Missouri S&T Sparks New Lab for High-Voltage Research

The Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) recently announced plans for a new research laboratory for high-voltage research that could lead to electric cars that can charge in minutes or cost reductions for light-rail transportation in cities where mass transit is vital.

The high-voltage research is part of a multi-campus research initiative of the University of Missouri (UM) System. In 2019, the UM System announced funding for 19 projects across the system’s four universities, including four at Missouri S&T.

“Higher voltage uses lower amps, which reduces the amount of power lost,” said Dr. Mehdi Ferdowsi, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Missouri S&T and the project lead. “Less loss means lower cost.”

Ferdowsi’s project, titled “Energy Reliability and Resilience of Electrified Transportation Infrastructure,” is affiliated with the planned Electrified Transportation Distribution System Laboratory. Ferdowsi believes Missouri S&T is the natural choice to lead the project.

“We have a historically strong, nationally recognized power program,” said Ferdowsi. “Missouri S&T has successfully pulled in multi-million-dollar projects in the past.”

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