Get to know Antonio Poveda from Zigor R&D!
Antonio Poveda Lema is the Director of Zigor R&D. He has an outstanding career in the energy industry. For a decade he has been in charge of R&D management at Power Electronics. There he has led the development of all its medium and low voltage industrial and renewable energy products and created its current R&D organisational structure. Previously, he was technical director at Marvell Semiconductors and head of electronics R&D at Alstom Transport in Valencia (now Stadler Rail). A specialist in power electronics, throughout his career he has been responsible for the development of more than 22 industrial patents.
What was your original motivation to become a researcher/project manager?
As Zigor R&D Director I ensure our commitment to value creation through technological development and innovation is a constant in partnership with customers and in collaboration with employees and suppliers. We consider it essential to be able to explore new applications and business models based on knowledge and technology. I strongly believe that we can contribute to the development of the community with smart grid equipment that can adapt to new consumption models and large energy solutions that bring stability to the grid.
What is your (main) research area today?
The increasingly segmented and local generation of electricity requires more flexible and manageable distribution grids (smart grids), especially for solar energy. I am focusing on the development of new smart converters with state-of-the-art power electronics technology. This will lead to new business models, through the efficient use of technology in strategic areas such as smart grids, storage, solar energy and grid quality.
What is the main focus of your team in iSTORMY?
ZIGOR is researching, designing, prototyping and testing a new modular Power Electronics architecture based on DC/DC and DC/AC converters with cost reduction, high reliability and high efficiency; including the Hardware, its low-level controller, the communication interface between low-level controller and Self-Healing EMS.
Could you describe your favourite moment/satisfaction when working for the project and – more in general – for your organisation?
It is really challenging to develop a new product based on cutting edge technology and integrating it in a demo-site that will affect the energy supply of a entire location such Borkum. It is really motivating and exciting reaching the last milestone of the project and we all the prototypes up and running.
How do you expect iSTORMY results will affect your organisation and the energy storage sector?
This project will enhance ZIGOR as a benchmark company in providing products with clear competitive advantages over competitors, for different applications in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector.
Which partner would you like to nominate next for this coffee break?
MGEP