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This paper presents a novel $\mathcal {H}_{2}$ filter design procedure to optimally split the Frequency Regulation (FR) signal between conventional and fast regulating Energy Storage System (ESS) assets, considering typical Communication Delays (CDs). The filter is then integrated into a previously validated FR model of the Ontario Power System (OPS) including Battery and Flywheel ESSs, which is used to analyze the impact of these ESSs, CDs, and limited regulation capacity in the FR process in a real system. The proposed methodology to split the FR signal is also compared with the existing FR process, with the results showing that the proposed $\mathcal {H}_{2}$ filter design and signal splitting strategy can improve the FR process performance significantly, in terms of reducing the Area Control Error (ACE) signal, and thus reduce the need for regulation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the feasibility of optimally utilizing Ontario's grid potential for charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) during off-peak periods. Based an a simplified zonal model of Ontario's electricity-transmission network and a zonal pattern of base-load generation capacity from 2009 to 2025, an optimization model is developed to find the optimal, as well as maximum, penetrations of PHEVs into Ontario's transport sector. The results of this paper demonstrate that the present and projected electricity grid in Ontario can be optimally exploited for charging almost 6% of the total vehicles in Ontario or 12.5% of the vehicles in Toronto's transport sector by 2025; this corresponds to approximately 500 000 PHEVs that can be charged from the grid without any additional transmission or power-generation investments beyond those currently planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two mathematical formulations to represent uncertainties in self-scheduling models of a price-taker Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) facility. The proposed model is from the point of view of the plant owner participating in the energy, spinning, and idle reserve markets. The first described formulation is based on Robust Optimization (RO) and the second one is based on Affine Arithmetic (AA) techniques, which are both range arithmetic methodologies, and consider the thermodynamic characteristics of the CAES facility for a more realistic representation. The implementation of both methods are tested, validated and compared with each other and with Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) using prices from the Ontario market. From the simulation results, it can be observed that both methods have some similarities, presenting lower computational burden compared with MCS, and demonstrate the advantage of applying the proposed models for CAES plant owners to hedge against price uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In deregulated electricity sector climates, such as in Ontario, the production of clean or renewable energy by small power producers through distributed generation (DG) is encouraged. This paper examines the policies that can be used to encourage DG investment and incorporates them into a mathematical model. This model is then used to create scenarios for examining the economic and environmental supply-side effects of policies to a distribution system over a ten-year period. The policies analyzed include a combination of feed-in-tariffs, CO2 tax, and cap-and-trade schemes. The results are discussed in the context of the Ontario market and its Standard Offer Program, implemented on a 32-bus radial distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If we aim to enhance the interest of students in engineering and therefore produce the best engineers, it is essential to strengthen the pipeline to high school education. This paper discusses several outreach activities undertaken by the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa (UO), Ottawa, ON, Canada, to help the transition between high school and engineering education and to make students aware of the engineering profession. At the heart of these activities is mechatronics education, which demands an interdisciplinary approach, connects to fundamental math and science concepts, and promotes collaborative project-based learning (PBL). Connected to this focus, a multifaceted program of outreach activities has been initiated. The program includes creation of design-simulate-and-build projects by engineering and high school students, as well as an interactive presentation program whereby engineering students connect with high school students through the sharing of projects that they create in their engineering courses. The survey results indicate that for the high school students, these programs promote students' awareness of engineering and how the mathematics and science they take in school connects to engineering concepts. For the engineering students, they are provided with a meaningful context within which to share their projects and explain their own understanding of engineering principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peak current estimation of lightning detection networks for strikes to tall towers is discussed in this paper. Such systems are sometimes calibrated using return-stroke current data obtained by means of rocket-triggered lightning or instrumented towers of relatively short height. However, for strikes to electrically tall towers, they tend to overestimate the return-stroke current peak. In this case, in fact, the associated radiated electromagnetic fields, from which the return-stroke current is estimated, experience a significant enhancement with respect to the field that would be radiated if the same return stroke was initiated at ground level or on a short tower. Two approaches to correct the current estimates of a lightning detection network for a lightning strike to a tall tower are discussed and applied to the current measurements obtained at the CN Tower in Toronto in the summer of 2005, for which estimates were available from the North American Lightning Detection Network (NALDN). It is shown that correcting the NALDN estimates using the so-called tower factor obtained from theoretical studies results in an excellent estimation of lightning current peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a stochastic linear programming model that can be used for pricing in electrical energy and reserve markets. It addresses capacity, energy, and reserve dispatch problems that may arise from n-1 contingency scenarios. Possible market solutions focusing on generator compensation using real-time, day-ahead, and hybrid schemes are enumerated, along with opportunities for consumer pricing and transmission costing. This model is illustrated on a 6-bus test system as well as a larger 66-bus system representing the Ontario network. A key difference among schemes is the degree of risk to the generators, measured by variance in profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the implementation procedures and field test results of a Distributed-Transmission Network (also referred to as "DTx network" or "DTxN" throughout the paper) consisting of three coherent translators. As will be explained later in the text, a network of coherent translators, which is called "distributed translator network", is one of the three methods of implementing a DTxN. The performance of such distributed translator network was tested in a strong static and dynamic multipath environment. The target area of the distributed-translator network under consideration was selected to be a small part of the coverage area of a distant single transmitter. This provided the possibility of taking the reception quality of the distance transmitter as a reference, and evaluating the reception quality of distributed-translator network in its target area. Two types of ATSC receivers, a new prototype and an older generation one, were used for this study. This in turn made it possible to compare the performance of the two receivers under tough conditions, and to investigate the impact of DTxN on the older generation receiver. As an application of the Distributed-Transmission Network, the possibility of changing a number of low-power (LP) existing DTV assignments into a DTxN was also investigated in a case study. The existing LP assignments, the candidates for changing into DTxN, were all part of a provincial network that is broadcasting the same program on different channels across the province of Ontario-Canada. Using DTxN can improve the quality of service of the LP assignments and reduce the spectrum congestion within the existing allotment plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the trajectory planning of high-speed cable-based parallel manipulators is studied for a given geometrical path. The time-optimal trajectory-planning technique is adapted for these manipulators in which cable forces must be maintained tensile. This condition is represented as a constraint on the acceleration of the end-effector along the path. The results of this technique are evaluated experimentally on DeltaBot, a cable-based manipulator developed at the University of Waterloo. The performance of the time-optimal technique is examined both for the moving time of the manipulator and the computational time of the trajectory generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On August 14, 2003, a cascading outage of transmission and generation facilities in the North American Eastern Interconnection resulted in a blackout of most of New York state as well as parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. On September 23, 2003, nearly four million customers lost power in eastern Denmark and southern Sweden following a cascading outage that struck Scandinavia. Days later, a cascading outage between Italy and the rest of central Europe left most of Italy in darkness on September 28. These major blackouts are among the worst power system failures in the last few decades. The Power System Stability and Power System Stability Controls Subcommittees of the IEEE PES Power System Dynamic Performance Committee sponsored an all day panel session with experts from around the world. The experts described their recent work on the investigation of grid blackouts. The session offered a unique forum for discussion of possible root causes and necessary steps to reduce the risk of blackouts. This white paper presents the major conclusions drawn from the presentations and ensuing discussions during the all day session, focusing on the root causes of grid blackouts. This paper presents general conclusions drawn by this Committee together with recommendations based on lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a method for forecasting energy prices using artificial intelligence methods, such as neural networks and fuzzy logic, and a combination of the two. The new approach is compared with some of the exiting methods. Various factors affecting the market clearing price are investigated. Results for the Ontario electricity market are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) mandated that demand response (DR) procurement pass a net benefits test (NBT) in Order 745 to ensure that the benefits outweighed the costs. Without NBT, DR procurement could result in losses to consumers considering payments for energy and DR services. Current NBT implementations are monthly. However, this neglects to consider two important issues: (a) generator supply curve and demand changes on an hourly basis thus altering the maximum DR quantity that can be dispatched considering NBT; and (b) system-wide implementations don't consider locational marginal prices, line flow limits, and network congestion. Both of these issues can severely distort proper implementation of the NBT. However, FERC allowed the NBT be applied monthly and system-wide in recognition of computational difficulties and lack of methods, and FERC called for research in real-time implementations of NBT. Our work responds to this call. To address these two shortcomings, we propose a new optimal power flow (OPF) formulation in which NBT is implemented into a real-time or near real-time dispatch OPF model and considers the network model in its entirety. Our proposed methodology is applied to a 4-bus test system, a 118-bus modified IEEE system, and a real Ontario system. We demonstrate that the embedding of NBT into real-time OPF formulation yields maximum benefits to remaining consumers when compared to conventional DR formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest background, consisting of understory, moss, litter, and soil, contributes significantly to optical remote sensing signals from forests in the borealregion. In this paper, we present results of background reflectance retrieval from multiangle high-resolution Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager sensor data over a boreal forest area near Sudbury, ON, Canada. Modifications of the background by white and black plastic sheets at two sites provide two extreme limits for the development and testing of an algorithm for retrieving the background information from multiangle data. Measured background reflectances in red and near-infrared bands at six sites in the vicinity of these modified sites are used to validate the algorithm. We also explore the effect of uncertainties in the input forest structural parameters on this retrieval. The results document: 1) capability of the algorithm to retrieve meaningful background reflectance values for various forest stand conditions, particularly in the low to intermediate canopy density range; 2) the effect of background bidirectional reflectance distribution function on retrieved values; 3) performance of the algorithm using data with different cross angle values; and 4) verification of the internal consistency of the geometric-optical 4-Scale model used. The results provide an important platform for the operational estimation of the vegetation background reflectance from the bidirectional reflections observed by the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive electricity markets have been operating in various countries for more than a decade, with every single electricity market presenting its own unique characteristics and features. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the operational aspects of the Ontario electricity market, its unique features, and its outcomes for the first four years of operation. Several programs implemented in the Ontario market to improve efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness are analyzed, and the effectiveness of these programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hesitant fuzzy preference relations (HFPRs) are formally proposed to model the conflict situation in which each decision maker (DM) consists of multiple individuals and each individual has its own fuzzy preferences over the feasible states within the framework of the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR). Based on HFPRs, new definitions for hesitant fuzzy Nash stability, hesitant fuzzy general metarationality, hesitant fuzzy symmetric metarationality, and hesitant fuzzy sequential stability permit stability analyses to be carried out. Moreover, a new option prioritization technique, called hesitant fuzzy option prioritization, is developed for modeling a DM’s HFPRs based on the DM’s priority sequence of preference statements, the DM’s fuzzy truth values and levels of confidence. The groundwater contamination conflict of Elmira, Ontario, Canada, is utilized as a case study to illustrate the usefulness and applicability of the hesitant fuzzy option prioritization technique and GMCR with HFPRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainty modeling of renewable energy sources, load demand, electricity price, etc. create a high volume of data in smart grids. Accordingly, in this article, a precise forecasting method based on a deep learning concept with microclustering (MC) task is presented. The MC method is structured based on hybrid unsupervised and supervised clustering tasks by K-means and Gaussian support vector machine, respectively. In the proposed method, the input data sequence is clustered by the MC task, and then the forecasting process is employed. By applying the MC, input data in each hour are categorized into different groups, and a distinctive forecasting unit is allocated to each one. In this way, more clusters and forecasting networks are earmarked for the hours with higher fluctuation rates. The bi-directional long short-term memory (B-LSTM), which is one of the newest recurrent artificial neural networks, is proposed as the forecasting unit. The B-LSTM has bidirectional memory—feedforward and feedback loops—that helps us to investigate both previous and future hidden layers data. The optimal number of clusters in each hour is determined based on the Davies–Bouldin index. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, in this study, three forecasting tasks including the wind speed, load demand, and electricity price are studied in different periods using the Ontario province, Canada, data set. The results are compared with other benchmarking methods to verify the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed method. In fact, the proposed method, which is equipped with the MC technique and B-LSTM networks, significantly promotes the forecasting results, especially in spike points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the 2013 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS) which is sponsored by the IEEE Society on the Social Implications of Technology (SSIT) in Toronto, Ontario.

Editorial. Presents a discussion on the International Switching Symposium's (ISS `97) entitled `Global Network Evolution: Convergence or Collision?' which was held from September 21 to 26, 1997 in Toronto, Canada. Feedbacks of participants on ISS `97; Transformation of the ISS into the World Telecommunications Congress.

The IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) presents just another example of this Society's truly global reach, which extends from the ongoing presentation of premier conferencing events to the development of industry-leading technical publications and world-class certification and educational programs. Themed "Connect ? Communicate ? Collaborate," IEEE ComSoc was proud to host this year's event in the spectacular Ottawa Convention Centre, which is situated on the scenic banks of the Rideau Canal and embedded in the cultural center of Canada's beautiful capital city. Renowned for its scientific achievements, spectacular scenery, and world-class amenities, Ottawa was the ideal location for hosting more than 2,000 industry professionals, scientists, academics, and government officials, who came here to attend nearly 1,500 presentations highlighting the latest advances and developments in the entire range of global voice, data, image, and multimedia technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article investigates the use of wireless signals in the Wireless Nomad Co-operative, a community-based Internet provider in Toronto, Ontario. The author explores the use of these signals for shared connectivity and community access. It highlights that the routers in the provider were enclosed in all weather housing, which placed outside the subscriber's homes for increased signal accessibility. It adds that to be able to distinguish as a brand, it established three characteristics of their services, including fuller user access, shared and free accounts for wireless access within the network and charging a fair price for the service.

Describes the Engineering and Society degree program (E&SP) offered by McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario in response to calls to broaden the education of engineers beyond the technical aspects. Role of inquiry and inquiry courses in E&SP; Electives of the program; Features of the learning community developed under E&SP; Opinion of engineering students on the program; Significance of the program.

Evaluates the core third-year microprocessor systems course in electrical and computer engineering at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Combination of popular commercial microcomputer board and custom-designed interface board; Purpose of developing the course; Addition of microcomputer kit with graphical software simulator.

Describes an optimal dispatch system used in hydroelectric plants in Ontario. Economic operation of a hydroelectric plant; Features of the optimal dispatch system; Configuration of the optimal dispatch system.

The article offers information on the IEEE International Communications Conference (ICC) that will be held Ottawa, Ontario from June 10 to 15.

The article offers information on the topics covered in the June 2006 issue of the journal. It informs the 1st workshop "Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement on Advanced Methods for Uncertainty Estimation in Measurement organized by the IEEE Instrumentation and Management Society will be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on May 13, 2005.