High-voltage lab reopens today

The University of Waterloo's $5-million high voltage engineering laboratory (HVEL), which conducts advanced research and teaching for the power industry, will officially reopen this week, rising from the ashes of a major fire more than two years ago.

The HVEL lab does studies on such areas as power transmission and insulation.

"HVEL is one of the most research-intensive facilities in North America and features state-of-the-art technology," says Shesha Jayaram, director of the laboratory and a professor of E&CE. She says the electrical and power engineering researchers at UW bring together expertise in insulation, applied electrostatics, nanodielectrics (high voltage insulating materials with unique properties), pulse power applications, power electronics, renewable energy, power quality and distribution systems.

Alain Francq, director of industry and government relations for the E&CE department, adds: "Our strength is in our flexibility to go beyond standard testing, to produce innovative research and top engineering talent for the energy industry."