Thomas Schulte

Professor Thomas Schulte serves as Director of the Institute Future Energy (iFE) and leads the Control Engineering and Simulation department within the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Department at OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He has held these positions since 2017 and 2010 respectively, overseeing research in energy systems simulation and control engineering.

Education:

• Studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Paderborn
• Received doctorate with distinction in 2004 for work on "Power converters and control concepts for ultrasonic traveling wave motors"

Professor Schulte's research primarily focuses on real-time and hardware-in-the-loop simulation of energy systems and components. His work spans model-based dimensioning of energy storage systems, electric drive systems, and the development of simulation methodologies for complex energy applications. His research has significant implications for sustainable mobility solutions, energy management in decentralized systems, and the integration of renewable energy sources. A notable aspect of his work involves the application of these simulation techniques to monorail vehicle systems, particularly through projects like MonoCab that aim to revitalize disused single-track railway lines.

Analysis of Professor Schulte's recent publications reveals a strong focus on monorail vehicle systems and energy management. His work demonstrates a consistent pattern of applying hardware-in-the-loop simulation techniques to transportation systems, particularly self-stabilizing monorail vehicles. Additionally, there's a significant body of work on energy system optimization, particularly concerning storage systems and the integration of renewable energy sources. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer simulation.

Professor Schulte has supervised several doctoral students including Axel Kiffe, Martin Griese, and Stefan Geng. His research is supported by various grants, including projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) such as MONOCAB-Campusbahn, as well as other initiatives like SMARTOPTION, TeDZ, and Future Energy/Quarter Energy.

As Director of the Institute Future Energy, Professor Schulte leads a research team comprising numerous associates including Martin Griese, Julian Hamelmann, Fabian Kottmeier, and others. The institute focuses on practical applications of energy research, working on projects that address real-world challenges in sustainable mobility and energy systems. Their work often involves collaboration with industry partners and other academic institutions, as evidenced by projects like PHEVplus which involved developing efficient plug-in hybrid systems.