Many Canadian municipalities have targets for reducing their greenhouse (GHG emissions, but most are struggling to develop and implement strategies for substantially reducing GHGs. This research project develops an on-line, interactive software tool that municipalities can use to develop GHG reduction strategies. This work involve adapting equations and tables from our previously established guidebook (Getting […]

This project is focused on developing a wave energy converter (WEC) and using it to power a buoy system. The buoys continuously float in the ocean and undergo a large amount of dynamic motion which could feasibly be harnessed. The goal is to develop a device that can be commercialized and installed into any buoy […]

This research will support the development of the Eco-Industrial Park and Ontario East Wood Centre (EOWC), which is under development in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal. The EOWC is an innovative approach to revitalizing the regional economy by adding value to the under-utilized renewable forest resource in the area. A critical gap in information required by […]

The intern will contribute towards the design and modeling of an improved air foil for a novel wind turbine that employs two sets of contra-rotating blades. An analysis of blade strength will also be performed for a blade design suitable for volume manufacturing, developed in conjunction with company suppliers. The results of the modeling and […]

The utilization of power electronic converters will enhance the power flow in existing infra]structure assets of power transmission and distribution utilities. A recently proposed hybrid power flow controller offers the integration of existing reactive power elements with new converters. Before such devices are accepted by utilities, it is essential to demonstrate their functionality in well […]

The goal of this research project is to develop a gasifier to provide a gcleanh (e.g. low in tars) syngas for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. The intern will be involved in designing and building the prototype gasifier, and in designing experiments to determine the relationship between operating conditions and syngas quality. SOFCs have […]

The purpose of the project is to identify the barriers to cleantech adoption, the role and effect of the government on the cleantech industry, and, in essence, understand whether or not the recent surge in venture capitalist investment and economic activity is potentially only a temporary aberration. Through iterative research and assistance from an advisory […]

Integrated solid oxide fuel cell and biomass gasification systems are one of the most promising energy technologies of the future. Usage of this system to utilize biomass yields better performance and environmental impact compared to the conventional biomass utilization technologies, e.g. steam turbine and internal combustion engine. However, to get the most benefit from this […]

Solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy sources and its terrestrial abundance is several orders of magnitude higher than world’s consumption. Conventional solar cells, however, collect only a portion of solar energy – mostly visible sunlight. Our technology is capable of collecting the entire solar energy spectrum by using semiconducting nanocrystals (NCs) […]

Hydrocarbon-based fuels have been the primary source of energy for mankind for centuries. However, during the last century there has been an exponential increase in the utilization of such fuels and the demand for energy is growing continuously. Hydrocarbon fuels are the primary source of greenhouse emissions which are severely affecting the global climate and […]

Due to depleting oil supplies and the global climate change we are compelled to seek alternative sources to supply our growing energy demand. Among green energy technologies, utilizing solar energy is the only way to address that problem, and tapping into this vast quantity of energy represents a grand challenge of scientific research and engineering. […]

With the fast growth in the Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) market, there is also growing need for miniaturized power sources. MEMS devices are beginning to make significant contributions in new subjects, including Lab-on-Chips (LOC) and other micro-fluidic devices, wireless communications, sensors, and optics. In all these technologies, electric power is a vital issue for the further […]