Innovative Projects Realized

Modeling and Prototyping of a Modular Multi-Level Converter

The internships proposed here deal with the development of a physical prototype and efficient mathematical models of a modular multi-level converter (MMC). MMCs have attracted a great deal of attention as a promising technology for the new generation of high-voltage dc power transmission systems. Development of a physical laboratory prototype MMC is an essential step in carrying out physical test to determine such characteristics as losses and control and firing requirements. Development of efficient mathematical models allows better and faster simulations. Both these undertakings will lead to better understanding of MMCs and better tools for their modeling and simulation. The two interns who will be trained will gain invaluable experience by working closely and collaboratively with our partner organization (Manitoba Hydro) and will become better engineers wih in-depth knowledge of a technology that will play an essential role in meeting our society’s rising energy demands in the future

Developing Security Metrics for Assessing Security Posture of EV ecosystems

Providing reliable and efficient services for electric vehicle (EV) users requires implementing cyber layers alongside the physical infrastructure within EV ecosystems. Nevertheless, the introduction of these cyber layers exposes these ecosystems to various cyber threats, including data manipulation, malware injection, and intrusions, strategically designed to disrupt power distribution networks. Building upon this, the proposal aims to create three tiers of metrics. These metrics aim to capture the security posture of EV ecosystems, taking into account potential attacks and their impacts on (i) power grid utilities, (ii) EV users, and (iii) diverse vendors and manufacturers. Power grid operators, vendors, and EV users can leverage these developed security metrics to stay informed about their system’s security status and formulate appropriate corrective actions in response to critical cyber intrusions originating from EV ecosystems. Furthermore, these designed security metrics can be seamlessly integrated with alert systems and advanced sensors, contributing to the development of an online intrusion detection system within such cyber-physical systems.

Un cadastre numérique 3D: Automatisation du processus de modélisation volumétrique dans le cas de morcellement foncier vertical des immeubles.

Le cadastre est un registre public qui permet de représenter les propriétés foncières du Québec. Il joue un rôle important pour les propriétaires d’immeubles car en rendant les titres de propriété publics, il protège vos droits.
Les normes actuelles de production et de diffusion des données cadastrales, régies par le gouvernement du Québec, sont strictes et elles amènent l’arpenteur-géomètre, même lorsque des copropriétés se superposent
dans la dimension verticale, à produire des plans, donc des représentations en deux dimensions des limites géographiques de l’ensemble des lots cadastraux.
Nous sommes d’avis que lorsque des propriétés se superposent dans la dimension verticale comme par exemple, dans le cas de copropriétés, il serait nécessaire de produire non pas de plans 2D, mais des modèles cadastraux
3D afin d’optimiser le travail des notaires et des arpenteurs-géomètres dans leur prise de décision qui impacte potentiellement vos droits de propriété. Ce projet vise à démontrer la faisabilité d’établir une procédure pour la
construction automatisée de cadastre 3D et la tester sur différents immeubles présentant du morcellement vertical.

Carbon-based Electrodes for the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction

Multimodal planning for model-based reinforcement learning

Hydrophobization of metal-organic frameworks for the selective detection of VOCs

Defining the impact of shift work on autoimmune diseases

Analysis of the Material Properties of 3D Printed Bone Graft Substitutes

Development of magnesium-based alloys for biomedical applications

The goal of the project is to fabricate a novel magnesium-based alloy for orthopaedic purposes to function as a temporary fixation device (eg. Bone plates, screws or rods). Load-bearing bones (eg. Tibia, femur, humerus) require temporary support during fracture healing period to facilitate bone regeneration. Magnesium, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability potentially eliminates the need for a second surgery for implant removal. However, the challenge is to control the degradation rate of the implant in the human body to ensure appropriate mechanical support to the fractured bone during the healing stage. Thus, this research project has two phases. In the first phase, novel magnesium-based alloys containing Calcium, Zinc and Manganese will be developed and their mechanical and microstructural properties will be studied at UBC-O. The second phase involves immersion tests of the new alloys in simulated bio-fluid to investigate their corrosion properties. This testing will be conducted in the specialized corrosion testing laboratory at IIT Kanpur, India.

Digestion of methylated lysine derivates

Development, Technoecomic Analysis, and lifecycle assessment of a novel, commercial-scale, electrified E-waste recycling technology

The escalating predicament of electronic waste (e-waste) is a pervasive global concern, with the world generating more than 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste, and less than 20% undergoing global recycling. E-waste comprises diverse metallic and non-metallic constituents that possess the potential for re-utilization or recycling, thereby mitigating environmental pollution. In this project, in collaboration with GreeNovel, we work on the development and scaleup of a novel electrified process for E-waste conversion for commercial-scale recycling. The pilot-scale recycling process, which is based on a patented microwave-assisted pyrolysis process is developed at GreeNovel’s industrial facility. In this project, the simulation modelling and optimization, techno-economic analysis and lifecycle assessment of the process are conducted to minimize the energy demand and improve the performance. The findings are essential to the corporation since they will be utilized to scale up and commercialize the technology.

Food waste Biochar Production and Characterization for Sustainable Odor Emission Control

In this research endeavor, our primary objective is to convert juice industry waste into biochar—a carbon-rich material—via biomass preprocessing and optimized pyrolysis. Employing advanced analytical techniques, we aim to comprehensively identify and understand the organic and inorganic elements, surface area, and micropore volume within the biochar. The ultimate goal is to unlock the diverse applications of biochar, with a specific focus on odor emission control, especially addressing the chemicals associated with bodily odor during menstruation. Anticipated benefits for our partner organization include the potential discovery of innovative waste management strategies and the development of valuable, cost-effective, safe, and sustainable products derived from food
waste, serving as alternatives in various applications.