Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This project is a collaborative effort between Government of British Columbia's Ministry of Energy & Mines, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Vancouver based NuGrid power Corp (NuGrid) for the development of optical medium-voltage (>1000 V and <100kV) current and voltage sensors with direct digital output to provide active measurement and real-time communication of measurements on the electric power grid. Today, the distribution grid is fairly passively controlled without any real-time measurement on the feeder lines. Hybrid systems using analog instrument transformers and separate communication system have significant cost, safety, and installation challenges, making them impractical for wide-spread instrumentation of the grid outside the substations. Optical sensors promise enhanced safety, compactness, and integrated communication with sensor electronics making them ideal for instrumenting the grid outside (and inside) the electric power substations. NuGrid Power Corp (NuGrid) is focused on developing cost-effective optical voltage and current sensing technology for the distribution grid (medium voltage 1 kV to <100 kV range). The founders of NuGrid have a strong track record in developing optical sensor solutions for the transmission grid (100 kV to 800 kV voltage level). The project will include development, testing and qualification of 25kV class voltage (and possibly current) sensors for Smart Grid. BCIT is an applied research leader in Canada in Smart Grid system and technologies. BCIT has made significant investment in smart grid technology development and qualification, including an RTDS system (Real Time Digital Simulation system) and a number of advanced digital controllers and Intelligent Electronic Device. BCIT has also successfully completed a number of significant smart grid initiatives, including a microgrid system, as well as a solar/battery energy management system for Electric Vehicle charging stations. The project will leverage millions of dollars of investment in advanced power grid technology at BCIT to develop, test and qualify optical sensing technologies for Smart Grid.