​Prof Rong-Jie Wang from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University recently delivered his inaugural lecture titled 'Electrical machine technology: Innovation and research'. Wang spoke to the Division of Corporate Communication and Marketing about how his research on electrical machine technologies could help to strengthen the international competitiveness of the local industry and improve energy efficiency and power generation capacity.

Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.

My field of research is in electrical engineering. My research has focused on technology development, formulation of design theory and strategy, devising numerical simulation techniques, and critical performance evaluation of special electrical machines. I became interested in electrical machines during my postgraduate study at the University of Cape Town. My topic was on a linear hybrid permanent magnet stepping motor, which I found very interesting.

How would you describe the relevance of your work, especially for our South African context?

Electrical machines are widely used in major South African industry sectors such as energy, mining, chemical and transport industry. They play a pivotal role in the new industrial revolution brought forth by the development of e-mobility and renewable energy systems. The research and commercial development of electrical machine technologies could strengthen the international competitiveness of the local industry, improve energy efficiency and power generation capacity, and contribute to job creation in South Africa.

Can you tell us more about the impact of your research?

In terms of my research impact, the work on axial flux permanent magnet machines (used for power generation and electric vehicle applications), line-start permanent magnet motors (suitable for driving low-inertia loads) and magnetically geared electrical machines (for wind power and e-Mobility applications) are well recognized and referenced by peer researchers. The manuscript I co-authored with Professors JF Gieras and MJ Kamper on Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Brushless Machines (Springer 2004, 2^nd edition in 2008), the first book in English entirely devoted to axial flux permanent magnet machines, has, according to Springer, “… proven its timeliness and value among a wide readership in electrical machines research field".

Which aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy researching on emerging innovative technologies and working with bright young minds.

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What has kept you motivated during these times?

Yes, it has been a trying time for most of us. It is helpful to set achievable daily goals and keeping contact with colleagues and students via online meetings.

Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.

Although my passion is now on engineering and science, I also have an interest in some humanities subjects such as literature and history. When I was in high school, I went on several field trips with a small team led by my history teacher trying to find answers surrounding the tragic ending of an ancient Chinese emperor.

How do you spend your free time away from lectures and research?

I enjoy watching movies, playing board games with my kids and taking long walks on mountains or beaches.