD Position Available (vol 4.) – Apply Now!
Join us at TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology to develop breakthrough cooling systems for electrical machines using topology optimization and additive manufacturing!

📘 Topic: Topology Optimized Heat Exchangers for Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines

This PhD research combines:
⚙️ Electrical machine cooling
🧠 Simulation and topology optimization
🖨️ 3D printing
🧪 Laboratory prototyping and testing

If you’re passionate about energy efficiency, cutting-edge design, and experimental research, this position is for you!

📍 Tallinn, Estonia
📅 Application deadline: June 30, 2025
🔗 https://taltech.glowbase.com/positions/974

Tag someone who loves solving thermal engineering challenges! 💥

Additive manufacturing (AM) is evolving rapidly, and it is seen as an important step towards the next industrial revolution, being one of the key requirements for the decentralized production of highly complex structures. The flexibility of AM technology also allows the production of electromechanic...

02/06/2025

🎓 PhD Position Open at Electrical Machine Group of TalTech – Apply Now!
The Electrical Machines Group at TalTech - Tallinn University of Technology is offering a PhD position in:

⚙️ Development of Control Methodology for Additively Manufactured Electrical Machines

You will:
🔍 Develop custom control algorithms
⚡ Optimize switched reluctance machine performance
🧪 Validate solutions on a real test bench
🖨️ Explore the future of 3D-printed electric drives

This is a great opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research that combines additive manufacturing and advanced control engineering.

📅 Apply by: June 30, 2025
📍 Location: Tallinn, Estonia
🔗 https://taltech.glowbase.com/positions/975

Tag a friend who might be interested!