Grant: Industrial Research Chairs

The NSERC Industrial Research Chair (IRC) in Power Systems Simulation will harness the combined*capabilities of the University of Manitoba's strong Electrical Power Engineering Group and six prominent*industrial partners in the power engineering field. These partners include Manitoba Hydro, a major utility with*close to 100% renewable energy generation; the Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, a major developer of power*system simulation software; RTDS Technologies, a major manufacturer of real-time simulators for the power*industry; and three Canadian Consulting Firms with strong expertise in Power System Modelling, namely,*Teshmont Consultants, TransGrid Solutions and Electranix Corporation.*The IRC, located at the University of Manitoba, will conduct research into improving the tools for modelling*large power networks. It will develop new fast and accurate simulation platforms using the latest computing*devices such as Graphical Processing Units and Field Programmable gate arrays. The ability to conduct*ultra-fast simulations will allow for simulation based optimal designs of power equipment, and also permit*statistical methods to be used to assess the stability and supply quality of power networks incorporating*renewal energy sources which are erratic in nature. The platforms will also permit modeling of*continental-scale power systems and thus enable investigations into improving the security of power supply*using energy transfers across wide geographical areas using high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission*system overlays. The research will help the Canadian Power Systems Simulator Industry, which is already a*world leader to retain its competitive edge, and also yield more efficient energy transport solutions for the*utility industry.*Over the next 5 years, the IRC program will graduate over 25 skilled graduate students and post-doctoral*fellows, thus making a significant contribution to the pool of highly qualified personnel in an area of vital*importance to Canada.