GE Digital Energy Announces Donation of Power System Innovation Lab to the University of Western Ontario

MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Digital Energy has announced the donation of an Innovation Lab for power systems and communications to The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. The newly named GE Digital Energy Innovation Lab will give undergraduate, graduate, PhD students and faculty of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) hands-on experience with the latest power system protection and communications technology. This technology is used to improve the resiliency and responsiveness of the electrical grid and enable greater connectivity and increased security for utilities and consumers.

“GE is committed to investing in research and innovation. We know that this Innovation Lab will enable the next generation of electrical engineers to ensure safe, reliable power for people around the world.”

Using the Innovation Lab, students and faculty will further their research in advanced protection and hardened communications systems, including wireless and Ethernet. The Innovation Lab will enable enhanced experiments and testing in power system protection and stability, electrical substation automation, IEC 61850 and Communications. This research will allow students and faculty to develop new tools and algorithms that will result in smarter control and communications technology, helping to create the smarter electrical grid of tomorrow.

"Western Engineering is very grateful for this generous donation from GE Digital Energy to support power and communication systems education and research,” says Andrew Hrymak, Dean, Western Engineering. “The Innovation Laboratory will provide leading-edge equipment to further efforts in smart grid and green energy technology areas and support our internationally recognized faculty.”

Tarlochan Sidhu, ECE Department Chair and Hydro One Chair in Power Systems Engineering who has a long standing relationship with GE Digital Energy, conducting collaborative research and training of highly qualified personnel in the area of power system protection, adds, “We are grateful for the leadership shown by GE and are extremely honored to receive this generous donation of equipment that will enhance training of students at all levels in our Department. The Innovation Laboratory facilities will be used by researchers and students to develop and test new technologies for the next generation electric power grid.”

“Power System Protection and Automation Research Group at The University of Western Ontario is well-known for conducting cutting-edge research. The latest state-of-the-art laboratory facilities donated by industrial leader, GE Digital Energy, will add value to the graduate students’ research work by allowing them to implement and test the developed innovative ideas in the laboratory environment,” explains Mitalkumar Kanabar, a PhD student working on a project in collaboration with GE Digital Energy. “This academic-industry collaboration of the two leaders in their domains will also provide a perfect platform for the training of highly qualified personnel to meet the future needs in the power field.”

“As one of the leading engineering programs in Canada, The University of Western Ontario is on the cutting edge of protection engineering research,” said Larry Sollecito, President & CEO, GE Digital Energy. “GE is committed to investing in research and innovation. We know that this Innovation Lab will enable the next generation of electrical engineers to ensure safe, reliable power for people around the world.”

The GE Digital Energy Innovation Lab will open on November 18, 2009. The new high-tech equipment, valued at $362,000 CDN, includes protection relays, substation communications equipment, digital radios, test switches, and monitoring and diagnostics software.

About GE Digital Energy:

GE Digital Energy, a division of GE Enterprise Solutions, protects and connects the world's critical equipment to ensure safe, reliable power. It is a global leader in protection and control, communications, power sensing and power quality solutions. GE Digital Energy's products and services increase the reliability of electrical power networks and critical equipment for utility, industrial and large commercial customers. From protecting and optimizing assets such as generators, transmission lines and motors, to ensuring secure wireless data transmission and providing uninterruptible power, GE Digital Energy delivers industry-leading technologies to solve the unique challenges of each customer. For more information, visit www.gedigitalenergy.com.

About the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Western Ontario:

Western Engineering views engineering as a caring profession, bearing tremendous social responsibility. Our faculty members are globally respected and conduct leading-edge research in fields that benefit society including alternative and renewable energy, natural disaster mitigation and management, nanotechnology, green technologies, power systems and much more. Students at the undergraduate and graduate level benefit from this extraordinary faculty expertise. Our Faculty’s modest size allows us to offer a student-focused, career-driven approach that combines rigorous academic programming with a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students can customize their educational experience with combined and concurrent degree options. For more information, visit www.eng.uwo.ca