Our Facilities

The DER-IC equipment in Scotland is housed across two industry led research and development facilities, PNDC and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), both part of the University of Strathclyde.

PNDC specialises in de-risking and accelerating the commercialisation of innovative MW-scale technologies and architectures through testing and validation using real-world hardware and simulation capabilities. It has a proven track record in innovation and supporting the advancement of novel technologies through design, manufacture, and verification at system, sub-system and component levels. PNDC works with a broad range of stakeholders across industry, academia and policy-making. MW-scale innovation and testing capability, comprising:

MW-rated dynamometers – 2 units of 1 MW power rating each, switchable torque/speed ranges, comprehensive data acquisition capability to enable testing of powertrains for Aviation, Maritime, Rail and HGV applications
2x MW-scale AC & DC power supplies – 1 MVA 4-quadrant power supply capable of operating in AC and DC modes; 3-phase and single-phase AC power supply capability; can be combined to offer up to 2MW 3kV DC capability
Complements existing multi-MW PNDC whole systems capability for power, heat and transport
Gaseous hydrogen supply for testing power, heat and transport applications
Power Hardware in the Loop expertise enables validation at multi-MW scale including electrical fault throwing
Environmental chamber test capability, which can be used in combination with significant power hardware in the loop capability to test Power Electronics, Machines and Drives under controlled temperature and humidity environmental conditions. Relevant for maritime, rail, heavy duty vehicle, aerospace and energy sector applications

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is the trusted innovation partner of choice for manufacturers. Focused on driving economic growth, NMIS works in partnership with industry to
innovate, scale and build sustainable futures. In 2025 NMIS will open a new development aimed at supporting the growth of semiconductor packaging in the UK, creating new opportunities for manufacturers to access new markets and cut costs.

Complements existing multi-MW PNDC whole systems capability for power, heat and transport

Established in 1997, The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Electrical Power Systems is responsible for the research and development of effective electrical power system solutions. It also aims to provide Rolls-Royce with strategic and applied research to support aero, marine energy, and electrical activities.

The site will be equipped to include testing of technology specifically designed to enable the energy transition including the provision of a hydrogen supply that will support the decarbonisation of the aerospace, rail and heavy-duty vehicle markets, and the development of hydrogen as a fuel for domestic heating and industrial energy.

Collaborative Research Topic

Power Converter Hardware:

1. MW class Multilevel/Series power converter design for machine drive.

2. MW class EMI filter design for machine drive.

3. Novel motor topology drive system design for transport.

4. Cryo based inverter, Ultra-WBG based inverter, active gate driver design for machine drive.

5. PCB with Embedded Components for machine drive.

Motor Control:

1. Advanced discrete-time motor control with Multi-core DSP/FPGA.

2. Advanced MPC motor control.

3. Machine control with real-time condition monitoring

4. Novel motor drive for Novel motor topology.

5. Machine control with Fault-tolerant