Pure-sine GaN-based motor inverter

This project applies wide-bandgap (WBG) transistors to voltage level multiplier module (VLMM) topology in motor inverter applications. It is expected that this approach can yield the benefits of WBG motor inverters (high motor efficiency, fast control response, lower motor torque ripple, close to ideal sinusoidal motor current waveform, smaller filter size, lower cost filter, etc.) while leveraging the benefits of VLMM (lower component cost, high frequency switching only at low voltage, filter-less output signal) to yield a commercially viable highly-efficient pure-sine motor inverter.

Application of advanced analytics in PEM fuel cell development and engineering

This project is a collaboration between Triptech Engineering and Software Services LTD and Laboratory for Alternative Energy Conversion (LAEC) at SFU to develop data analytics solutions for PEM fuel cell industry. The fuel cell industry is suffering from component/system failure and coping with analysis of tremendous amounts of data. Knowledge extraction from this complex data is necessary to predict key factors of component/system failure and enhance the reliability and lifetime of fuel cells.

Investigation of a fully biocompatible bio-electrolytic supercapacitor system

The concept of incorporating bio-product based electrolytes in the design of supercapacitors is recent and novel. To use a bio-molecule to harvest and harness energy is one of the most breakthrough technologies of our current age. The thrust towards wearable technologies and Internet of Things (IOT) applications have created an emerging market for environmentally friendly flexible energy storage device.

Research, development and testing of an instrument that can monitor and detect internal failure in liquids pipelines

The ubiquity of pipeline incidences have resulted in undesirable economic, environmental and social consequences. However, pipelines are a critical element of the transportation system of most countries, and are needed to convey goods and resources from one place to the other. In this research project, a technology that can be used to monitor operating pipelines is developed and extensively tested. This technology is projected to be able to identify the onset of pipeline failure earlier than existing technologies, and contribute towards improving the integrity of operating pipelines.

Process Intensification approach for chemicals production from waste and biomass

This project aims to develop a sustainable approach to produce value-added products from waste and biomass. The industrial partner (Enerkem) uses municipal solid waste and other biomass to produce syngas, which is further converted to methanol or ethanol. Currently, the company seeks to enhance this capability by producing other value-added chemicals. One of the key steps in the desired technology is the production of methyl acetate.

Development of a new compact configuration for enzyme-mediated carbon dioxide desorption unit based on detailed study of desorption kinetic mechanism and local-scale mass-transfer phenomena

The CO2 thermal desorption process in the stripper for the regeneration of solvents is central to the design of CO2 capture process from technical and operational standpoints, requiring huge amounts of energy and posing considerable challenges on plant operation.

Financial and Economic Analysis for the Integration of Wind Generation into Electricity Grids

This research effort will measure the impacts that the introduction of wind farms have had on the amount of electricity generated by natural gas fired thermal plants, hydro generation, nuclear generation or the quantities of electricity exported. For this analysis the historical operating information from the Province of Ontario’s electricity system will be used. An ex-post evaluation will be carried out for one or more wind farms operating in Ontario to identify the important parameters that determine the economic feasibility of such investments.

Characterization and Pelletization of Western Red Cedar Residue

The key objective of this research is to test the Refuse-Derived Fuel supplied by ICC and investigate parameters involved in making durable pellets from these residues. This will include conducting a series of pelletization tests with different mixture recipe, pre-conditioning of material as well as adding binders. The produced pellets will then be tested for their calorific value, chemical composition, chlorine content and ash content. ICC plans to convert RDF to heat, and electricity through gasification.

Techno economic assessment of state-of-art innovative fast pyrolysis solutions in bio-economy processes

The present project will evaluate the techno-economic and environmental performance of an Integrated Biorefinery System that employs an innovative state-of-art fast pyrolysis processes for the production of bio renewable fuels in the bio-economy.

Supplemental, electric thermal storage appliance for indoor heating

Neothermal Energy Storage Inc has developed a new kind of electric thermal storage (ETS) supplemental indoor heating appliance to reduce heating costs for homes heating with oil. Neothermal ETS does this by managing home energy use to take advantage of utility demand response programs that provide low-cost electricity when demand on the grid is low.
Neothermal ETS stores heat using a non-toxic salt/water mixture instead of storing heat in bricks, concrete, or water.

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