Using idle trucks to power the grid with clean energy

Waterloo researchers investigate how fuel cell powered vehicles can reenergize overworked electricity grids. University of Waterloo researchers are tapping into idled electric vehicles to act as mobile generators and help power overworked and aging electricity grids. After analyzing energy demand on Alberta's power grid during rush hour, the research proposes an innovative way to replenish electrical grids with power generated from fuel cells in trucks. "Canada's power grids need to be upgraded," said Dr. XiaoYu Wu, lead researcher and a professor in Waterloo's Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. "But the price of Alberta's power grid is much higher than other provinces. Most power is supplied by fossil fuels which results in high carbon emissions. The need to rapidly adjust generators to meet fluctuating demand is one of the reasons that the grid price is unstable and volatile.