Greetings and welcome to the home site of the National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronics Systems (GRAPES). On behalf of the faculty and students at the University of Arkansas and the University of South Carolina, we would like to invite you to learn more about our respective schools, our research programs and projects, and our industry members.

The I/UCRC program within the NSF has been in existence for several decades. It is a vibrant program with over 50 centers around the country at any given time. GRAPES was founded in 2009 under this NSF program. The program provides funding for administration of the center, but the industry members’ annual membership fees pay for the bulk of the research performed as part of the center in a pre-competitive, shared intellectual property arrangement. The Industrial Advisory Board plays an active role in the selection, direction and review of our research projects. Our research thrust areas are chosen by our Industrial Advisory Board from proposals submitted by our faculty members at both the University of Arkansas and the University of South Carolina. These project areas reflect the synergies of technological advances and projected industrial needs.

Our industrial partner membership has grown to 19 members with our most recent member being Oak Ridge National Labs! Please peruse this website for more information on our center and its member companies. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are interested in joining our growing efforts in advancing power electronics technology.

Again, welcome. We hope you find our website informative and useful. Thank you.

Alan Mantooth, Executive Director

Roger Dougal, GRAPES Co-Director & USC Site Director

Juan Balda, UA Site Director

T. A. Walton, GRAPES Managing Director