Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

The main challenges currently facing Ontario's existing power system include: aging and out dated equipment/infrastructure, rapid increases in renewable generation sources, and significant increase in ""self-dispatched"" distributed generation from intermittent sources. The above challenges can be resolved through Distributed Generation (DG) which would: maximize the capacity of the system, allow bi-directional electricity flow, effectively manage intermittent sources of generation, and make effective use of energy storage. The common component in most DG systems is solid state converters. The addition of these devices to a power system often results in undesirable outcomes such as poor power quality, an increase in unwanted harmonics, complexity in protection and control. Such effects vary based on system size, layout, load type, harmonics' order, and other parameters. At present, no data or methodology exists for determining the specific impact of inverters on DG systems. Solutions to such problems will provide the energy sector with crucial information needed for DG system installation. The main objective of the proposed project is to build a lab facility with the focus on: 1. Train students and provide a research facility to faculty. 2. Identify and quantify the affects of harmonics on a DG system. 3. Evaluate control and protection methodologies and products currently used for DG. 4. Establish procedures and criteria to determine the appropriate cable size for DG systems. 5. Disseminate information and transfer technology to industry. 6. Facilitate collaborative knowledge-sharing to enable vendors and other stakeholders to work together to advance green energy applications.