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.

Motor vehicle drive system for a motor vehicle having an electric motor system, and a method of operating said drive system

Abstract: The motor vehicle drive system is for a motor vehicle having an electric motor system, an actuating system, an accelerator system, a mode selector and a battery. The drive system comprises a power supply bus having an output for supplying the electric motor system; a battery connector for connection to the battery, the connector having a power output for supplying the power supply bus; a controller system having inputs respectively for connection to the components of the vehicle so that it can monitor their status; a power converter system connected to the power supply bus of the controller system, and to the motor system for supplying it; a combustion motor electric power supply having an input connected to the controller system, and an output for producing current; a first power converter having an input connected to the power supply, and an output for supplying the power supply bus, the controller system being connected to the power converter so that it is monitored and controlled by the controller system, whereby the controller system monitors and controls operation of the electric motor system and, when auxiliary electric power is needed on the power supply bus, the controller system activates operation of the combustion power supply.

Approach for Describing Statistical Properties of Flood Hydrograph

Abstract: The shape of a flood hydrograph is a random event. This study develops a method for describing statistical properties of the shape of a flood hydrograph. Two shape variables, namely, shape mean ( Sm) and shape variance (Sv), are defined to express the randomness of a flood hydrograph. The two-parameter beta probability density function ~pdf! is adopted to represent the shape of a flood hydrograph. The parameters are estimated using the shape variables. On the basis of this approach, one can derive the design-flood hydrograph shape corresponding to various combinations of flood peak, volume, and duration. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated by using observed flood data from the Ashuapmushuan basin in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is concluded that the method is appropriate for representing the statistical properties of the shape of a flood hydrograph.

Powering Through the Storm: Microgrids Operation for More Efficient Disaster Recovery

Abstract: Disasters, whether natural or man-made, compromise the quality of life for all involved. In such situations, expeditious recovery activities are deemed imperative and irreplaceable for the restoration of normalcy. However, recovery activities rely heavily on the critical infrastructures that supply basic needs like electricity, water, information, and transportation. When disasters strike, it is likely that the critical infrastructures themselves are affected significantly, hampering efficient recovery processes, thus presenting a Catch-22 conundrum. In this article, we present examples from different parts of the world where distributed energy resources, organized in a microgrid, were used to provide reliable electricity supply in the wake of disasters, allowing recovery and rebuilding efforts to occur with relatively greater efficiency.

Mercury evolution (1978–1988) in fishes of the La Grande hydroelectric complex, Quebec, Canada

Abstract: From 1978 to 1988, the evolution of the Hg content of fish has been monitored in the areas affected by the La Grande hydroelectric complex. Four fish species were considered: two non piscivorous, lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), and two piscivorous, northern pike (Esox lucius) and walleye (Stizostedion vitreum). The evolution of Hg concentrations in time depends upon fish species and type of reservoirs. Non piscivorous fish react more rapidly than piscivorous. Five years after filling, their Hg level had increased by a factor of four in reservoirs with rapid filling and short renewal rate; levels decreased thereafter. In the La Grande 2 reservoir, the Hg concentration of 400 mm lake whitefish went from 0.16 mg kg−1 before impoundment to 0.57 mg kg−1 5 yr after filling, and then started to decrease. For 700 mm northern pike, the Hg level went from 0.61 mg kg−1 to 2.99 mg kg−1 and was still increasing 9 yr after initial filling. In reservoirs where filling spans over a few years or with long renewal rate, their Hg content evolves more slowly. In river sections located downstream from reservoirs, the Hg content of non piscivorous species was significantly higher than in reservoirs. In 1988, whitefish exhibited values of 1.22 mg kg−1 in the tailwater of the La Grande 2 power station, compared to 0.48 mg kg−1 in the forebay. This phenomenon could be related to the drift of food organisms from the upstream reservoir. A study of several reservoirs of the Canadian Shield, which were created between 6 and 67 yr ago suggests that it could take between 20 and 30 yr before Hg concentration in fish return to preimpoundment levels.