The IEEE Canada (Kitchener-Waterloo section) and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the University of Waterloo present a Half-Day Workshop on "Advanced Topics in Microgrid Control: A Review of Trends, Concepts and Technologies; Challenges and Practical Solutions" by Dr. Amir Hajimiragha, BBS Access, Singapore.
Abstract
Microgrids are commonly referred to as self-sustained small distribution systems. The area that was believed to be of value solely for remote communities is now gaining attention by utilities and local distribution companies, even in regions with a well-developed infrastructure. Presenting economic opportunities and offering a higher level of reliability highlight the unique value of microgrids. The aforementioned reliability is of crucial importance for critical loads such as hospitals, military bases and data centers in view of the existing threats imposed by natural disasters. Furthermore, the important role of microgrids in the development of the future smart grid, which has received immense attention in the last few years with billions of dollars invested around the world, is undeniable. In this context, microgrid control is a critical task that should be addressed. Thus, maintaining the generation-load balance when transitioned to an islanded system and addressing the dynamics developed following a grid fault/failure/disturbance in a very short time frame poses major stability and power quality challenges for any microgrid. Furthermore, optimal control of microgrid assets to achieve minimum costs and the lowest environmental footprint is gaining increasing importance.
About the Speaker
Dr. Amir Hajimiragha began his career in 1996 at the Electric Power Research Center, Tehran, Iran, and then worked at Niroo Research Institute, Tehran (1998-2003). Prior to joining General Electric (GE) in 2010, he worked as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Waterloo, where he investigated the grid impacts of fuel cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. At GE Digital Energy, Grid Automation in Markham, Ontario, he was the Engineering Technical Leader & Microgrid System Architect involved in R&D as well as New Product/Technology Introduction (NPI/NTI) programs related to microgrids and distribution systems automation. Currently, he is the Director of Technical Projects & Smart Grid Integration at BBS Access in Singapore. He is a Member of the IEEE Microgrid Control Task Force and the IEEE 1547 and IEEE 2030.7 Working Groups. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo and is involved in the areas of energy hubs, integrated energy systems, hydrogen economy, microgrids, and process optimization. Amir received his BSc from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran; MSc from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden; and PhD from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 1995, 2005, and 2010, respectively, all in electrical engineering.
Organized by Professor Kankar Bhattacharya.