Dr Steve Mitchell
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
School of Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
- Email:steve.mitchell@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 6147
Career Summary
Biography
My professional career is built on over 25 years’ of experience designing and building innovative electrical and electronic hardware for use in mining, power, rail and research applications. In conjunction with the completion of a 7 year engineering traineeship with A. Goninan & Co Pty Ltd, I graduated from The University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) in 1995. In addition, following my passion for research I commenced a PhD whilst still working full time in 2002. My PhD was focused on the condition monitoring and diagnostics of electrical power equipment and was completed in 2011. To date I have authored / co-authored 30 international research publications and presented my work at conferences and seminars around the world. From the perspective of leadership, I have been responsible for teams in both industrial and academic settings. My academic experience includes lecturing large cohorts of undergraduate students over several years in both Australia and Singapore in the areas of embedded hardware and software design, as well as RF and analog electronics and advanced computer systems. I have also generated significant funding for research projects aimed at providing novel solutions to industrial problems. My present role is the Engineering Manager at Ampcontrol CSM where I am the site engineering authority. Concurrently, I also maintain a Conjoint Senior Lecturer position at the University of Newcastle where I supervise several post-graduate students.
Research ExpertiseMy research is in the area of condition monitoring, diagnostics and control of power and heavy industrial equipment. My particular area of focus is in power transformer diagnostics including Frequency Response Analysis and the localisation of partial discharge.
Teaching Expertise
My teaching focus is in the area of analog and digital electronics, programmable logic design, embedded programming, and advanced computer systems.
Administrative Expertise
Administrative duty experience includes: - Program Convenor for Computer Engineering - Marketing leader for the Discipline of Electrical Engineering - Student Experience for the Discipline of Electrical Engineering - Industry Scholarships for Computer Engineering.
Qualifications
- PhD, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Engineering, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Computer Engineering
- Condition Monitoring
- Electrical Engineering
- Frequency Response Analysis
- High Voltage Equipment
- Partial Discharge
- Power Transformers
Languages
- English (Fluent)
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/7/2009 - | Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Electrical Engineering and Computing Australia |
1/1/2008 - | Membership - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) | Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Australia |
1/3/2004 - 1/6/2009 | Professional Officer | University of Newcastle School of Electrical Engineering and Computing Australia |
1/10/2000 - 1/3/2004 | Senior Research Assistant | University of Newcastle School of Electrical Engineering and Computing Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/1996 - 1/11/2000 | Design Engineer | Bramco Electronics Australia |
1/1/1988 - 1/4/1995 | Engineering Cadet | A. Goninan & Co Pty Ltd Australia |
Awards
Recognition
Year | Award |
---|---|
1995 |
Spruson & Ferguson Prize in Electrical / Computer Engineering University of Newcastle |
Research Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2007 |
Best Student Paper Award Unknown |
2006 |
Postgraduate Research Prize for Electrical, Computer and Communications Engineering University of Newcastle |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (12 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2017 |
Jahromi MG, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, 'Design and Control of a High-Power Low-Loss DC-DC Converter for Mining Applications', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, 53 5105-5114 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Methodology to locate and quantify radial winding deformation in power transformers', HIGH VOLTAGE, 2 17-24 (2017) [C1]
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2016 |
Jahromi MG, Mitchell SD, Mirzaeva G, Gay D, 'A New Method for Power System Load Modeling Using a Nonlinear System Identification Estimator', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, 52 3535-3542 (2016)
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2016 |
Jahromi MG, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, Gay D, 'Powering Mobile Mining Machines: DC Versus AC Power', IEEE Industry Applications Magazine, 22 63-72 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Mitchell SD, Siegel M, Beltle M, Tenbohlen S, 'Discrimination of Partial Discharge Sources in the UHF Domain', IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION, 23 1068-1075 (2016) [C1]
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2015 |
Mitchell SD, Oliveira GHC, 'Analysing a power transformer's internal response to system transients using a hybrid modelling methodology', International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 69 67-75 (2015) [C1] This article presents a novel approach to analysing a power transformer's internal response to system transients. In this approach a hybrid modelling methodology is adopted w... [more] This article presents a novel approach to analysing a power transformer's internal response to system transients. In this approach a hybrid modelling methodology is adopted which leverages the distinct advantages offered by both Black and Grey Box modelling techniques. The Black Box model of the transformer is used within the EMTP system study environment in order to take advantage of its mathematical flexibility and modelling accuracy. Transients derived from network switching operations within the study can then be used for injection tests within the Grey Box modelling environment. The Grey Box model, which is based upon the physical structure of the transformer, will facilitate analysis of the transformer's internal voltage response to the external stimulus. A fundamental difference between the approach described in this paper and more traditional approaches is that it does not require prior knowledge of the internal geometry of the transformer. All of the modelling parameters are derived from external tests, nameplate details and an intrinsic understanding of common transformer design principles. This can be a distinct advantage since in most cases a transformer's design specifications are not readily available outside of the laboratory due to the manufacturer's intellectual property restrictions. A study of a gas insulated substation within a hydroelectric power plant in Brazil is used to demonstrate the proposed technique.
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2015 |
Schumacher R, Oliveira GHC, Mitchell SD, 'An Iterative Approach for Selecting Poles on Complex Frequency Localizing Basis Function-Based Models', Journal of Control, Automation and Electrical Systems, 26 380-389 (2015) [C1] Modeling dynamic systems from frequency-domain data is a relevant issue for system analysis in many fields of engineering. Many techniques to approach such problems are based on m... [more] Modeling dynamic systems from frequency-domain data is a relevant issue for system analysis in many fields of engineering. Many techniques to approach such problems are based on models built by using a series of rational functions with fixed structure. As far as rational basis function models are concerned, the problem of selecting the function¿s poles or dynamics is an issue and the Sanathanan¿Koerner (SK) iterations represent a successful approach that can be applied to solve it. Frequency localizing basis function (FLBF) models are a rational function which can be used in such a context. However FLBF, as originally proposed, are not suitable for application with SK-iterations because they have not been designed to incorporate complex poles. To overcome this issue and to make the application of SK-iterations possible, this paper proposes a new set of basis functions that are based on the FLBF. In this paper, they will be referred to as complex frequency localizing basis functions. This new set of basis functions preserves the FLBF behavior but real and complex poles can be incorporated in the model and so it allows the use of SK-iterations. The proposed model is validated through simulation.
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2014 | Mitchell SD, Rocha ADCO, Holdyk A, Gustavsen B, Jaarsveld BJ, Portillo A, et al., 'Electrical Transient Interaction between Transformers and the Power System', Electra (CIGRE), 97-103 (2014) [C2] | Nova | |||||||||
2013 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Initial parameter estimates and constraints to support gray box modeling of power transformers', IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 28 2411-2418 (2013) [C1] An accurate transformer model is an important tool for use in the study of power transformers. However, a manufacturer's proprietary restrictions will generally make access t... [more] An accurate transformer model is an important tool for use in the study of power transformers. However, a manufacturer's proprietary restrictions will generally make access to the detailed design specifications of a transformer difficult. Therefore, in order to construct a physically representative transformer model, it is often necessary to estimate the model parameters. One approach is to fit the model to data obtained from tests, such as frequency-response analysis. However, during the process of fitting a model to a data set, it is critical that the estimated parameters appropriately represent the transformer under test. An estimator that is not constrained can converge on a parameter set which may satisfy the objective function but is not physically representative of the transformer. It is therefore important to constrain the model parameters. The aim of this paper is to formulate a methodology to obtain initial estimates and constraints for several fundamental transformer parameters. To demonstrate applicability, the initial parameter estimates and constraints are applied to a range of distribution transformers of varying age and manufacture, ranging in size from 200 kVA to 18 MVA. © 1986-2012 IEEE.
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2011 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Modeling power transformers to support the interpretation of frequency-response analysis', IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 26 2705-2717 (2011) [C1]
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2010 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'The influence of complex permeability on the broadband frequency response of a power transformer', IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 25 803-813 (2010) [C1]
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2007 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, Middleton RH, Phung BT, 'Practical implementation of a narrowband high frequency distributed model for locating partial discharge in a power transformer', 2007 ELECTRICAL INSULATION CONFERENCE AND ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING EXPO, 127-+ (2007)
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Show 9 more journal articles |
Conference (19 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2016 |
Ghaffarpour M, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, 'Design of a high power low losses DC-DC converter for mining applications', 2016 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon (2016) [E1]
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2016 |
Ghaffarpour M, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, 'Control strategy for a high power DC transformer with soft switching scheme for mining applications', 2016 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon (2016) [E1]
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2016 |
Ghaffarpour Jahromi M, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, 'Practical design and validation of an LCL DC-DC converter', 2016 IEEE 2nd Annual Southern Power Electronics Conference (SPEC), Auckland, New Zealand (2016) [E1]
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2015 |
Jahromi MG, Mitchell SD, Mirzaeva G, Gay D, 'A new method for power system load modeling using a nonlinear system identification estimator', IEEE Industry Application Society - 51st Annual Meeting, IAS 2015, Conference Record (2015) [E1] This paper proposes a new method for measurements-based modeling of nonlinear loads in power systems. This method includes a combination of a binary tree algorithm with Nonlinear ... [more] This paper proposes a new method for measurements-based modeling of nonlinear loads in power systems. This method includes a combination of a binary tree algorithm with Nonlinear Auto-Regressive with Exogenous Input (NARX) identification. The paper demonstrates that the new method performs well without any prior knowledge of the system structure. In contrast to other load modeling methods, which are typically aimed for particular studies or load types, the proposed method can be used with any load type and for any study. Accurate load modeling is particularly important for studies of industrial networks and grids. In this study, a field data set was collected in a mine site from a large electrical rope shovel. This data set has been used to develop a model of the rope shovel based on the proposed binary tree - NARX algorithm. When compared to other known methods, such as Wavelet and Sigmoid networks, the proposed method has shown the fastest training time and the highest accuracy. Finally, the modeling results have been verified against another set of field measurements from an existing network, and have shown a very good agreement.
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2015 |
Jahromi MG, Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, Gay D, 'Advanced fault tolerance strategy for DC microgrids in mining excavators', IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (2015) [E1] Recently, DC microgrids have become a viable option for mining distribution systems. Fault diagnostics and protection are known challenges in DC microgrids. In this paper, we pres... [more] Recently, DC microgrids have become a viable option for mining distribution systems. Fault diagnostics and protection are known challenges in DC microgrids. In this paper, we present an overview of the existing strategies for fault diagnostics and protection of a DC microgrid and apply them to an open cut DC mine scenario, which includes large electric excavators. We propose a comprehensive fault tolerance strategy based on analysis of electrical and mechanical operations of an electric rope shovel and identification of its working cycle. Based on this strategy, in case of a fault, the electric rope shovel will be able to perform required actions to avoid collisions and safely finish its working cycle, while maintaining electric safety.
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2014 |
Mirzaeva G, Ghaffarpour M, Mitchell SD, Gay D, 'DC power vs AC power for mobile mining equipment', Proceedings of 2014 IEEE Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada (2014) [E1]
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2013 | Oliveira GHC, Mitchell SD, 'Comparison of Black-Box Modeling Approaches for Transient Analysis: A GIS case study', Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Power Systems Transients, Vancouver, CA (2013) [E1] | Nova | |||||||||
2012 |
Mirzaeva G, Mitchell SD, 'Duty meter approach in condition monitoring of industrial electric motors', Proceedings of the 2012 Australian Mining Technology Conference, Perth, Western Australia (2012) [E1]
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2012 |
Mitchell SD, Oliveira GHC, 'A hybrid modelling methodology for analysing the effect of system transients within power transformers', AUPEC 2012 22nd Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference, Bali, Indonesia (2012) [E1]
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2011 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Estimation of physical transformer parameters from frequency response analysis', IEEE PES Trondheim PowerTech 2011: The Power of Technology for a Sustainable Society, Trondheim, Norway (2011) [E1]
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2010 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, Oliveira GHC, 'Physical modelling of power transformers utilising end to end frequency response analysis', CIGRE International Workshop on Power Transformers, VI Workspot, Parana, Brasil (2010) [E2]
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2010 |
Oliveira GHC, Schauenburg FF, Maestrelli R, Rocha ACO, Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'SimPowerSystems para Estudo de Transitorios no Sistema Irape - Aracuai Visando Uso de Modelos Caixa-Preta de Transformadores', CIGRE International Workshop on Power Transformers, VI Workspot, Parana, Brasil (2010) [E3]
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2010 |
Oliveira GHC, Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Modeling approaches based on FRA tests for simulating and analyzing a power transformer's dynamic behavior: A comparison', ARWtr 2010 Proceedings, Santiago de Compostela, Spain (2010) [E1]
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2009 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, 'Permeability and its influence on the broadband frequency response of a power transformer', 2009 Asia-Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference, Wuhan, China (2009) [E1]
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2008 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, Phung BT, 'Relating a distribution transformer's connection topology and the influence of inductive disparity to the observed frequency response', AUPEC '08 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference 2008, Sydney, NSW (2008) [E1]
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2007 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, Middleton RH, Phung BT, 'Practical implementation of a narrowband high frequency distributed model for locating partial discharge in a power transformer', 2007 EIC/EM EXPO. Electrical Insulation Conference and Electrical Manufacturing Expo. Proceedings, Nashville, TN (2007) [E2]
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2007 |
Welsh JS, Rojas CR, Mitchell SD, 'Wideband parametric identification of a power transformer', Conference Proceedings of the 2007 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference. AUPEC'07, Perth, WA (2007) [E1]
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2007 |
Mitchell SD, Welsh JS, Middleton RH, Phung BT, 'A narrow band high frequency distributed power transformer model for partial discharge location', Conference Proceedings of the 2007 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference. AUPEC'07, Perth, WA (2007) [E1]
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2003 |
Xu S, Mitchell SD, Middleton RH, 'Partial Discharge Localization for a Transformer Based on Frequency Spectrum Analysis', Proceeding for AUPEC 2003, Christchurch, NZ (2003) [E1]
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Show 16 more conferences |
Report (2 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2014 | Mitchell SD, Rocha ADCO, Holdyk A, Gustavsen B, Jaarsveld BJ, Portillo A, et al., 'Electrical Transient Interaction Between Transformers and the Power System Part 1 - Expertise', CIGRE, 175 (2014) [R1] | Nova | |
2014 | Mitchell SD, Rocha ADCO, Holdyk A, Gustavsen B, Jaarsveld BJ, Portillo A, et al., 'Electrical Transient Interaction Between Transformers and the Power System Part 2 - Case Studies', CIGRE, 123 (2014) [R1] |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 9 |
---|---|
Total funding | $261,833 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20161 grants / $45,000
Postgraduate top-up scholarship$45,000
Funding body: AmpControl Pty Ltd
Funding body | AmpControl Pty Ltd |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Postgraduate Research Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | G1601164 |
Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
Category | 3100 |
UON | Y |
20141 grants / $1,500
2014 IEEE PES General Meeting, Washington DC USA, 27-31 July 2014$1,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1400778 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20131 grants / $177,333
DC Motor Duty Meter Prototype - Stage 3$177,333
Funding body: Australian Coal Research Limited
Funding body | Australian Coal Research Limited |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Galina Mirzaeva, Doctor Steve Mitchell, Professor Robert Betz, Associate Professor Terrence Summers |
Scheme | Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2013 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | G1200841 |
Type Of Funding | CRC - Cooperative Research Centre |
Category | 4CRC |
UON | Y |
20121 grants / $1,500
Australasian University's Power Engineering Conference 2012, Hotel Ramada, Kuta, bali, Indonesia, 26 - 29 September 2012$1,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | G1200944 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20112 grants / $5,790
Winding Deformation Detection in Power Transformers$4,290
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Early Career Researcher (Equipment) Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2011 |
GNo | G1101005 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
IEEE PES Trondheim PowerTech 2011, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 19 - 23 June 2011$1,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G1100770 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20101 grants / $5,000
New Staff Grant 2010$5,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2010 |
Funding Finish | 2010 |
GNo | G1000062 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20091 grants / $20,000
Fault Detection in Electricity Networks$20,000
Funding body: Ausgrid
Funding body | Ausgrid |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell, Associate Professor James Welsh, Associate Professor Jose De Dona |
Scheme | Sponsorship Agreement |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2009 |
GNo | G0900082 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - State |
Category | 2OPS |
UON | Y |
1 grants / $5,710
Winding Deformation Detection in Power Transformers$5,710
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Mitchell |
Scheme | Early Career Researcher Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | |
Funding Finish | |
GNo | G1100274 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018 | Masters | The Practical Field Measurement Challenges of Transformer FRA and Developing the Fundamentals for an On-line Approach | M Philosophy(Elec Engineering), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | DC Microgrid for Mobile Mining Equipment | PhD (Electrical Engineering), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Steve Mitchell
Position
Adjunct Senior Lecturer
School of Engineering
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Focus area
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Contact Details
steve.mitchell@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 6147 |
Fax | (02) 4921 6993 |
Office
Room | EAG32 |
---|---|
Building | Building EA |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |