Highly-efficient and smart Power Electronics Systems for long-lasting energy storage Systems in smart grid applications

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Electricity and transportation sectors are accountable for producing the largest amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although Canada generates the cleanest worldwide electricity, emission from transportation is the largest contributor to Canada's GHG emissions, representing 24% of overall GHGs. Current worldwide incentives have spurred the development of Electric Vehicles (EVs). It is expected that the number of such vehicles will grow exponentially, to 30 million annually by 2040. Electric Vehicles are more efficient and have few direct emissions. However, they all rely on energy generated by the electricity sector. This implies that the GHG emission from transportation is moved to the electricity sector. To truly reduce this emission, more electricity should be produced from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. A major problem in integrating more renewables into the power grid is the intermittent nature of solar and wind energies that reduces the performance of the power grid. Energy storage will provide flexibility to a relatively inflexible grid and will enable a larger scale deployment of renewable energies, without threatening the grid stability or power quality. Due to a push in producing EVs and a premeditated grow in the number of these vehicles, on-board traction batteries of EVs are the most promising means for energy storage. This research proposal aims to introduce and design innovative highly-efficient power electronics systems and the invention of next-generation devices for distributed energy storage and energy conversion based on EV technology for both utility scale and Vehicle to Grid (V2G) energy storage systems. These power electronics and control systems will mostly rely on local parameters and need no communication link. This will be a very important achievement since it has been a challenging issue in microgids and smart grid applications. The proposed research will be advantageous for multiple research streams in the rapidly growing areas of energy integration, renewable generation, and converter enabled microgrids It is expected that industry and scientists, specifically electricity and transportation sectors will benefit from the outcome of this project. People and policymakers will benefit economically due to an improvement in the efficient use of energy. Because of significant GHE reductions, all Canadians can benefit from the improved air quality, and as a result, a better quality of life. The proposed research will directly support the training of 5 graduate students. In addition, 2-3 senior undergraduate students (4th year) will be trained annually on various aspect of this project. The participating students will develop research skills in advanced design of power electronics circuits, control systems, power electronics simulation tools, and FPGA based digital control techniques.