Grant: Research Tools and Instruments
University of British Columbia
$149,671.00
Advanced Emulation and Testing of Renewable Ocean Turbines
FY 2015-16
Summary
The equipment will support the research program on power conversion for renewable energy systems at UBC. Our laboratory secured an in-kind donation of a custom, flexible 37kW ocean turbine generator that includes gearbox and mechanical enclosure for robust tidal operation. The objective of the research program is to investigate robust power conversion systems and controllers for application to tidal generation technology through a collection of critical topics: a) modeling and experimental control of ocean generators; b) stability and power flow related to the grid-tie converter; c) reactive control for PCC voltage in weak grids; d) direct connection to HVDC transmission and HVDC for submarine cables; e) ocean generation battery storage; f) fault tolerance control, large inertia filters ripple torque. This is a joint effort by professors in the power/energy conversion area at UBC and aims to develop novel power conversion technology/techniques and test energy management algorithms for tidal generation. The equipment is a fundamental addition to the existing micro-grid laboratory infrastructure (250kWh Li-Ion battery pack and DC distribution systems).
The requested testing equipment will enable measurement capabilities and full-scale operation of ocean turbines (37kW). The multi-channel precision power scope is unique in its type and can measure, store, and display accurate time domain waveforms and power transients. The custom prime mover bench will emulate tidal cycles and transients within the laboratory environment to fully characterize power conversion systems and power flow under controlled operating conditions.
With unprecedented potential for expansion, power conversion for energy system is becoming an emerging driver for BC's economy with 5 companies already among the top 100 high-tech employers in the province - Alpha Technologies, Ballard Power Systems, Schneider/Xantrex, Powertech Labs, and Delta-Q Technologies. The RTI equipment, along with the active participation of industry will provide a unique R&D environment and HQP training opportunity.
Program
Research Tools and Instruments
Recipient
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
RTI-2016-00616
Name nom
Ordonez, Martin
Department département
Electrical and Computer Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering
Organization id
2
Institution établissement
University of British Columbia
Province en
British Columbia
Province fr
Colombie-Britannique
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2015
Competition year année de concours
2016
Award amount
149671
Program id
RTI
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1609
Committee name en
Engineering (RTI)
Committee name fr
Génie (OIR)
Area of application code
305
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy storage and conversion
Area of application fr
Stockage et transformation de l'énergie
Research subject code
2517
Research subject group en
Electrical and electronic engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie électrique et électronique
Research subject en
Industrial and power electronics
Research subject fr
Électronique de puissance et électronique industrielle
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Advanced Emulation and Testing of Renewable Ocean Turbines
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
<p>The equipment will support the research program on power conversion for renewable energy systems at UBC. Our laboratory secured an in-kind donation of a custom, flexible 37kW ocean turbine generator that includes gearbox and mechanical enclosure for robust tidal operation. The objective of the research program is to investigate robust power conversion systems and controllers for application to tidal generation technology through a collection of critical topics: a) modeling and experimental control of ocean generators; b) stability and power flow related to the grid-tie converter; c) reactive control for PCC voltage in weak grids; d) direct connection to HVDC transmission and HVDC for submarine cables; e) ocean generation battery storage; f) fault tolerance control, large inertia filters ripple torque. This is a joint effort by professors in the power/energy conversion area at UBC and aims to develop novel power conversion technology/techniques and test energy management algorithms for tidal generation. The equipment is a fundamental addition to the existing micro-grid laboratory infrastructure (250kWh Li-Ion battery pack and DC distribution systems).</p>
<p >
The requested testing equipment will enable measurement capabilities and full-scale operation of ocean turbines (37kW). The multi-channel precision power scope is unique in its type and can measure, store, and display accurate time domain waveforms and power transients. The custom prime mover bench will emulate tidal cycles and transients within the laboratory environment to fully characterize power conversion systems and power flow under controlled operating conditions.</p>
<p >
With unprecedented potential for expansion, power conversion for energy system is becoming an emerging driver for BC's economy with 5 companies already among the top 100 high-tech employers in the province - Alpha Technologies, Ballard Power Systems, Schneider/Xantrex, Powertech Labs, and Delta-Q Technologies. The RTI equipment, along with the active participation of industry will provide a unique R&D environment and HQP training opportunity.</p>
