 ELECO 2025 Invited Talks |
Ebrahim BABAEI University of Tabriz Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering Tabriz, Iran Abstract – Z-source converters provide efficient means for electric power conversion (dc–dc, dc–ac, ac–dc, ac– ac) between source and load in a wide range of applications. Z-source converters have been experiencing, in terms of research and applications, a constant growth during the last 20 years. The efforts of research have led to a rapid development of different Z-source converter topologies, modulation techniques, and control strategies. Nevertheless, many interesting aspects, such as efficiency improvement, optimized parameters, and new applications, still require more investigation. The continuous evolution of power electronics has driven the need for converter topologies that are not only more efficient but also more compact, reliable, and versatile. Among these, Z-source and quasi-Z-source converters have emerged as groundbreaking solutions by integrating unique impedance networks that provide buck–boost capability, enhanced reliability, and immunity against shoot-through conditions. This talk will present recent advancements in new-generation Z-source converters, highlighting their innovative structures, modulation strategies, and application potential in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and future power grids. Special attention will be given to how these converters overcome the limitations of conventional voltage- and current-source topologies, thereby offering a paradigm shift in high-performance power conversion. |
 Professor Ebrahim BABAEI Biography - Ebrahim Babaei (M’10, SM’16) received his B.S. degree in Electronic Engineering and his M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Department of Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran, in 1992 and 2001, respectively, graduating with first class honors. He received his Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz, in 2007.
In 2007, he joined the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tabriz. He was an assistant professor from 2007 to 2011, an associate professor from 2011 to 2015 and has been a professor since 2015. He is the author and co-author of one book, four book chapters, and more than 730 technical journal and conference papers. Some of them are jointly publications with prestigious international researchers. He also holds 26 patents in the area of power electronics.
According to ISI Web of Knowledge, he has a Hirsch factor of H=70 and more than 21900 citations. His current research interests include the analysis, modelling, design, and control of Power Electronics Converters and their applications, Renewable Energy Sources, and FACTS Devices. Prof. Babaei has been
He has been the Corresponding Guest Editor for two special issues in the IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. In addition, Prof. Babaei has been the Technical Program Chair, Track Chair, organizer of different special sessions and Technical Committee member in most important international conferences organized in the field of Power Electronics. Several times, he was the recipient of the Best Researcher Award from the University of Tabriz. He was selected by the Ministry of Science Research and Technology as the distinguished researcher of Iran in the field of engineering in 2022. He also received the Prize Winner and Award of 2016 Outstanding Reviewer from IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. Prof. Ebrahim Babaei is an internationally recognized scholar in power electronics engineering, whose outstanding academic achievements and contributions have earned him numerous national and international honors over the past three decades. Prof. Babaei has been included in the Top One Percent of the World’s Scientists and Academics according to Thomson Reuters' list since 2015. Prof. Babaei’s pioneering research and prolific publication record have been repeatedly acknowledged by prestigious organizations and conferences around the world. He has received multiple Best Paper Awards from leading international venues, including the SICE-ICASE, ICEMS, IEEE RTUCON, and the PEDSTC Conferences. These honors reflect his consistent contributions to advancing the fields of power electronics. Within his home institution, the University of Tabriz, Prof. Babaei has been repeatedly celebrated for excellence in research, innovation, and leadership. He has been named Distinguished Researcher, Distinguished Professor, Distinguished Head of Department, and Distinguished Creator of Technology across multiple years (2009-2024). His remarkable productivity and influence have also been recognized through awards for the Highest H-index and Highest Publications in JCR-ranked Q1 Journals, underscoring both the quality and impact of his scholarly output. Beyond national borders, Prof. Babaei has earned a place among the Top One Percent of the World’s Scientists and Academics, as recognized by Thomson Reuters (ISI) in consecutive years since 2015. This rare and consistent global recognition highlights his enduring influence on international research and his position as one of the most cited scientists in his field. In addition, he was honored by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran (2022) as the Distinguished Researcher of Iran in Engineering, affirming his status as a leading scientific figure in the nation. Prof. Babaei was the supervisor and advisor of more than 50 Ph.D. and 300 Master students. He is also currently the supervisor and advisor of more than 30 Postdoc, Ph.D. and Master students of different universities. Prof. Babaei is a Senior Member of IEEE, a member of IEEE Power Electronics Society and IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. He is also a member of Power Electronics Society of Iran (PESI) and Iranian Productivity Association for Power Industry. |
