Hydro-Québec

About: Hydro-Québec is a government organization based out in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Electric power system & Dielectric. The organization has 2596 authors who have published 4433 publications receiving 100878 citations.

Diagnostics and modelling of noble gas atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharges in homogeneous or diverging electric fields

Abstract: We present experimental results of 'atmospheric pressure glow discharges' in two different electrode configurations, plane–plane and cylinder–plane. Although many of the phenomena we report here have been observed in different noble gases, we restrict this presentation primarily to the case of helium. Discharge diagnostics have been carried out using ultra-high speed imaging, and synchronous detection of light emission and current–voltage measurements, the former using a photomultiplier. The discharge physics is discussed with reference to recent work reported by the present authors and others.

Grid impacts of plug-in electric vehicles on Hydro Quebec's distribution system

Abstract: As the potential economic and environmental benefits of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) become apparent and as strong interest develops among automakers, seamless integration of PEVs to the grid will be a critical step to encourage utility support for PEV commercialization. Technological barriers continue to fall, but taking advantage of opportunities to increase revenue and improve power system efficiency using PEVs will require active participation by utilities and OEMs in how the vehicles are introduced to customers. PEVs are transformational in that they introduce electricity as a meaningful automotive fuel to a potentially very large market. This paper will focus on some of the most pressing technical issues associated with the act of plugging these vehicles into the electric grid. This paper presents key impact results using the EPRI study methodology [1] for one representative Hydro-Quebec distribution feeders. This study is part of the multiyear collaborative project geared towards evaluating the localized impacts of plug-in electric vehicles on individual utility's distribution systems.

Integrating Batteries in the Future Swiss Electricity Supply System: A Consequential Environmental Assessment

Abstract: Stationary batteries are projected to play a role in the electricity system of Switzerland after 2030. By enabling the integration of surplus production from intermittent renewables, energy storage units displace electricity production from different sources and potentially create environmental benefits. Nevertheless, batteries can also cause substantial environmental impacts during their manufacturing process and through the extraction of raw materials. A prospective consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) of lithium metal polymer and lithium‐ion stationary batteries is undertaken to quantify potential environmental benefits and drawbacks. Projections are integrated into the LCA model: Energy scenarios are used to obtain marginal electricity supply mixes, and projections about the battery performances and the recycling process are sourced from the literature. The roles of key parameters and methodological choices in the results are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the displacement of marginal electricity sources determines the environmental implications of using batteries. In the reference scenario representing current policy, the displaced electricity mix is dominated by natural gas combined cycle units. In this scenario, the use of batteries generates environmental benefits in 12 of the 16 impact categories assessed. Nevertheless, there is a significant reduction in achievable environmental benefits when batteries are integrated into the power supply system in a low‐carbon scenario because the marginal electricity production, displaced using batteries, already has a reduced environmental impact. The direct impacts of batteries mainly originate from upstream manufacturing processes, which consume electricity and mining activities related to the extraction of materials such as copper and bauxite.

Method and electrical measuring apparatus for analyzing the impedance of the source of an actual alternating voltage

Abstract: Procede et appareil de mesure electrique (10) servant a analyser une tension alternative reelle presente sur un fil electrique (11) ou dans un materiel electrique afin de determiner si la tension provient d'une source a impedance faible ou elevee et d'assurer ainsi la securite de l'operateur. Method and electrical measuring device (10) for analyzing an actual alternating voltage present on a wire (11) or in an electrical equipment to determine if the voltage from a source to low or high impedance, thus ensuring operator safety. On raccorde une sonde a bi-impedance (12) a la tension a analyser et l'on traite les signaux de tension. Is connected to a bi-impedance probe (12) to the voltage to be analyzed and treating the voltage signals. La sonde proprement dite est constituee d'une premiere serie d'elements unidirectionnels (13) et d'une deuxieme serie parallele d'elements a resistance elevee (14). The actual sensor consists of a first series of unidirectional elements (13) and a second series of parallel high-resistance elements (14). Les sorties de la serie d'elements raccordes en parallele sont raccordees a une troisieme serie d'elements a faible resistance (15, 16, 18). The outputs of the series of elements connected in parallel are connected to a third series of low resistance elements (15, 16, 18). Un circuit de mesure (17) est raccorde a ladite troisieme serie d'elements a faible resistance peut discriminer entre les signaux de tension issus des deux series d'elements a resistance, et est pourvu d'un circuit de calcul (28) destine a determiner si les signaux de tension proviennent d'une source a impedance faible ou elevee. A measuring circuit (17) is connected to said third series of low resistance elements can discriminate between the voltage signals from the two sets of resistance elements, and is provided with a calculation circuit (28) for whether the voltage signals come from a high or low impedance source. Les sorties de la sonde sont mises a la terre (19). The probe outputs are grounded (19). Un indicateur (32) indique l'etat de la source a impedance. An indicator (32) indicates the status of the source impedance. Un avertisseur (32) peut signaler un quelconque depassement d'une valeur de seuil predeterminee representative d'une source a faible impedance. An alarm (32) may report any exceeding a predetermined threshold value representative of a low impedance source.