Johann Walter Kolar is a preeminent figure in power electronics engineering whose pioneering work has transformed the field of electrical energy conversion. He currently holds the position of Professor Emeritus at ETH Zurich where he previously served as Full Professor and Head of the Power Electronic Systems Laboratory since his appointment as Associate Professor in 2001. Kolar received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering with highest honors from the Vienna University of Technology, Austria, in 1997 and 1999 respectively, following years of independent research work that began in 1984. His distinguished career has been marked by visionary leadership in developing innovative power conversion technologies that address critical challenges in energy efficiency and power quality across diverse applications.
Kolar is widely recognized for his groundbreaking development of the Vienna Rectifier, a three-phase power factor correction circuit that achieves exceptional efficiency, power density, and low harmonic distortion while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This technology has become industry standard for power supply systems in data centers, industrial processes, and electric aircraft actuation systems, significantly improving energy efficiency worldwide. He pioneered the introduction of multi-objective optimization as a fundamental research approach in power electronics, transforming how engineers design complex power conversion systems. His current research focuses on ultra-compact and efficient wide-bandgap semiconductor-based power conversion systems, solid-state transformers, multi-port converters, and ultra-high-speed motor-integrated drives that promise to revolutionize future power electronic applications across multiple sectors.
Beyond his technical contributions, Kolar has profoundly shaped the global power electronics community through his leadership and educational initiatives. He founded the IEEE PELS Switzerland Chapter in 2001 and has served as Chairman of the Education Chapter of the European Power Electronics Association since 2001, while also contributing as Associate Editor for major journals including IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. Recognized with prestigious honors including the IEEE Medal in Power Engineering and the European Power Electronics Association Outstanding Achievement Award, his teaching excellence has been acknowledged with two ETH Zurich Golden Owl Awards. Kolar has also translated his research into practical impact by initiating or founding four ETH spin-off companies, and his visionary approach continues to guide the field toward sustainable power electronic solutions for the emerging all-electric society.
