Chairholders

Profile

Aniruddha Gole

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Manitoba

Chair title

NSERC/Manitoba Hydro/Manitoba HVDC Research Center/RTDS Technologies/Teshmont Consultants/Electranix Corporation/TransGrid Solutions Inc. Industrial Research Chair in Power Systems Simulation

Chair program

Industrial Research Chairs program

Role

Senior Chairholder since 2004

Summary

Due to their complexity, vast geographical spread and security concerns, modern electric power systems are not easily amenable to experimental investigations. Computer modelling therefore plays a very important role in the design and analysis of such systems.

The principal objective of the IRC's research are:

• to improve modelling methods and develop new tools for comprehensive and efficient simulation of electrical energy networks.
• to use these tools to improve our understanding of the physical phenomena influencing the electrical system's behaviour.
• to use simulation based methodology for developing specialized power converters that can reduce power losses, improve robustness and security, and allow the easier integration of renewable energy sources.

The Senior Chair, Dr. A.M. Gole, Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of power systems simulation with pioneering contributions to the development of simulators for large power systems with embedded power electronic apparatus.

The IRC was established in 2004 with four industrial sponsors. This number was enlarged to six on renewal in 2009. The IRC values the close linkages with its industry partners, which include:

• Manitoba Hydro, a state-of-the-art utility with a near 100 percent reliance on renewable energy
• Manitoba HVDC Research Centre and RTDS Technologies; two of the world's largest Power System Simulator Tools
• Teshmont Consultants, TransGrid Solutions and Electranix Corporation; three leading international consultants.

The synergy of their respective areas of expertise is exploited through extensive collaborative research, often conducted on industry premises. This partnership has been very successful over the last term of the IRC. Some examples include the development of optimization based simulation and improved real-time electrical machine models. Both of these are now incorporated into commercial products by the sponsors. A third example is the development of guidelines for design and operation of multi-infeed HVDC systems. This collaborative research with Manitoba Hydro was incorporated into internationally applicable guidelines by CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems). The IRC's Research was recognized through the awarding of the 2005 Synergy Prize for Innovation (NSERC). The sponsors have also hired three PhD and five MSc students

In addition to the direct benefits to the sponsors through improved products, designs, operating procedures and creation of an employable workforce of highly qualified personnel, the IRC research also benefits Canada as it is a world leader in simulation technology and electrical energy production.

Partners

• Manitoba Hydro
• Manitoba HVDC Research Centre
• RTDS Technologies Inc.
• Teshmont Consultants Ltd.
• Electranix Corporation
• TransGrid Solutions Inc.

Contact information

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Manitoba
15 Gillson Street
Engineering Bldg. Rm. E2-390
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3T 5V6

Tel.: 204-474-9959
Fax: 204-474-7522
Email: gole@ee.umanitoba.ca

Website:
http://www.ee.umanitoba.ca