WiRE, Plug n Drive, BCIT - Electrifying Event on EVs and Microgrids
Left to right: Carolina Lee, Cara Clairman, Joanna Osawe, and Eugene Eng.
Learning about charging, EV motors, and microgrids!
Left to right: Cara Clairman, Aleigha Andres, Joanna Osawe
On September 11, 2023, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) hosted an event that showcased the latest developments and innovations in electric vehicles (EVs) and microgrids. The event was organized by the BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART), Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), and Plug’n Drive.
The event featured a variety of activities and presentations that aimed to educate and inspire the attendees about the benefits and challenges of EVs and microgrids. Some of the highlights of the event were:
A demonstration of different types of EV motors, such as induction, permanent magnet, and switched reluctance motors, and how they work and compare to each other in terms of efficiency, performance, and cost.
A discussion of different levels of charging for EVs, from Level 1 (120V) to Level 3 (480V), and how they affect the battery life, charging time, and grid stability.
A tour of the BCIT microgrid, which is a network of distributed energy resources (DERs) that can operate independently or in coordination with the main grid. The microgrid includes solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, EV charging stations, smart meters, and a control center.
A presentation by WiRE and Plug’n Drive on their initiatives and programs that support women in the renewable energy sector and encourage consumers to switch to EVs. WiRE offers networking events, mentoring, education, and recognition for women working in or interested in renewable energy. Plug’n Drive provides information, education, and test drives for EVs, as well as incentives and rebates for EV purchases.
It was well-attended by students, faculty, industry professionals, and members of the public who were interested in learning more about EVs and microgrids. The event also provided an opportunity for networking and collaboration among the participants and the organizers. The feedback from the attendees was positive and enthusiastic, indicating that the event was a success!
The event was part of BCIT’s ongoing efforts to advance research and innovation in clean energy and smart grid technologies, and WiRE & Plug’n Drive’s Plugging Women into ZEVs initiative. BCIT is a leader in applied education and research in Canada, offering programs and services in engineering, business, health, computing, trades, and more. BCIT’s SMART team is composed of researchers, instructors, students, and industry partners who work together to develop solutions for sustainable energy systems.
https://bcitnews.com/2023/09/14/video-ev-test-drive-event-gets-students-behind-the-wheel/
