2009 News

GE Digital Energy powers Engineering research with technology donation

By Communications staff
November 5, 2009

GE Digital Energy has announced an innovation lab for power systems and communications to The University of Western Ontario, allowing for hands-on experience with the latest power system protection and communications technology.

The GE Digital Energy Innovation Lab, in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), will be used to improve the resiliency and responsiveness of the electrical grid and enable greater connectivity and increased security for utilities and consumers.

From left to right: Juan Macias, General Manager, Protection & Control, GE Digital Energy; Robert Sobot, Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor; Andrew Hrymak, Dean, Western Engineering; Larry Sollecito, President & CEO, GE Digital Energy; Tarlochan Sidhu, ECE Department Chair and Hydro One Chair in Power Systems Engineering

To open Nov. 18, the new high-tech equipment (valued at $362,000) includes protection relays, substation communications equipment, digital radios, test switches, and monitoring and diagnostics software.

Using the lab, students and faculty will further their research in advanced protection and hardened communications systems, including wireless and Ethernet, and will enable enhanced experiments and testing in power system protection and stability, electrical substation automation, IEC 61850 and Communications.

This research will allow students and faculty to develop new tools and algorithms that will result in smarter control and communications technology, helping to create the smarter electrical grid of tomorrow.

"Western Engineering is very grateful for this generous donation from GE Digital Energy to support power and communication systems education and research,” says Western Engineering Dean Andrew Hrymak. “The Innovation Laboratory will provide leading-edge equipment to further efforts in smart grid and green energy technology areas and support our internationally recognized faculty.”

Tarlochan Sidhu, ECE Department Chair and Hydro One Chair in Power Systems Engineering, says this latest news will enhance research at the university.

“We are grateful for the leadership shown by GE and are extremely honored to receive this generous donation of equipment that will enhance training of students at all levels in our department,” says Sidhu. “The facilities will be used by researchers and students to develop and test new technologies for the next generation electric power grid.”

Mitalkumar Kanabar, a PhD student working on a project in collaboration with GE Digital Energy, says the state-of-art laboratory facilities will add value to the graduate students’ research work by allowing them to implement and test the developed innovative ideas in the laboratory environment.

“This academic-industry collaboration of the two leaders in their domains will also provide a perfect platform for the training of highly qualified personnel to meet the future needs in the power field,” he says.

As one of the leading engineering programs in Canada, Western is on the cutting edge of protection engineering research, says Larry Sollecito, President & CEO, GE Digital Energy.

“GE is committed to investing in research and innovation,” he says. “We know that this innovation lab will enable the next generation of electrical engineers to ensure safe, reliable power for people around the world.”