Managing the impact of the electrified transportation sector on the electric grid

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Currently the Canadian transportation sector is relying heavily on oil and it accounts for almost 30% of the total carbon dioxide emissions compared to other sectors (i.e., industrial, residential and commercial). The concerns regarding global warming and rising gas prices are drivers for adopting electrification of the transportation sector which involves three modes: 1) land-based vehicles, 2) aircraft and 3) sea-going vessels. Despite many environmental and economic benefits of such electrification, the adverse impacts of integrating this sector with existing highly stressed electric grid infrastructure needs better management of the distribution grid resources to avoid outages, poor power quality (PQ) and asset failure. To date, little research has focused on managing the operation of existing distribution system resources (DSRs) considering the integration of the electrified transportation sector (ETS). Hence, this proposal aims to conduct a series of investigations to assess the impact on the electric distribution grid resulting from the operation of Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs); in particular, undesirable voltage variations and unbalances, low order and broadband harmonics. Dynamic operational models of PHEVs will be examined and advanced time-frequency signal processing tools such as second generation wavelets will be used to analyze possible PQ disturbances. Also, this research will develop new computationally intelligent algorithms to optimize the operation of DSRs, particularly capacitors, load-tap changing transformers, filters and innovative flexible distributed generation to mitigate the impacts of integrating PHEVs into the distribution grid. These investigations will lead to improved grid reliability/PQ while using existing grid infrastructure. Moreover, successful management of integrating PHEVs into the electric gird will pave the way towards smooth transition in integrating the other modes of ETS, reducing the carbon footprint and better utilize the electric grid infrastructure. The proposed research program will provide exceptional opportunities for graduate students to bridge the gaps between theory and practice in smart grid-related areas, hence addressing the shortage in trained graduates and expertise in this field.