Campus Notices
We are pleased to announce the Master of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering (MSc-SDE) Thesis Defense of Jordan Torrealba.
Title: Autonomous Cell-Based LiFePO4 Battery Management System for Solar Photovoltaic Applications
Date: Monday, July 27, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Abstract: This thesis documents the development of a novel lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery management system (BMS) intended for solar photovoltaic power system applications. While lead-acid battery systems are often implemented without a BMS, lithium-based battery systems require a BMS to provide two critical functions: cell protection and balance. The proposed innovative BMS approach aims to enable lithium batteries to be installed in low-voltage autonomous building blocks and treated much like traditional lead-acid battery banks connected in series and parallel configurations. Particular attention is paid to realizing a lithium-based approach that implements a low-cost, high-current protection mechanism and emulates the natural energy-dissipating balancing behaviour of unmanaged lead-acid based cells.
A novel BMS architecture was proposed, simulated, built, verified and tested. The BMS implements a noncommunicating and heat dissipating cell balance architecture combined with a low-cost fuse-based cell protection mechanism. The novel BMS system concept is ultimately prototyped in the context of a full-scale 6 V nominal, 220 Ah (2S59P layout of 3.8 Ah/12.16 Wh 26650 LFP cells) battery in the GC-2 form factor providing a functional initial prototype at a commercially viable scale.
Jordan is supervised by Dr. Andrew Swingler.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP with the FSDE Graduate Studies Coordinator and Chair of the Defense, Dr. Amy Hsiao, at ahsiao@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend, by Monday, July 27, at 10:00 AM.
The UPEI Alumni Association is calling for individuals to join its Board of Directors for a three-year term, beginning in September, 2020
Nominees must:
- be a graduate of UPEI, SDU, or PWC
- desire to strengthen alumni/university connections
- want to enhance the experiences of current students
- attend 4 to 5 meetings a year
- be willing to serve as chair/member of a committee
To nominate yourself or someone you know, or for more information, contact the Alumni office at alumni@upei.ca. Include name, graduation year, and any experiences/interests that would make the nominee a valuable board member.
Please submit nominations by August 28, 2020.
We are pleased to announce the Master of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering (MSc-SDE) Thesis Defense of Jordan Torrealba.
Title: Autonomous Cell-Based LiFePO4 Battery Management System for Solar Photovoltaic Applications
Date: Monday, July 27, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Abstract: This thesis documents the development of a novel lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery management system (BMS) intended for solar photovoltaic power system applications. While lead-acid battery systems are often implemented without a BMS, lithium-based battery systems require a BMS to provide two critical functions: cell protection and balance. The proposed innovative BMS approach aims to enable lithium batteries to be installed in low-voltage autonomous building blocks and treated much like traditional lead-acid battery banks connected in series and parallel configurations. Particular attention is paid to realizing a lithium-based approach that implements a low-cost, high-current protection mechanism and emulates the natural energy-dissipating balancing behaviour of unmanaged lead-acid based cells.
A novel BMS architecture was proposed, simulated, built, verified and tested. The BMS implements a noncommunicating and heat dissipating cell balance architecture combined with a low-cost fuse-based cell protection mechanism. The novel BMS system concept is ultimately prototyped in the context of a full-scale 6 V nominal, 220 Ah (2S59P layout of 3.8 Ah/12.16 Wh 26650 LFP cells) battery in the GC-2 form factor providing a functional initial prototype at a commercially viable scale.
Jordan is supervised by Dr. Andrew Swingler.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP with the FSDE Graduate Studies Coordinator and Chair of the Defense, Dr. Amy Hsiao, at ahsiao@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend, by Monday, July 27, at 10:00 AM.
The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, August 7th for the August meeting.
Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/
For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.
To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx.
Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month. The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.
Our learners face many demands for their attention, so getting them to actively engage in their learning can be a challenge. How do you choose the best pedagogies? Today lectures and active learning have been cast as opposites. In fact, they can be quite effective when used together. Interactive lectures combine engaging lecture segments with selected active learning methods.
This intensive two-part workshop series offered online by the E-Learning Office, aims to give instructors the opportunity to experience first-hand the components necessary for creating interactive lectures.
Part one of the series, titled Better PowerPoints for Better Lectures, focuses on slide design and the creation of study handouts. Part two, titled Action-Oriented Learning Design, focuses on interactions that can be created in PowerPoint and on active learning techniques that will connect and solidify lecture materials.
Part one will be offered online on Wednesday, July 29th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Part two will be offered online on Wednesday, August 5th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Interested individuals can register for one or the other or both. REGISTER
Join our Special Guests in a Live Debate:
Astronaut/Aquanaut Kathy Sullivan and Mark Abbott, President and Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
We collect more data from the ocean than ever before. Scientists use tools ranging from buoys and water samples to real-time satellite imagery. Thanks to phone apps and technology, even citizens can collect vital information and share it – adding more layers to the already crowded data landscape. How can we keep up? How can we use this wave of data most effectively? Are we managing the data or is it managing us? The future of ocean research will depend on training the next generation to make sense of the data tsunami in a race against the clock with global warming and other pressures on the ocean.
Join leaders from the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) and the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) for this discussion - the first in a provocative online discussion series. OFI Scientific Director Anya Waite, OFI Associate Scientific Director Paul Snelgrove and COVE’s CEO Jim Hanlon will lead the monthly series.
Astronaut/Aquanaut Kathy Sullivan and Mark Abbott, Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) will be the first guests.
In 1984, Dr. Sullivan was the first woman to complete a spacewalk, and this spring became the first woman to travel eleven kilometres to reach the lowest known point in the ocean. Both adventures support her lifelong passion to understand the world around her. She served as US Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Over his 35-year career, Dr. Abbott has led oceanography in new directions through his role as an academic leader, and has served on numerous professional committees for federal science funding agencies, scientific societies, and laboratories. He has advised the Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation on ocean information infrastructure.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v-yHvdsiR_SkRppZBU-STw
As part of the campus high-voltage distribution system upgrade project, Faculties Management will be required to have a number of power interruptions. These power interruptions are necessary to transfer power from the existing UPEI high-voltage electrical switchgear located in the lower level of the Central Utility Building to the new high0-voltage electrical distribution system located in the new main electrical room recently added on to the Central Utility Building.
The schedule of power interruptions and associated buildings are listed below. This schedule may be required to be changed as we progress through the stages. Should that be required I will send out a new Campus notice listing the updated schedule.
The emergency power generators will be started for each building prior to the power interruption beginning, which will mean there will be no delay of power for anything currently on emergency power when the power is disconnected.
Facilities Management apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact Jackie MacPhail at jmacphail@upei.ca or 902-566-6034 with questions or concerns.
July 27, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 8 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
July 30, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering Building, Health Sciences Building, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, SDU Main Building and the Central Utility Building.
August 3, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
August 3, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering Building, Health Sciences Building, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, SDU Main Building and the Central Utility Building.
August 6, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
August 6, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Central Utility Building, Steel Building
August 10, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 18 hours to complete.
Dalton Hall, Memorial Hall, Cass Science Hall, K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre, Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Bernardine Hall, Blanchard Hall, Chaplaincy Centre, Daycare Building, Kelley Memorial Building, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre and the Atlantic Veterinary College.
August 13, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
Six Atlantic Canadian universities, including UPEI, are hosting a free virtual networking event to bring together entrepreneurial students from across the region from 9:30-11:30 am ADT on July 21.
For info on the "Hello Atlantic Canada Startups" event and registration please visit: https://hopin.to/events/hello-atlantic-canada-startups. During the session, two startups will share their story of how they pivoted during COVID-19. Students will have also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada.
As part of the campus high-voltage distribution system upgrade project, Faculties Management will be required to have a number of power interruptions. These power interruptions are necessary to transfer power from the existing UPEI high-voltage electrical switchgear located in the lower level of the Central Utility Building to the new high0-voltage electrical distribution system located in the new main electrical room recently added on to the Central Utility Building.
The schedule of power interruptions and associated buildings are listed below. This schedule may be required to be changed as we progress through the stages. Should that be required I will send out a new Campus notice listing the updated schedule.
The emergency power generators will be started for each building prior to the power interruption beginning, which will mean there will be no delay of power for anything currently on emergency power when the power is disconnected.
Facilities Management apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact Jackie MacPhail at jmacphail@upei.ca or 902-566-6034 with questions or concerns.
July 27, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 8 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
July 30, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering Building, Health Sciences Building, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, SDU Main Building and the Central Utility Building.
August 3, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
August 3, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering Building, Health Sciences Building, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, SDU Main Building and the Central Utility Building.
August 6, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 4 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
August 6, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Central Utility Building, Steel Building
August 10, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 18 hours to complete.
Dalton Hall, Memorial Hall, Cass Science Hall, K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre, Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Bernardine Hall, Blanchard Hall, Chaplaincy Centre, Daycare Building, Kelley Memorial Building, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre and the Atlantic Veterinary College.
August 13, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
All campus buildings
Six Atlantic Canadian universities, including UPEI, are hosting a free virtual networking event to bring together entrepreneurial students from across the region from 9:30-11:30 am ADT on July 21.
For info on the "Hello Atlantic Canada Startups" event and registration please visit: https://hopin.to/events/hello-atlantic-canada-startups. During the session, two startups will share their story of how they pivoted during COVID-19. Students will have also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada.
Our learners face many demands for their attention, so getting them to actively engage in their learning can be a challenge. How do you choose the best pedagogies? Today lectures and active learning have been cast as opposites. In fact, they can be quite effective when used together. Interactive lectures combine engaging lecture segments with selected active learning methods.
This intensive two-part workshop series offered online by the E-Learning Office, aims to give instructors the opportunity to experience first-hand the components necessary for creating interactive lectures.
Part one of the series, titled Better PowerPoints for Better Lectures, focuses on slide design and the creation of study handouts. Part two, titled Action-Oriented Learning Design, focuses on interactions that can be created in PowerPoint and on active learning techniques that will connect and solidify lecture materials.
Part one will be offered online on Wednesday, July 29th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Part two will be offered online on Wednesday, August 5th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Interested individuals can register for one or the other or both. REGISTER
Six Atlantic Canadian universities, including UPEI, are hosting a free virtual networking event to bring together entrepreneurial students from across the region from 9:30-11:30 am ADT on July 21.
For info on the "Hello Atlantic Canada Startups" event and registration please visit: https://hopin.to/events/hello-atlantic-canada-startups. During the session, two startups will share their story of how they pivoted during COVID-19. Students will have also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada.
The UPEI MITACS Research Training Award (RTA) program complements and broadens other graduate research programs and is intended to support graduate students without restriction to any academic discipline at UPEI.
Projects must be designed and led by students. Priority will be given to students whose program and/or financial status has been negatively impacted by COVID‐19.
Games are compelling for young and old alike. Adding game elements to your course is one way of enhancing your students' engagement. In this webinar you will learn about basic game elements and how they can be used in an online teaching environment. Facilitated by the E-Learning Office, this webinar takes place on Wednesday, July 22nd from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Register for the Session
Our EFAP provider, LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell, has created orientation webinars for any Employee, Faculty member, and their dependents that want to know more about how their UPEI EFAP benefits work. These general overview sessions are offered in both English and French at no cost to participants. Dates offered: February 20, April 16, July 16, and October 15.
To register
- Click this link to view the brochure
- Choose the best date (please note the time zone is listed in EST)
- Click the date you want to register for
- You will receive an email confirmation. The email will have the log-in and call-in details
EFAP offers a short-term, solution-focused approach to professional counselling to assist you in resolving your concerns and issues. EFAP provides counselling that best suits your needs and busy schedules, whether it is in person, by telephone, or online [E-Counselling] as well as immediate help with crises. In addition to professional counseling, employees and their eligible family members can access a wide range of programs that provide telephonic consultation with qualified advisors who can help answer questions and clarify concerns that affect us all.
For EFAP Counselling, WorkLife Programs, and Information Services 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year, call:
English: 1-844-880-9142
Visit: www.workhealthlife.com
More information on the UPEI EFAP benefit can be found on the MyUPEI website here.
Six Atlantic Canadian universities, including UPEI, are hosting a free virtual networking event to bring together entrepreneurial students from across the region from 9:30-11:30 am ADT on July 21.
For info on the "Hello Atlantic Canada Startups" event and registration please visit: https://hopin.to/events/hello-atlantic-canada-startups. During the session, two startups will share their story of how they pivoted during COVID-19. Students will have also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada.
The UPEI MITACS Research Training Award (RTA) program complements and broadens other graduate research programs and is intended to support graduate students without restriction to any academic discipline at UPEI.
Projects must be designed and led by students. Priority will be given to students whose program and/or financial status has been negatively impacted by COVID‐19.
Six Atlantic Canadian universities, including UPEI, are hosting a free virtual networking event to bring together entrepreneurial students from across the region from 9:30-11:30 am ADT on July 21.
For info on the "Hello Atlantic Canada Startups" event and registration please visit: https://hopin.to/events/hello-atlantic-canada-startups. During the session, two startups will share their story of how they pivoted during COVID-19. Students will have also have an opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across Atlantic Canada.
The UPEI Faculty Association now has a NEW website and NEW email address. Please update your contact information to the following:
FA Website: www.upeifa.ca
FA Office (Heather Penny): office@upeifa.ca
FA President: president@upeifa.ca
FA Vice-President: vicepresident@upeifa.ca
FA Grievances: grievance@upeifa.ca
FA Treasurer: treasurer@upeifa.ca
Please ensure you update your contact information to reflect these new changes, as the old emails have been deactivated.
The UPEI Alumni Association is calling for individuals to join its Board of Directors for a three-year term, beginning in September, 2020
Nominees must:
- be a graduate of UPEI, SDU, or PWC
- desire to strengthen alumni/university connections
- want to enhance the experiences of current students
- attend 4 to 5 meetings a year
- be willing to serve as chair/member of a committee
To nominate yourself or someone you know, or for more information, contact the Alumni office at alumni@upei.ca. Include name, graduation year, and any experiences/interests that would make the nominee a valuable board member.
Please submit nominations by August 28, 2020.
