Energy and Power Systems

The first industrial revolution, with its roots in James Watts' steam engine and its various applications to modes of transportation, manufacturing and other areas, introduced novel ways of working and living, thus becoming one of the chief determinants of our present way of life.The second industrial revolution, with its roots in modern computer technology and integrated electronics technology, in particular, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated) electronics technology, has resulted in advances of enormous significance in all areas of modern activity, with great economic impact as well.The technical committee on mechatronics formed by the International Federation for the Theory of Machines and Mechanisms, in Prague, Czech Republic, adopted the following definition for the term: "Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronic control and systems thinking in the design products and manufacturing process". Due to developments in powerful computers, including microprocessors and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICS), computational techniques, diverse technologies, advances in the design process of products and other factors, the field of mechatronics has evolved as a highly powerful and most cost effective means for product realization.