Mission

  • Increase innovation through the development of new technologies applicable to the insulation system used in power equipment from a perspective of sustainable development.
  • Align excellence in research in collaboration with companies working in the field of high voltage, with the other missions of CENGIVRE.
  • Provide training for tomorrow’s researchers in fundamental and applied research.

Historical

Historically, teaching and research activities in the field of electrical energy and high-voltage engineering have always been of high priority within UQAC and are part of its strategic development plan. The research activities in this field have long been limited to the impact of atmospheric icing on electrical network equipment. To expand the research activities, the Canada Research Chair ISOLIME (www.uqac.ca/isolime) was created in 2005, to support UQAC’s commitment towards its area of research excellence in high-voltage engineering. This chair has been active in a field of research of great importance. Its research activities were focused on insulation systems, which are the most critical components in terms of performance of electrical power transmission and distribution network equipment. Investments supported by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Quebec government and UQAC have made it possible to set up a state-of-the-art laboratory. This laboratory includes modern and varied analysis tools, making it possible to combine physicochemical approaches with electrical tests. Over the past few years, a capable research team has been established, and the work of the chair has made UQAC a benchmark in the field of insulating liquid used in power transformers. However, the ISOLIME chair expired in 2015, without renewal possibility of the mandate. The accreditation of the ViAHT research chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), has been an essential element in ensuring the future and stability of teaching and research in this high priority area at UQAC. The creation of this research chair in the field of high voltage appeared to be a very important action with a view to finding solutions to the challenges posed by aging equipment and the ever-increasing demand for electrical energy.