Dr Rodrigo Cuzmar Leiva
Associate Lecturer
- Doctor of Philosophy: University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia, December 2024.
Thesis title: “Predictive Control Strategies of Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter”
Supervisor: Assoc. Professor Ricardo P. Aguilera. - Doctor of Engineering Sciences: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, October 2024.
Thesis title: “Predictive Control Strategies of Modular Multilevel Matrix Converter”
Supervisor: Assoc. Professor Javier Pereda. - Master of Engineering Science: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, March 2020.
Supervisor: Assoc. Professor Javier Pereda. - Bachelor's in electrical engineering: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, Julio 2017.
Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Rodrigo H. Cuzmar received the B.Sc.(Eng.) degree in electrical engineering in 2017, the M.Sc. degree with highest honors in electrical engineering in 2020, both from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC), Santiago, Chile, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering in a double-degree program with PUC and University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW, Australia, in 2024. Since 2026, he has been with the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at University of New South Wales (UNSW), as Associate Lecturer.
From 2017 to 2025, he was part of the Power and Energy Conversion Laboratory (PEClab), PUC.
His current research interests include predictive control of power converters applied to energy storage, solar energy conversion and industrial applications.
E-mail
Location
Building G17, level 4, room 414
- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
- Best Paper Award 2024 IEEE Southern Power Electronics Conference
Dr. Rodrigo Cuzmar Leiva is an Associate Lecturer whose research focuses on the control and operation of power electronic converters for modern power systems. His work lies at the intersection of power electronics, control systems, and renewable energy integration, with particular emphasis on developing advanced control techniques that enhance the stability, reliability, and performance of converter-dominated electrical networks.
His research interests include:
- Control of grid-connected power converters
- Power electronics for renewable energy systems
- Grid-forming and grid-following converter technologies
- Microgrids and distributed energy resources
- Power system stability and resilience
- Advanced control strategies for inverter-based resources
- Integration of renewable energy into power systems
- Energy storage systems and their control
- Model-based and data-driven control approaches
Dr. Cuzmar's research aims to support the transition toward sustainable and resilient energy systems by addressing the challenges associated with increasing penetration of inverter-based renewable generation. His work contributes to the development of innovative control solutions that improve system dynamics, power quality, and grid support capabilities in future low-carbon power networks.
In addition to his technical research, Dr. Cuzmar is interested in fostering strong collaborations with industry partners to translate research outcomes into practical engineering applications and to support innovation in the energy sector.
Dr. Rodrigo Cuzmar engages with industry, government, and research partners to develop practical solutions for renewable energy integration and future power systems. His engagement activities focus on power electronics, converter control, energy storage, microgrids, and grid modernisation, supporting the transition to sustainable and resilient energy networks.