The Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT) is a research unit accredited by the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC). Its accreditation and integration into CENGIVRE are fully in line with UQAC’s commitment towards the distinctive high-voltage engineering area of excellence. Its creation appeared to be a priority action with the aim of finding solutions to the challenges posed by the aging power infrastructure associated with the ever-increasing demand for electrical energy.
The multidisciplinary research program has the following objectives:
- To systematically obtain new fundamental knowledge on the degradation of insulating materials (the backbone of the service life of power equipment) and their integrity in networks enriched by the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles;
- To develop/improve reliable diagnostic techniques;
- To contribute to the synthesis of materials allowing designing high-performance insulation from a sustainable development perspective;
- To train highly qualified personnel in this area of strategic importance for Canada.
New Approaches to help improving the interpretation of frequency response analysis (FRA) in power transformers
Synthetic esters as alternatives to mineral oil
Monitoring of transformers on-load tap changers (OLTC)
Development of optical sensors for monitoring power transformers
Modelling the pre-breakdown phenomena in mineral and biodegradable oils
Impact of chemical composition of the oil on their gassing b
Development of dynamic humidity and temperature monitoring modules