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Folke Schwinning, M.Sc.

Hamburg University of Technology
Institute for Mechatronics in Mechanics (M-4)

Building O (Eißendorfer Str. 38), Room O0.015
21073 Hamburg

Tel.: +49 (0) 40 30601-4211
folke.schwinning(at)tuhh.de

ORCID iD 0000-0002-5362-8040

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Research Topic

In my research topic "Design and Optimization of Electrical Machines", I develop a methodology to optimize electrical machines more quickly and with greater diversity.

The methodology is being tested using the example of the axial-flux synchronous machine, which has been the focus of research into high-performance drives for several years, particularly in the fields of electromobility and electric flight. To this end, the system description of an electric machine is divided into smaller components, such as individual physical domains. The individual domains or components are examined using design-of-experiments methods, and metamodels are created that can be used instead of the original simulation models and offer considerable time savings.


In addition to CAD design, I am working on electromagnetic and thermal models of the axial flux machine and individual components, e.g., coil units. Due to the wide variety of materials, designs, and parameters, there is an opportunity here to experimentally investigate many different variations—in particular, hollow conductor coils and novel cooling concepts. A test bench is currently being developed for this purpose, which can operate coil units of axial-flux machines while varying various parameters and take metrics from various physical domains. In addition to the detailed investigation of these coil units, prototype axial-flux machines manufactured in-house are also being investigated on a machine test bench in the PHILSLAB.

Interested in writing a thesis (Bachelor / Project / Master) in my research topic?

 

Teaching

Electrical Machines and Actuators (EM)

In the summer terms, I'm in charge of the course "Electrical Machines and Actuators (EM)" , give the lecture-exercises and create tasks for the take-home-exam (type of examination for this course). In this context, I developed a Matlab framework that automatically evaluates the submitted take-home-exams with Matlab. Additionally, I present my research topic every year.

Measurement Technology for Mechanical Engineers (MT)

For the course "Measurement Technology for Mechanical Engineers (MT)", I developed and manufactured test benches for two out of ten experiments, where students measure the rotational speed and torque of a DC motor and measure the magnetic flux density of a neodymium magnet over the distance to the sensor. Aside from creating the corresponding Matlab App for handing in the measurement data and creating forms for handing in the solutions, I implemented the evaluation of all student exam data as an object oriented framework in the context of my I3-ProTeaching project.

I3-ProTeaching

The examination for Measurement Technology for Mechanical Engineering (MT) was done many years with classical written exams that had to be corrected manually and had little practical relevance. Since winter term 22/23, the examination is realized with ten experiments that students have to conduct during the semester in the WorkINGLab and hand in their measurement data. The students perform simple calculations afterwards, answer questions and submit their solutions.

In the context of my I3-ProTeaching project, I implemented the evaluation of this data (approximately 1600 data sets in the summer term) in a new, object oriented Matlab framework. This ensures an easier and more practical usage, adds automatic versioning and many more features as well as an automatized feedback. Students get insight into their performance for each task in a detailed examination report after their grade has been determined.

Applied Design Methodology in Mechatronics (ADMM)

In the Master course Applied Design Methodology in Mechatronics (ADMM), I took over the role of the customer in the summer term 2024 and supervised one group.

Basics of Electrical Engineering (GET)

In Basics of Electrical Engineering (GET), I supported the team by creating an exam task for the exams in the winter term 23/24 and 24/25, respectively.

Interests and Hobbies

  • CAD design, additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping
  • course instructor for woodturning courses in the WorkINGLab of TUHH
  • volunteer instructor in the woodworking workshop of the Honigfabrik
    • support of the workshop team on days of the "open workshop" and with repair and maintenance of machines
  • hiking, bouldering, cycling, hobby photography, carpentry and artisan crafts, vegan cooking and baking, sewing, and many more...

CV

since 09/2023 Doctoral Research Associate Hamburg University of Technology, Institute for Mechatronics in Mechanics
01/2020 - 04/2023 Scientific Research Assistant Hamburg University of Technology, Institute for Mechatronics in Mechanics
04/2020 - 06/2023 Master of Science: Mechatronics Hamburg University of Technology
2018 - 2019 Tutor for Electrical Engineering II and Computer Engineering Hamburg University of Technology
2017 - 2019 Working Student CAD Design E-Cap Mobility GmbH, Winsen a. d. Luhe
10/2016 - 05/2020 Bachelor of Science: Mechatronics Hamburg University of Technology
07/2016 - 02/2017 Dual Student Röders GmbH, Soltau

Supervised Theses

2025

  • Märkle, J. (Bachelor thesis): Electromagnetic Modeling and Simulation of Power Losses in Coil Units of Electrical Machines
  • Ließke, S. (Master thesis): Conception and design of a test bench for the investigation of coil units of an axial flux machine using an electromagnetic digital twin

2024

  • Zeh, J. (Master thesis): Investigation on the Influence of Fast-Switching Power Semiconductors on the Energy Efficiency of an Electric Drive Train for Industrial Forklift Trucks
  • Engeln, F. (Project thesis): Implementation of Field-Oriented Control of a Synchronous Reluctance Machine

Publications

2024

2021