Energy conversion specialist Dr. David Moule gives guest lecture organised by Sheffield students and Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group

The Sheffield Student Branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) worked with the EMD group to host the event, to mark IEEE Day 2022 earlier in the month

Photograph of Professor Zi-Qiang Zhu and Dr David Moule speaking to the audience at the IEEE Day Guest Lecture
Professor Zi-Qiang Zhu and Dr David Moule speaking to the audience at the IEEE Day Guest Lecture

On Monday, October 24th 2022, the Electrical Machines and Drives (EMD) Research Group at the University of Sheffield, and IEEE Sheffield Student Branch, successfully hosted a Guest Lecture and IEEE Day Event titled "Automotive Servo Drives", delivered by Dr David Moule, a Technical Specialist at ZF Group. The event was attended by notable academics from both within and outside of the University of Sheffield, including emeritus professor  as well as students in all years of study from within the department.

After a warm reception of the guest lecturer by the audience, the Head of the Electrical Machines and Drives (EMD) Research Group, Professor Zi-Qiang Zhu gave a brief remark and introduced Dr David Moule, whom he referred to as “one of world's most talented specialists in energy conversion.”

Photograph of Head of the IEEE Sheffield Student Branch, Yinka Leo Ogundiran, who worked with the group to organise the exciting guest lecture
Pictured on the left - Head of the IEEE Sheffield Student Branch, Yinka Leo Ogundiran, who worked with the group to organise the exciting guest lecture

During the presentation, Dr Moule extensively discussed the technical challenges associated with the design of automotive servo drives for the increasingly unfolding trend of autonomous electric vehicles (EVs) - challenges which are interconnected. 

He explained how optimisation and better space utilisation could be facilitated by manufacturing autonomous EVs to be autonomous, and described the innovative techniques that could minimise clogging torques and ripple in electrical machine design, which could make them more suitable for the adjustable speed drives of the future.


With various examples, Dr Moule expanded on sustainability aspects, and illustrated the benefits of digital twins in simplifying and accelerating complex system engineering design, testing and repurposing.

The presentation was followed by a Q & A session and a vote of thanks by Professor Zhu who expressed his gratitude to the guest lecturer for his informative and insightful presentation, and the organisers of the event.

Photograph of attendees at the EEE Guest Lecture
Attendees at the EEE Guest Lecture

Top 10 in the UK

We're in the top 10 UK Electronic and Electrical Engineering Departments (QS World University Rankings 2021).

Events at the University

Browse upcoming public lectures, exhibitions, family events, concerts, shows and festivals across the University.