The focus of this research project is possibilities of increasing the capacity of overhead power transmission conductors using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT). Current constraints to existing transmission conductors include: (i) high resistivity of the reinforcing steel strands; (ii) energy loss in the form of heat generated from this inefficiency; and (iii) and thermal expansion and increases the sag and length of the conductor. The unique properties of CNTs have generated much interest in their potential application to transmission conductors in the form of CNT-reinforced aluminum. A critical step in using CNTs within a new conductor is to develop a fabrication process that successfully transfers the properties of CNT to the matrix material of aluminum. A scrolling fabrication process has been developed, which may solve these challenges. Different strands of Al-CNT composite wires with different CNT concentrations will be fabricated. The effects of CNT concentration on the rated ampacity (i.e. the maximum current carrying capacity of the conductor before deterioration) will be examined.

Wind turbine generator power output and consumer electricity demand vary independently from one another. This presents a difficult situation for electricity grid managers as they attempt to exactly match demand using wind turbines and conventional generators (e.g. hydro, fossil fuels). Accurate forecasting of wind turbine generator power enhances management of the electricity grid, allowing for more wind turbine generating capacity while maintaining grid stability. This research will calibrate, perform sensitivity analysis, and validate the newest high resolution wind power forecasting model for Atlantic Canada. Resolution of space and time have increased from 10 km and 60 minutes, representing an entire wind farm with one forecast point, to 0.1 km and 5 minutes, representing a single wind turbine. Calibration will be completed by forecasting a variety of wind turbine types and farms and comparing with actual performance data. Sensitivity analysis will compare the incremental gains in forecast accuracy due to increasing resolution. Validation will insure accurate forecasting for a variety of conditions, topographies, and wind farm layout. The final research results will be used enhance and justify the new forecast model as it is productized and sold to wind farm operators, utilities, and grid operators.

The intent of this project is to reduce the cycle time in the vehicle repair process across the Carstar network. The project also includes developing process models that will help in guiding Carstar to reduce cycle time in major process steps for all stores of varying size and disparate locations. During the process of investigation and analyzing the data, the waste (inventory limitations, conflicts, redundant process steps and blockage) will be identified and eliminated. Also, the cost analysis will be documented for each part of the repair process to help show the value of improving the process and the impact on severity, touch time etc. Establishing new process models with improved cycle time will benefit company to remain competitive in repairing vehicles with best quality, at lowest price and at the same time helping the Carstar be profitable.

MDA Montreal possesses a niche expertise on a wide variety of high-performance satellite telecommunication antennas. These antennas are exposed to extremely harsh environments. Some panels require a rigid mechanical assembly (i.e., nut and bolt fastening) but must preserve their thermal isolation for the proper operation of the antennas and to limit heat exchange towards the spacecraft. Relatively thick thermal shims or washers are currently inserted into these assemblies to almost completely block the heat flow between the two structures. The main problem is due to the viscoelastic behaviour of the current shim material used. Under a compressive initial load, the shims exhibit an important stress relaxation (i.e., softening of the material with respect to time) and the initial pre-load in the fastened assembly is significantly reduced over time. The main objective of this internship perfomed by a post doctoral fellow is to resolve MDA stress relaxation problem by designing and predicting the response a high-performance multifunctional shim featuring an almost elastic mechanical behaviour while exhibiting a very low thermal conductivity and characterizing the stress relaxation behaviour of “standard” thermal washers materials.