Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
SMART is conducting research and development aimed at solutions that will reduce barriers to adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs). This initiative builds on the Energy OASIS project. Objectives of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure initiative include demonstrating curbside and parking lot charging stations that use existing street lighting infrastructure, demonstrating EV infrastructure solutions that improve interoperability issues, grid efficiencies and drivers’ charging experience, and investigating efficient ways to retrofit existing Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs), strata and rental apartments in the Greater Vancouver area with electric vehicle charging stations.
BCIT Energy OASIS Project
The Energy OASIS (Open Access to Sustainable Intermittent Sources) project involves construction of a Network of Fast Charging Stations which will enable Electric Cars to be charged in minutes (rather than hours) without adverse impact on our already stressed Electricity Grid system. The Energy OASIS in Lot 7 consists of an integrated system of Parking Canopy structures with Solar Panels, Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers, and a Battery Energy Storage System.
Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
SMART is conducting research and development aimed at anomaly detection regarding cyber attacks on Smart Grid Infrastructure. This project aims to develop a prototype real-time anomaly detection data analysis tool, specifically for distribution substation applications in smart grids.
Medium Voltage Testing Lab
SMART and NuGrid Power have developed a testing lab for optical medium-voltage current and voltage sensors. This lab provides an environment for testing and characterizing new types of sensors for advanced grid applications.
Remote Community Microgrid
BCIT’s Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team is working on projects with remote Indigenous communities in Canada’s north to provide the communities with renewable energy platforms and virtual clean energy training.
NSMG-Net: NSERC Smart Microgrid Network
The NSERC Smart Microgrid Network was a research partnership of Canadian universities, government and industry. Multi-disciplinary researchers were developing the technologies, identifying the regulations and training the skills required for Canada’s future electricity grid. This research was done using BCIT’s Smart Microgrid.