Meet Oleksandr: From Power Electronics Research to Smart City Energy Solutions

Published on 14.07.2026

Written by FinEst Centre for Smart Cities

Moving from Ukraine to Estonia brought new perspectives and opportunities to work in a different research environment. Over the years, Oleksandr Matiushkin has built his experience in power electronics, exploring how technology can improve modern energy systems. His research combines theoretical knowledge with practical development, focusing on new approaches in power conversion and energy technologies.

In this article, Oleksandr shares his journey in power electronics research, his international experience, and his work on technologies that support future smart cities.

Could you share a bit about your academic and work, background and your research area and interest?

My academic and professional background is in power electronics, with a focus on advanced energy conversion systems. I received my B.Sc. (2016) and M.Sc. (2018) degrees in Industrial Electronics from Chernihiv National University of Technology in Chernihiv, Ukraine. In 2018, I moved to Tallinn to continue my studies at Tallinn University of Technology, where I completed my Ph.D. in Power Electronics in 2022.

Since 2022, I have been working as a researcher at Tallinn University of Technology in Tallinn, Estonia, contributing to projects related to power electronics and modern energy systems. In 2023, I was awarded an Estonian Research Council (ETAG) postdoctoral grant, which gave me the opportunity to continue my research in an international environment. During 2024–2025, I carried out this project at the University of Extremadura in Badajoz, Spain, where I expanded my experience in power electronics and converter technologies through collaboration with an international research team.

In 2026, I returned to Tallinn, Estonia, after my postdoctoral experience in Spain. Since March 2026, I have been working as a Senior Researcher at the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities.

My research focuses on power electronic converters, including DC-DC converters and photovoltaic inverter systems, with applications in renewable energy, electric mobility, and modern energy infrastructure.

What are your main research topics and what draws you to these topics?

My main research area is power electronics. I work on developing new technologies for converting and controlling electrical energy, with a focus on renewable energy systems, power converters, and protection technologies for future energy networks. I am interested in creating practical solutions that can improve the way electricity is generated, distributed, and used.

Currently, within the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities, my main research focus is on DC circuit breaker technologies for new DC grid applications. I am working on developing reliable and fast protection solutions that can enable safer and more flexible operation of future DC energy infrastructures.

What draws me to these topics is the increasing role of power electronics in the transition toward sustainable and decentralized energy systems. The integration of renewable energy sources, energy storage, electric mobility, and DC-based infrastructure creates new technical challenges that require innovative solutions. I am motivated by the opportunity to develop technologies that connect fundamental research with practical applications and contribute to the development of future smart energy systems.

Oleksandr Matiushkin

How does your research connect to smart cities?

My research connects to smart cities through the development of new technologies for modern urban energy systems. My current work focuses on improving the safety and protection of street lighting networks. These technologies can help cities build more reliable and flexible infrastructure for the future.

What do you like to do outside work and research?

Outside of work and research, I enjoy spending time on different activities and exploring new experiences. I like playing football, riding a bicycle, and staying active whenever possible. I also enjoy playing chess, which helps me relax and keeps my mind engaged. In general, I like trying new things, and if there is an opportunity to go somewhere or participate in a new activity or sport, I am usually happy to join.

What do you hope to gain from the experience of working at the FinEst Centre?

Working at the FinEst Centre provides an opportunity to collaborate with researchers from different fields and apply my expertise in power electronics to real smart city challenges. I hope to gain new perspectives through interdisciplinary collaboration and to work with real-world applications and onsite environments, where developed technologies can be tested and validated under practical conditions.

Keywords:

Uudised

Meet Oleksandr: From Power Electronics Research to Smart City Energy Solutions

Could you share a bit about your academic and work, background and your research area and interest?

What are your main research topics and what draws you to these topics?

How does your research connect to smart cities?

What do you like to do outside work and research?

What do you hope to gain from the experience of working at the FinEst Centre?

Sarnaseid uudiseid

Menüü

Sotsiaalmeedia

Uudised

Meet Oleksandr: From Power Electronics Research to Smart City Energy Solutions

Could you share a bit about your academic and work, background and your research area and interest?

What are your main research topics and what draws you to these topics?

How does your research connect to smart cities?

What do you like to do outside work and research?

What do you hope to gain from the experience of working at the FinEst Centre?

Sarnaseid uudiseid

Meet Morgan: Bringing sustainable design to urban innovation

Meet Sydney: Designing climate-resilient cities through sustainable architecture

Miks vajavad rohetehnoloogia iduettevõtted testimiskeskkondi ja suuremat tuge