Hanlin Zhan | Advanced Electric Machine and Drives | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Engineer

Prof. Hanlin Zhan | Advanced Electric Machine and Drives | Best Researcher Award

Tenured Full Professor, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), China

Prof. Hanlin Zhan, born on April 26, 1990, is a Full Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), specializing in electrical engineering with a focus on advanced electric drive technologies. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield, supported by Siemens-Gamesa, and completed postdoctoral research through the Tsinghua University–Midea Group collaboration. Prof. Zhan has a rich academic and industrial background, having led cutting-edge research at Midea’s Institute of Robotics and Automations. His work is widely published in IEEE Transactions, contributing significantly to sensorless control, PMSM drives, and high-efficiency electric motors. With over 30 million RMB in research funding, he continues to bridge academia and industry. Recognized with awards such as the “Outstanding Young Professor” and Huawei’s “Spark Prize,” he remains a driving force in the electrification of robotics, EVs, eVTOLs, and smart appliances.

Professional Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Education

Prof. Hanlin Zhan’s educational journey reflects a balance of foundational knowledge and advanced specialization. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), where he studied under Prof. Gaolin Wang from the esteemed group of Prof. Dianguo Xu. He later pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Sheffield (2014–2017), with his research funded by Siemens-Gamesa and supervised by Prof. Z.Q. Zhu—renowned for his contributions to electric machines. His thesis work was embedded in real-world applications, aligning with industrial innovations. Following this, Prof. Zhan completed a competitive postdoctoral fellowship (2017–2019) through the Midea Group–Tsinghua University Joint Program, mentored by Prof. Xi Xiao. This multidisciplinary exposure enabled him to integrate academic rigor with industrial demands, forming a solid basis for his future research in electric drives and intelligent systems.

Experience

Prof. Hanlin Zhan’s professional experience bridges high-level academia and transformative industry research. He began his career at Midea Group’s Corporate Research Center, serving from 2017 to 2020. There, he quickly advanced from Staff Engineer in the Institute of Motor and Drives to Senior Staff Engineer and Founder of the Institute of Robotics and Automations. In 2020, he transitioned to academia as a Tenured Associate Professor at Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), where his research and teaching significantly impacted the Department of Robotics and Advanced Manufacture. In December 2024, he was promoted to Full Professor. His career is marked by leadership in high-value projects (over 30 million RMB) and the establishment of collaborative platforms between academic institutions and industrial innovators. His cross-functional experience positions him as a thought leader in intelligent electromechanical systems, making substantial contributions to China’s high-performance robotics and electrified transport sectors.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Hanlin Zhan has received numerous prestigious honors for his contributions to electric drive systems and robotics. He was awarded the First Prize in the Science and Technology Award by the China National Light Industry Council, acknowledging his groundbreaking work in smart appliances. The Harbin Institute of Technology recognized him as an “Outstanding Young Professor,” an honor bestowed for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Notably, he received the “Spark Prize” from HUAWEI Technologies, highlighting his influence on intelligent hardware design. He was also globally selected for the elite “Midea Star” Global Recruitment Project in 2017—an initiative identifying under-10 international top talents in electrical and automation research. These accolades reflect Prof. Zhan’s continuous impact on industrial transformation, advanced electric machines, and sensorless control methods, reinforcing his role as a leading expert shaping the future of high-efficiency, intelligent electromechanical systems across diverse applications.

Research Focus 

Prof. Hanlin Zhan’s research focuses on high-performance electric drive technologies tailored for robotics, electric vehicles (EVs), electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), and smart home appliances. His work emphasizes sensorless control, high-efficiency motor design, and advanced position estimation methods. He has made pioneering contributions to the modeling and suppression of harmonic errors in IPMSM drives, development of novel vernier and hybrid excited machines, and the integration of zero-sequence current suppression techniques in open-winding PMSM systems. Through strong collaborations with industrial giants like Midea and Siemens-Gamesa, Prof. Zhan ensures that his research directly impacts the market-ready products and sustainable mobility solutions. His lab also explores adaptive feedback control, modular machines, and drive efficiency optimization. This comprehensive approach positions him at the frontier of electrification and automation technologies, where performance, precision, and reliability are paramount.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Adaptive compensation method of position estimation harmonic error for EMF-based observer in sensorless IPMSM drives
    G. Wang, H. Zhan, G. Zhang, X. Gui, D. Xu
    IEEE Trans. Power Electronics, 29(6), pp. 3055–3064, 2014. [Cited by: 256]
    This paper presents a method to compensate harmonic errors in EMF-based position estimators, significantly improving sensorless control accuracy in IPMSM drives.
  2. Analytical on-load subdomain field model of permanent-magnet vernier machines
    Y. Oner, Z.Q. Zhu, L.J. Wu, X. Ge, H. Zhan, J.T. Chen
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 63(7), pp. 4105–4117, 2016. [Cited by: 159]
    Introduces an analytical model for PM vernier machines under load, enhancing prediction accuracy of electromagnetic performance.
  3. Enhanced position observer using second-order generalized integrator for sensorless IPMSM drives
    G. Wang, L. Ding, Z. Li, J. Xu, G. Zhang, H. Zhan, R. Ni, D. Xu
    IEEE Trans. Energy Conversion, 29(2), pp. 486–495, 2014. [Cited by: 150]
    Proposes a robust observer utilizing SOGI to improve sensorless control under varying operating conditions.
  4. Self-commissioning of PMSM drives at standstill considering inverter nonlinearities
    G. Wang, L. Qu, H. Zhan, J. Xu, L. Ding, G. Zhang, D. Xu
    IEEE Trans. Power Electronics, 29(12), pp. 6615–6627, 2014. [Cited by: 149]
    Addresses accurate PMSM parameter identification without motion, factoring inverter nonlinearities.
  5. Novel consequent-pole hybrid excited machine with separated excitation stator
    H. Hua, Z.Q. Zhu, H. Zhan
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 63(8), pp. 4718–4728, 2016. [Cited by: 141]
    Demonstrates improved flux control in hybrid excitation machines using a novel stator configuration.
  6. Analysis and suppression of zero-sequence circulating current in open winding PMSM drives
    H. Zhan, Z. Zhu, M. Odavic
    IEEE Trans. Industry Applications, 53(4), pp. 3609–3620, 2017. [Cited by: 133]
    Provides insights and control strategies to reduce circulating current in open-winding configurations.
  7. A novel zero-sequence model-based sensorless method for open-winding PMSM
    H. Zhan, Z.Q. Zhu, M. Odavic, Y. Li
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 63(11), pp. 6777–6789, 2016. [Cited by: 68]
    Utilizes zero-sequence EMF for sensorless operation, increasing drive robustness.
  8. Efficiency enhancement of general AC drives by remanufacturing induction motors
    R. Ni, D. Xu, G. Wang, X. Gui, G. Zhang, H. Zhan, C. Li
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 63(2), pp. 808–820, 2016. [Cited by: 68]
    Proposes cost-effective conversion of IMs into IPMs to boost system efficiency.
  9. Modular PM machines with alternate teeth having tooth tips
    G.J. Li, Z.Q. Zhu, M.P. Foster, D.A. Stone, H.L. Zhan
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 62(10), pp. 6120–6130, 2015. [Cited by: 67]
    Investigates novel modular machines for performance and fault tolerance.
  10. Performance comparison of doubly salient reluctance machine topologies
    X.Y. Ma, G.J. Li, G.W. Jewell, Z.Q. Zhu, H.L. Zhan
    IEEE Trans. Industrial Electronics, 63(7), pp. 4086–4096, 2016. [Cited by: 65]
    Assesses different reluctance machine designs under sinewave excitation.

Conclusion

Prof. Zhan is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a proven track record of innovation, impactful research, and industry-oriented contributions.

Milkias Berhanu Tuka | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular EngineerLeave a Comment on Milkias Berhanu Tuka | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milkias Berhanu Tuka | Electrical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Milkias Berhanu Tuka (Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) in Ethiopia. With extensive academic and professional experience, he specializes in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dr. Tuka holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on renewable energy and power systems. He has served in various leadership roles, including as a Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Dr. Tuka is a recognized leader in both academia and industry, collaborating internationally with institutions like Otto-von-Guericke University (Germany). His work emphasizes sustainable energy solutions and electrical engineering innovations. 🌍⚡

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Research Background: Dr. Milkias Berhanu Tuka demonstrates an impressive academic career with significant contributions in the fields of Electrical Engineering, particularly in power systems, renewable energy, and power electronics. His expertise in renewable energies, electrical machines, power electronics, and drives has led to substantial academic achievements, including publishing numerous papers in Scientific Reports and other reputable journals.
  2. International Collaboration and Recognition: His involvement in international projects and partnerships, such as his research with Otto-von-Guericke University in Germany, highlights his capacity for cross-border collaboration. This is evident from his contributions to research and consultancy in projects like the SASCS for DTH under the Europe-Africa Research and Innovation call on Renewable Energy.
  3. Leadership and Influence in Academia: Dr. Tuka has shown notable leadership within academic institutions. His roles as an Associate Professor, Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, and his position as the Vice President’s Special Assistant for Academic Affairs at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) showcase his organizational and managerial abilities. These positions highlight his responsibility in steering academic programs, overseeing curriculum developments, and ensuring high standards in teaching and research.
  4. Active Contribution to Research Grants and Projects: He has been actively involved in securing and managing multiple research projects and external grants, such as Solar Power System Design, Wind Energy Forecasting, and Consultancy services for the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute. These projects demonstrate his practical application of research and his capacity to drive forward both theoretical and applied research.
  5. Supervision and Mentorship: Dr. Tuka has contributed to the academic development of numerous students, particularly in the supervision of MSc theses and PhD students, helping them to navigate complex research topics and bringing innovative ideas to the forefront.
  6. Diverse Skills and Certifications: His wide array of skills and certifications, such as the completion of Nanodegree Programs in Data Analysis and Programming Fundamentals, along with his recognition from prestigious institutions (e.g., Mandela Washington Fellowship and Honorary Lifetime Membership to International Davis), shows his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Publication and Citations Reach: While Dr. Tuka has made significant contributions to journals like Scientific Reports, expanding his impact through more high-visibility, high-impact journals, and achieving higher citation counts could further solidify his position as a global thought leader in his field.
  2. Focus on Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Although his work has had a strong focus on electrical engineering and renewable energy, expanding collaborations across multidisciplinary fields (e.g., integrating AI or machine learning into energy systems) could further diversify his research impact and open up new avenues for groundbreaking studies.
  3. Increased Public Engagement: Engaging in more public-facing activities, such as offering talks at global conferences, media interviews, or even online platforms to discuss renewable energy issues or innovations in power systems, could increase his outreach and influence in shaping global energy policy or practices.
  4. Diversifying Research Funding: While Dr. Tuka has excelled in obtaining research grants, diversifying the sources of funding, particularly from international organizations or the private sector, could support even larger-scale projects and increase the impact of his research.

Education

Dr. Tuka obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Adama Science & Technology University and Otto-von-Guericke University, focusing on power quality in wind energy systems. He holds an MSc in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems from Adama Science & Technology University. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical-Electronics Technology. Dr. Tuka’s education combines rigorous theoretical learning with hands-on research, particularly in renewable energy solutions and electrical systems optimization. 🎓🔋

Experience

Dr. Tuka has over 15 years of experience in academia and engineering. He is currently an Associate Professor and Special Assistant at AASTU, where he also serves as the Secretary of the Academic Staff Affairs Committee. Previously, he was an Associate Head of the ECE Department at Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) and a power expert for the ASTU-Mekele University Joint Venture on the Adama-II Wind Power Project. Dr. Tuka has also held leadership roles in various educational projects and is a consultant for renewable energy and power systems. ⚙️🌞

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tuka has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Honorary Lifetime Membership from International Davis, U.S., and recognition for his professional contributions to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at ASTU. He is also an awardee of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and has participated in prestigious training programs like the Enel Foundation’s Micro-grid Academy and Open Africa Power. 🏅🌍

Research Focus

Dr. Tuka’s research centers on renewable energy, power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics. His work focuses on optimizing renewable energy integration into the power grid, improving power quality, and designing sustainable energy solutions. Current projects include wind energy forecasting using deep learning, solar power systems, and smart grid technologies. His research aims to provide innovative solutions for energy challenges in Africa and beyond, contributing to the global energy transition. 🌿🔌

Publication Top Notes

  1. A comparative ensemble approach to bedload prediction using metaheuristic machine learning 🌍📊
  2. Design and performance evaluation of a multi-load and multi-source DC-DC converter for electric vehicle systems ⚡🚗
  3. Cable dimension determination using Finite Element Method for gas insulated cables ⚡🔧
  4. Hybrid modeling approach for precise energy estimation based on temperature variations 🌞📐
  5. Maiden application of optimization for load frequency control in microgrids with renewables ⚡🔋
  6. Design of a universal converter for microgrid applications using dynamic programming 🌍🔄
  7. Lyapunov-based neural network model predictive control for energy systems ⚙️🌐
  8. High-efficiency poly-input boost converter for energy storage and EV applications 🔋🚙
  9. Robust load-frequency control for islanded microgrids using 1PD-PID controllers ⚡🔧
  10. Techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy solutions in Cameroon ⚡🌍

Conclusion

Dr. Milkias Berhanu Tuka is undoubtedly a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic credentials, research expertise, and leadership in both academia and various research projects highlight his significant contributions to the field of Electrical Engineering. His publications, international collaborations, and impact on both education and research underscore his excellence. With his dedication to innovation and research excellence, Dr. Tuka’s future contributions will likely continue to have a profound impact on the academic community, particularly in renewable energy and power systems, making him a highly deserving candidate for this award. To further enhance his global influence, focusing on broader publication reach, fostering interdisciplinary research, and engaging more publicly would help him elevate his already impressive career.