Guus Pemen

Guus Pemen is Full Professor and Chair of the Electrical Energy Systems group. He leads research on smart grids, power grid components, power quality and EMC and pulsed power technology. His research on pulsed power technology focuses on advanced, repetitive, nanosecond pulsed power methods for the generation, characterization and utilization of atmospheric pressure, transient plasmas. He also studies pulsed-power-driven transient plasmas for air and water purification, medical applications, plasma activated water and energy applications.

Pemen is board member of Dutch Power and member of the strategic advisory board of the topsector program Urban Energy. He also holds memberships of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society, Cigre, the International Bioelectrics Consortium and the International Society on Pulsed Power Applications.

Prof. Pemen has carried out research on advanced pulsed power methods for the generation, characterization and utilization of atmospheric-pressure, transient plasmas. Our studies show that using nanosecond high-voltage pulses for transient plasma generation has distinct advantages over more conventional plasma generation methods, such as: (i) the possibility to tune the energy levels of the plasma to process requirements, (ii) very high energy transfer efficiency to the plasma, (iii) higher yields of reactive species, (iv) full control over the plasma power.

His group pioneered in the development of adjustable, repetitive, nanosecond pulsed power techniques, and achieved record breaking parameters. The performance of such techniques can be predicted in full detail with developed 3D-EM time-domain simulation tools. 

Detailed research on the electrical and chemical processes in pulsed power driven transient plasmas resulted in a boost of efficiencies. Prof. Pemen’s research contributed to record-high performance of pulsed power systems for the purification of polluted air. This application is now being commercialized for the purpose of reducing air pollution from traffic emissions, odor and industrial emissions.

Prof. Pemen’s recent research focusses on realizing breakthroughs in agricultural applications. His pulsed power driven transient plasma technology demonstrated to be an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of pesticides in e.g. horticulture. Also recent results show their high potential for the sustainable production of fertilizer, thus creating the potential of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by about 3 %.

Electricity - the sustainable energy carrier. The electricity supply system is an essential link in the use of electricity and renewable energy. The rapid rise of renewable generation, such as wind and solar power systems, imposes new challenges to the design and operation of electricity networks. Our research focusses on transforming electricity grids towards a truly future-proof, sustainable energy supply.