The center

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is true to their motto, “What Starts Here Changes the World”.  The Center for Electromechanics (CEM) supports this goal as a leading applied research unit.  Researchers at the Center are recognized for expertise in advanced energy storage and power generation rotating machines for both intermittent and continuous duty applications. For the past four decades, CEM has served as a key contributor to the University’s success in research, education, and service to the community.

RESEARCH

CEM is focused on state-of-the-art research, with facilities and equipment for staff engineers to design, build, and test first-of-a-kind prototypes.  With a proven track record in technology transfer to both government and industry sponsors, CEM researchers are experienced in working on small and large projects with industry and understand commercial pressures and time-scales.  The Center draws upon the creativity, knowledge, and experience of the academic faculty for real-world multi-disciplinary solutions.

EDUCATION

Both undergrad and graduate UT students join CEM researchers in development and testing of new technologies.  This hands-on education not only provides UT students with must-have real-world experience, but also provides a conduit for technology transfer to research sponsors.  Students gain important exposure to emerging technologies and leading edge designs essential for a sustainable energy future.  Moreover, CEM brings as often as possible the enthusiasm and creativity of students to industrial problems so companies can not only add new technologies to their product lines but can also hire recent graduates with highly relevant experience.

SERVICE

CEM serves UT as an effective interface to industry.  CEM often called upon to consult with large consortiums to solve the world’s toughest problems.  CEM has helped multiple companies improve existing products through emerging technologies.  Center researchers take pride in providing the highest quality solutions.

What's new

HETDEX

The CEM collaborative design effort with MDO for the HETDEX Tracking System is near completion. This video shows the tracking system in full operation:

Grid Solutions

“Microgrids give greater reliability during an emergency and greater efficiency during normal day-to-day activities,” said Hebner, director of the Center for Electromechanics and professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Citation: F.M. Uriarte, R.E. Hebner, “Intelligent Microgrids,” in Yearbook of Science & Technology 2013. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013, pp. 216-220.

Microgrids are of growing technical significance. They are electrically and geographically small electric power systems capable of operating connected to or islanded from a larger terrestrial grid. Electrically small refers to the amount of installed generation capacity and its voltage level. Geographically small refers to the spatial dimensions of the microgrid, which can range from a personal office to an entire residential community. Modern microgrids include a variety of power sources, renewable sources, and energy storage systems.