BCIT SMART Microgrid named a “Top 50 BC Innovations to Watch”

Congratulations to the BCIT Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART), named a “Top 50 B.C. Innovation to Watch” in the November issue of Business in Vancouver (page 18).

The Energy Oasis Project—the SMART team project that’s been in the works since 2007—has been fully operational since 2016. This microgrid, in a nutshell, is an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to produce, store and distribute energy for the new millennium—for starters, on the BCIT Burnaby Campus.

Energy Oasis Project at BCIT

The microgrid provides electrical utilities with a testing ground to validate variations of smart grid technologies and solutions. Access to the microgrid also delivers private sector partners with opportunities to incorporate such technologies into their existing products or develop new portfolios of products.

Dr. Hassan Farhangi, director of the SMART team, is especially proud of his team’s accomplishments.

Being selected as one of the Top 50 B.C. Innovations to Watch reaffirms BCIT’s position as one of the most innovative academic institutions in Canada. This project is collaborative work supported and funded by Canada’s leading-edge utility companies and global high-tech players in the energy industry who recognized BCIT’s ability and track record in embarking on such a world-class initiative.

Smart microgrid technology is overcoming obstacles that have hampered the revolution of the electrical industry in Canada and around the world.

Kim Dotto, dean of Applied Research, which is home to the SMART team, believes being a “top innovation to watch” is further proof of the exciting work being done at BCIT:

This project has only been made possible by the long-term dedication and hard work of the SMART Research group to attract funding and partners and deliver world-class, leading-edge technological results. Because of the work being done by the applied research teams here at BCIT, our reputation as a world-class educational institution is enhanced, which results in more funding, more equipment and more talent. This further enhances educational opportunities for students and supports the BC and Canadian economies.

So, what’s next for the SMART team? Further enhancements are planned to the microgrid on the Burnaby and Aerospace campuses. Other projects around Metro Vancouver and some exciting new projects around infrastructure and cyber security are on the way as well.

Congratulations again to the team, and to MAKE+ industry partners Wivv, Arbutus Medical and Victoria Hand Project for also being featured in the “Top 50 B.C. Innovations to Watch.”

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