| Theme: | Grids and Storage (T06) |
| Status: | Ended |
| Start Date: | 2020-07-01 |
| End Date: | 2022-06-30 |
Project Overview
The project aims to develop a compact and efficient power converter prototype that can be used in the DC distribution system. The solution allows utility companies to upgrade the capacity of the secondary distribution grid with 70% lower cost. In the proposed solution, high density converter is an important component. In this project, a prototype will be developed based on a new circuit topology using Silicon Carbide power semiconductors.
Outputs
| Title |
Category |
Date |
Authors |
| GreenSTEM Fellowship | Award | 2020-12-01 | Zhongyi Quan |
| Energy Talk: New Year, New TechExplore a series of new energy technologies with the University of Alberta Future Energy Systems program. Researchers will present technologies in 5 minutes or less -- using understandable language -- then answer your energy questions!
1. Make lithium ion batteries better – a new anode technology
The world is electrifying. Global demand for electric vehicles and consumer electronics continues to grow. Better, longer-lasting, and more economical batteries are critical to the advancement of renewable energy and electric vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide.
-Dr. Bing Cao holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Alberta. She has almost 10 years of experience in the research and development of developing new renewable energy materials and devices such as organic solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. She is the CEO and co-founder of Nanode Battery Technologies which is developing new lithium-ion battery components.
2. Evolution of the electric grid
From the of the Current War between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, to the present-day alternating current (AC) grid, and the future direct current (DC) smart grid, this talk introduces the fascinating stories and technologies behind the evolution of the grid and how we can make our grid system more efficient and stable.
-Zhongyi Quan received the PhD degree in Energy Systems in 2019 from University of Alberta. After a year of postdoc research, he founded Electronic Grid Systems, a spinoff startup of UofA, and he is now trying to commercialize the microgrid technologies to make our grid systems greener.
3. From waste grease to your next flight trip
Can kitchen grease and waste cooking oil be something other than a nuisance in need of disposal? An exciting project at the University of Alberta is focusing on converting waste greases into high-quality jet fuel using a patented Alberta-developed technology. After processing in high temperature and pressurized vessels, kitchen grease, crop oil, and tallow could all help fuel your next flight!
-Yeling Zhu is a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Alberta. Dedicated to providing solutions for agricultural and industrial operators, he has expertise in developing technologies that create values from Alberta-sourced sawdust, waste materials in the cattle rendering industry, and waste grease. He believes that the derived smart materials and low-carbon fuels help support Alberta's sustainable development.
This online speaker series is presented in partnership with Future Energy Systems. Future Energy Systems was launched in 2016 with $75 million from the Government of Canada’s Canada First Research Excellence fund, to help Canada transition to a low net-carbon energy economy. They focus on multidisciplinary research that develops the energy technologies of the near future, integrates them into today’s infrastructure, and examines possible consequences for our society, economy, and environment. They also contribute to the development of solutions for challenges presented by current energy systems. Energy Talks provides an opportunity for you to engage with researchers and learn more about their work. Visit their website for more information University of Alberta | Activity | 2021-01-27 | Miller, V., Yeling Zhu, Bing Cao, Zhongyi Quan, Tam, K., Catherine Tays |
| Internal Paralleled Active Neutral Point Clamped Converter With Logic-Based Flying Capacitor Voltage BalancingUS Patent # 10,924,031 B2
Issued on: 2021/02/16
Abstract: An internal parallelization based active neutral point clamped (IP-ANPC) converter is provided having a low switching frequency (LSF) part and a plurality of high switching frequency (HSF) modules. The HSF modules are connected in parallel and the converter is modular. The converter provides the benefits of modularity, improved reliability and efficiency, interleaving operation, and reasonable utilization of wide band gap (WBG) devices. A logic based flying capacitor voltage balancing scheme is also provided. The balancing scheme includes naturally balancing the voltage of the converter with phase shift pulse width modulation and redundantly balancing the voltage of the converter with redundant switching states. University of Alberta | IP Management | 2021-02-16 | Li, Y., Zhongyi Quan |
