Events

May
24
Thu
Seminar: A Microinverter Based, Self Forming Nanogrid for ON and OFF Grid Applications @ Algonquin College, T-Building, Room T129
May 24 @ 18:00 – 20:00

SPEAKER: Edward Keyes M.Eng, Solantro Semiconductor Corporation
AGENDA:

  • Refreshments, Registration and Networking: 18:00
  • Seminar: 18:30 – 20:00.

Abstract

This talk will disclose a novel, microinverter based, all AC nanogrid architecture using photovoltaic panels and lithium ion battery storage. Much of the nanogrid’s hardware is based on Solantro’s Digital Power Processor chipset. The nanogrid is capable of on-grid and off-grid (islanded) operation with “hot” switching between modes. While in grid tied mode the nanogrid can provide a variety of grid support services to increase the percentage of renewables on the utility grid. These include power smoothing, peak limiting, time shifting of PV generation, and California Rule 21 behaviors. The architecture is granular and highly scaleable. It can be scaled from a single microinverter and battery into the hundreds of devices. In islanded operation the nanogrid is self forming with battery operation controlled by a novel resistive droop control method.

Speaker’s Bio

Mr. Keyes is the Nanogrid Projects Manager at Solantro Semiconductor where he leads the company’s development of nanogrid technology. He holds a B. Sc. in Applied Physics from the University of Waterloo and a Masters in Electronic Engineering from Carleton University. Mr. Keyes was formerly Chief Technology Officer of Semiconductor Insights (now Techinsights Inc.) where he led the company’s R&D activities. Previous to Techinsights Mr. Keyes held positions at Optotek Ltd, Xerox Research Corp. and Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. Mr. Keyes holds over 14 US patents in a range of areas including power electronics, nanogrids and integrated circuit analysis.

May
26
Sat
Annual Ottawa Robotics Competition 2018 @ Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School
May 26 @ 08:00 – 17:00

Arduinos, 3D printing, networking with professionals, Lego Mindstorms, Lego displays, FREE LUNCH … what more can you ask for? The IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition (ORC) is Ottawa’s largest non-profit robotics competition that attracts 500+ attendees annually.

To enrich your volunteering portfolio, to network with industry professionals, to apply for future leadership positions within our organization, and to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, sign up NOW as a volunteer at http://orc.ieeeottawa.ca/volunteering. Mark your calendars for this year’s competition, Saturday, May 26th! All you need to be a great volunteer is enthusiasm and a contagious smile. Absolutely no programming/robotics knowledge required.

Check out the competition at http://bit.ly/ORC2016OTTCITIZEN. Students design and build robots to compete in a day filled with exciting Lego Mindstorms and Arduino challenges. One of our most popular challenges, Sumo wrestling involves a UFC-style fight between two robots! For more information on the ORC, please visit http://orc.ieeeottawa.ca or email us at orcinfo@ieeeottawa.ca.

Thank you for your time.

Heidi Li and David Huynh
Co-Chairs of the IEEE Ottawa Robotics Competition

Aug
8
Wed
Technical Talk: Rough Cognitive Networks @ School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Room SITE 5084
Aug 8 @ 18:30 – 20:30

You are cordially invited to the upcoming technical talk:

Speaker: Gonzalo Nápoles, Faculty of Business Economics, Hasselt University, Belgium

Co-organized by: IEEE CI/SMC Ottawa Joint Chapter (http://www.ieeeottawa.ca/ci) and University of Ottawa Computer Science Graduate Student Association

Where: School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Room SITE 5084, 800 King Edward Ave, Ottawa

When: Wednesday August 8th, 2018, 6:30 PM– 8:30 PM

Agenda: 

6:30 – 6:45 PM       Pizza / drinks and networking
6:45 – 8:15 PM      Technical talk
8:15 – 8:30 PM      Q&A / networking

Admission: Free but registration is required via Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/technical-talk-rough-cognitive-networks-tickets-48244520660)

Abstract:

The ease with which we recognize our beloved black cat from hundreds similar to it or read handwritten characters belies the astoundingly complex processes that underlie these common scenarios. Which is why researchers in Machine Learning have been focused on developing a wide range of classification algorithms called classifiers with the goal of tackling these situations with the best possible accuracy. However, most accurate classification models regularly perform like black-boxes, thus neglecting the premise that understanding is an essential part of any learning process, even when the process itself is quite subjective.

In this talk, we will discuss how to exploit information granules in the form of rough sets to design a transparent neural classifier. This model comprises three well-defined steps that are materialized through the Rough Cognitive Networks. In the first step, we discover information granules on the available information using the Rough Set Theory. In the second step, we build a Fuzzy Cognitive Map where input neurons represent the previously discovered granules, while output ones denote the decision classes to be considered. The last step focuses on performing the neural reasoning process using intelligible inclusion equations and causal relations.

Rough Cognitive Networks are capable of computing high-quality predictions (when compared to traditional classifiers) even using a very small network topology. More importantly, the weights are prescriptively established, no further learning is required.

Speaker biography

Gonzalo Nápoles received his PhD degree from Hasselt University (Belgium) and Maastricht University (The Netherlands) in 2017. He has published several papers in peer-reviewed journals including IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems, Neurocomputing, Neural Processing Letters, Information Sciences, Neural Networks, Knowledge-based Systems, among others. Dr. Nápoles was recipient of the Cuban Academy of Science Award twice (2013 and 2014), the highest academic award in Cuba. He is the senior developer of the FCM Expert software tool (www.fcmexpert.net) for fuzzy cognitive maps. His research interests include cognitive mapping, rough cognitive networks, neural networks, learning systems and chaos theory.

Oct
9
Tue
Seminar: Power system harmonics of modern nonlinear loads @ Ciena Optophotonics Lab, Room T129, T-Building, School of Advanced Technology, Algonquin College
Oct 9 @ 18:30 – 19:30
IEEE Ottawa Section Seminar

SPEAKER: Alex Nassif, P.Eng., Ph.D., Specialist Engineer, Planning and Operations, Global Electricity Business Unit, ATCO Electric
AGENDA:

  • Refreshments, Registration and Networking: 6:00 p.m.
  • Seminar: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
ADMISSION: Free. Registration required. Please contact branislav@ieee.org.
PARKING: Parking in Lots 8 and 9 after 5 p.m. is $5 flat rate, pay at a machine and display the ticket on your dashboard.
ORGANIZERS:
IEEE Ottawa PES, RRS/PELS, IMS, and ComSoc/CESoc/BTS Chapters,
Educational Activities (EA) and Algonquin College IEEE Student Branch.
Oct
11
Thu
Technical Talk: Improve Measurement Accuracy on Switching Characteristics of SiC and GaN devices @ Algonquin College, T-Building, Room T129
Oct 11 @ 18:00 – 20:00

AGENDA:

  • Refreshments, Registration and Networking: 18:00
  • Seminar: 18:30 – 20:00.

PARKING: Parking in Lots 8 and 9 after 5 p.m. is $5 flat rate, pay at a machine and display the
ticket on your dashboard.

Abstract

This presentation highlights the industry best practices for measurements on modern
power electronics devices such as SiC and GAN devices. These modern devices introduce new
complexities into power conversion circuits requiring the need for precise circuit timing and higher
sensitivity for gate threshold voltage and timing.
Common measurement pitfalls can be avoided by using differential and floating measurements and
understanding the link between CMRR and signal frequency. Today’s power designs can have
common mode voltages in excess of hundreds or even thousands of volts, while still needing to
measure small differential voltages, this common mode error can be even more severe. Wide
bandgap devices allow switching of higher frequencies, higher voltages and faster rise times, which
requires higher bandwidth scopes and probes with high CMRR. In this presentation, some solutions
for improving the measurement accuracy on SiC and GaN devices during switching will be
presented.

Speaker’s Bio

Evan Shuster is presently the Director of Sales at Testforce Systems Inc. Testforce is North
America’s largest Representative of premium test equipment. Evan has thirty years of Test and
Measurement experience. Originally from Montreal, with a career start at Bell Canada, Evan has held
directorial positions at several small to mid-sized companies in Canada and the United States. Evan
has built up hugely successful Technical Account Manager teams with market focus covering
Semiconductors, Power and Wireless Technologies to name a few. Evan has previously created and
delivered Technical Training courses and has been a guest lecturer at several Universities and
Colleges across Canada.

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