Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

At the heart of Canada's transition to a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 is a reinvention of our energy system. It is insufficient to only develop renewable energy, we must develop clean-power pathways that integrate elements including renewable energy, energy storage, and transportation electrification. Power generation from renewable sources - along with modern loads (such as electric vehicles and data centres) - requires nuanced and efficient electrical power regulation. Power electronics is the technology that enables the efficient use, distribution, and generation of clean electrical energy. The resilience of electrical grids is also critical. Energy storage systems and smarter infrastructures are required to channel and neutralize the intermittent nature of renewable energy and handle emerging active loads such as electric vehicles. Climate change brings extreme weather events that pose catastrophic risks to Canada's electrical grids. Power electronics play a central role here as well because power converters, which are based on power electronics, are the key voltage conversion interfaces for future net-zero transmission and distribution systems. The integration of multiple power converters into the grid creates unique challenges for system reliability and resilience. Converter-level reliability is critical and has not been well addressed. This is a serious gap since future complex converter systems will contain thousands of power-electronics devices. We must deepen our understanding of the collective behavior of multiple power converters, simplify the complexity of modeling methods, and innovate the design and operation of converters and their networks. The timing is opportune for new converter technologies because 60% to 70% of Canada's power generation facilities will be replaced or upgraded during the next 10-15 years. This provides significant opportunities for adopting innovative power electronics converters. The proposed Discovery research focuses on: 1) Highly reliable converter topology and networks. I will focus on the development of more resilient converter-enabled system networks with higher survivability under disturbances. 2) Innovative modeling and state estimation. Filling this research gap requires novel large-signal modeling methods for stability analysis. This work will also help trace root causes of failures. 3) Intelligent modulation and control. The aim is to be able to predict and adaptively respond to both short-term and long-term changes in system states and enhance system robustness. This research program will advance fundamental knowledge and innovation in power electronics technologies. It will help Canada reach our net-zero target, producing vital knowledge and power converter solutions for Canadian industry. It will train highly qualified personnel in power electronics, a field that is in increasing demand as Canada transitions to a net-zero grid.