Advanced Power Quality Laboratory

The mass introduction of solid-state converters used in green energy sources (solar/wind) and modern loads (electric vehicles, smart appliances) results in many power quality challenges. Utility assets ranging from distribution apparatus to power protection and control devices can potentially be affected by poor power quality. This includes power transformers and monitoring instruments (current and potential transformers). Additionally, harmonics may contaminate meter measurements and protection/control devices resulting in false or failed relay trips. Considerable progress has been made in understanding power quality impacts on distribution grids, however, much work remains to be done in this area. Mohawk College and McMaster University (B. Tech. Energy) have jointly developed an Advanced Power Quality Laboratory (APQL), a teaching, training and research facility to meet the needs of local utilities.