Centre for Grid Innovation

Challenge: Manage increasing EV charging demand without increasing grid strain.

Solution: Developed and tested intelligent charging systems combining solar generation, battery storage, and grid data.

Result:

• Reduced peak demand
• Optimized energy consumption
• Improved charging efficiency
• Evaluated workplace Level 1 charging feasibility across multiple operating conditions

Purpose
Storage is tantamount in the development of clean energy alternatives. This project aimed to scale up, test, and validate an energy storage solution: A saltwater-based flow battery. 

Funding
This project was funded by our Project Seed Funding program

Project Overview
Aqua-Cell Energy was provided space, equipment, access to our microgrid laboratory, and expertise to set up the flow battery and energize the system. Cross collaboration with our Centre for Sensors and System Integration (CSSI) led to the creation of custom-tailored equipment solving challenges as they arose.

Outcomes
This collaboration saw the successful development of a full-scale battery stack which recorded stable performance on testing. As a direct result of the project, Aqua-Cell Energy is now able to demonstrate a fully operational flow battery stack to investors and has secured additional project grant funding which has resulted in the hiring of two additional engineers. 

Purpose:
To create a technical pathway for assessment, testing, and quantification of used solar PV modules for reuse, to divert used solar cells from waste streams.

Project Overview:
The CGI created a test bed, procured all necessary testing and measuring equipment, and developed standard operating procedures to assess/test used solar PV modules. The output of these assessments and tests were compared to newly manufactured PV module values to quantify module degradation, safety, and suitability for reuse.

Outcomes:
The test bed, tools, equipment, and procedures were transfered to ARMA and Hi-Tech Recyclers where the CGI trained staff to continue the process locally. As a result of this project, best practices for demolition, decommissioning, handling and transportation of solar modules have been developed. These best practices were developed through a student driven capstone project as part of NAITs Alternative Energy Technology Program in collaboration with CGI and ARMA.

Purpose
To raise awareness  of and develop Level 1 EV charging stations in the workplace

Funding
NRCan Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) Grant

Project Overview
We investigated the process of converting vehicle heater plugs into Level 1 EV charging outlets and guided the knowledge transfer and installation method with Red River College and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. A survey was produced and distributed to businesses across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba , which focused on EV charging at the workplace and gauged their appetite around EVs and EV charging . Responses were aggregated and summarized in a final report.

Outcomes
A case was presented in the report for the validity and use case of Level 1 EV charging at the workplace as a viable, and important, part of the EV charging landscape of the future. In addition, 14 Level 1 EV charging outlets were converted from vehicle heater plugs across Red River College, SaskPoly, and NAIT, with 10 being at NAIT in three parking lot locations. 

Challenge: Improve the reliability and coordination of distributed energy resources.

Solution: Developed and validated virtual power plant technologies combining energy storage, power conversion systems, and advanced controls.

Result:

• Enhanced grid reliability
• Improved distributed energy resource management
• Demonstrated scalable VPP architecture
• Supported future deployment opportunities
• Smart Grid Communications & DER Integration

Challenge: Enable real-time coordination between multiple distributed energy assets.

Solution: Developed and validated advanced communication and control platforms enabling real-time coordination among distributed energy resources and microgrids.

Result:

• Improved operational visibility
• Increased system flexibility
• Enhanced microgrid coordination
• Reduced integration barriers

Purpose
To test and validate eGrid's Level 2 and Level 3 EV charger systems.

Expected Completion
September 2024

Project Overview
The CGI will test one eGrid Level 2 EV charger, and one Level 3 fast charger, install all electrical equipment and provide adequate lab space to park an EV for direct vehicle connection and testing to the EV chargers. Construction and development of building and installation best practices of the chargers will be documented and provided