Dr Ibrahim Al-Bahadly
SEAT, Massey University, Palmerston North
New Zealand
i.h.albahadly@massey.ac.nz
Areas of interest:

Electronic instrumentation and measurements
One of the potential projects in this area is to investigate a method for detecting the rotor
position of electricl motor, focusing on the switched reluctance motor. Much recent and
current research is directed at determining rotor position from winding currents and/or
voltages, either those normally occurring or from those specially injected for this purpose. So
far, there is no technique that has been succeeded in this aspect to cover the entire speed
range. In this project, the intention was to establish a new method which covers the whole
speed range. Anothor project in this area was carried out incollaboration with IVABS based
on applying pain to animal and recording the force required to see behavioural response as a
result of the applied force. This project helps in understanding the development of pain
sensitivity in animal and improving the animal welfare.

Electric machines and variable speed drives
Research projects in this area focus on a new design for electric machines and the
applications of variable speed drives. One of the previous projects in this area investigated
the possible energy saving by the implementation of AC variable speed drives at one of New
Zealand industrial site. Another project investigated and implemented an electronics variable
speed drive for woodworking machine application. More projects on smart drive are possible
in the future. Also another potential future project is to investigate a new winding
configuration of SR motor for maximum torque production.

Power electronics and signal processor control applications
Some of the projects in this area are; the design and development of DC-DC resonant
converter power supply for arc welding, the simulation and design of power electronic
circuits using PSpice, and DSP-based DC motor control.

Robotics and Automation
A number of projects in the area of smart home for security and people with special need
have been investigated in the past. Some projects on robot application in sport training are
also investigated with further work is expected in this area. Another project in this area is
about automatic colour detector for repainting application.

Renewable energy systems
Previous project aimed to design a suitable wind turbine, which could be used for small-scale
application. The main objective of this project in the future is to develop a combined system
of wind power backed by solar energy unit.