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.

Self-regulated transformer-inductor with air gaps

Abstract: The transformer comprises a three-limbed magnetic core having two outer limbs each defining a central air gap. Two windings, an alternating current one and a direct current one, are wound around each outer limb. Primary and secondary windings are disposed on the center limb, the primary one being supplied with alternating current from a source, and the secondary one supplying with alternating current an external load. The two alternating current windings are connected in series and supplied with alternating current by the source, possibly through an additional winding wound around the center limb, while the two direct current windings are connected in series and supplied by the current in the alternating current windings rectified through a diode bridge. The current in the two direct current windings induces a magnetic flux in a closed circuit defined by the outer limbs. The alternating currents in the primary winding and in the two alternating current windings are coupled to first and second alternating current magnetic fluxes assisting each other in the center limb and respectively flowing in two closed magnetic circuits defined, on the one hand, by the center limb and one outer limb, and, on the other hand, by the center limb and the other outer limb. The transformer supplies the external load with electric energy from the source while regulating the source and supply voltages.

The influence of electron density on the formation of streamers in electrical discharges triggered with ultrashort laser pulses

Abstract: In an ongoing program using ultrashort laser pulses to provoke discharges in air over considerable distances at electric fields below breakdown threshold, we have studied the conditions for the onset of streamers in such laser-produced plasmas, both experimentally and through numerical simulations. The results demonstrate the importance of the electron density and of its gradient on the generation of streamers. Also, a significant reduction of the breakdown voltage for a 30 cm plane-plane gap in air was observed with a laser pulse energy of 15 mJ. Finally, a direct comparison of laser-induced breakdown in air and in nitrogen shows the influence of electron attachment to oxygen on the discharge process.

Measuring the efficiency of voltage reduction at Hydro-Québec distribution

Abstract: The goal of this paper is to describe the methodology used to assess the effectiveness of conservation voltage reduction in the Hydro-Quebec distribution network. The motivation for attempting to control the load is presented as well as different procedures that have lead to conclude to the economic feasibility of the concept. The rational for the deployment plan is presented.

Capacity Fade Mechanism of Li4Ti5O12 Nanosheet Anode

Abstract: Zero-strain and long-term stability of nanoscale lithium titanate (LTO) anode materials make possible the fabrication of exceptionally stable lithium ion batteries. But one issue must be considered that of nanostructure-induced relaxation in 2D LTO nanosheets which profoundly modifies their Li storage properties and structural stability. Excessively intercalated Li ions at both 8a and 16c sites trigger nucleation of the relaxed LTO structure in the near-surface region, which impedes Li-ion diffusion and causes the increasing polarization of LTO nanosheet electrodes. Nuclei of relaxed LTO then undergo isotropic growth along the 3D Li-ion pathways in LTO to completely convert near-surface regions into relaxed LTO. With increasing population of trapped Li ions, the enhanced conductivity due to Ti4+/Ti3+ reduction gradually eliminates the raised polarization. In the meantime, spontaneous electrolyte/LTO reduction to form the solid electrolyte interphase starts playing a major role in capacity loss once the transformation of near-surface region into relaxed LTO becomes saturated. Elucidation of these fundamental intercalation-induced surface structure transformations contribute greatly into the design of highly performing 2D nanoscaled LTO and other electrode materials.