AIDRC Seminar Series: Dr Mostafa Shaaban

Title:

Transportation Electrification: Challenges and Solutions

Abstract:

Over the past few years, there has been growing momentum towards the electrification of the transportation industry as a viable and sustainable option, primarily because it has a beneficial effect on climate change and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. As the transition progresses, it will not only reduces greenhouse gases, but also reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and bolster energy security by diversifiying the sources of energy for the transportation sector. It is important to note, however, the wide scale electrification faces a number of challenges: numerous technical challenges arise due to the infancy of the technology, high capital costs associated with the vehicles, high capital costs associated with the infrastructure and assets involved pose a significant financial barrier, and last but not least, the additional load imposed by the new electric fleets charging on the electrical system. Studies concerning transportation electrification overwhelmingly focus on the private sector, primarily on privately owned electric vehicles, with a smaller percentage of studies addressing the public sector. In this presentation, we will explore the various challenges confronting the electrification of transportation in both the private and public sectors. Additionally, we will introduce potential solutions derived from numerous research projects and publications.

Bio:

Mostafa F. Shaaban received the Ph.D. degree in electrical and Computer engineering from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, in 2014. Currently, he is an associate professor of Electrical Engineering and department head, American University in Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates and Adjunct associate professor with University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada. He was with Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) of Ontario, Canada, where he was involved in developing generation and flow limits for the stable operation of the power system. Also, Dr. Shaaban worked for Opus One Solutions as a clean energy consultant. Dr. Shaaban has several publications in international journals and conferences. He serves as an associate editor for IET smart grid and IET Energy Conversion and Economics. His research interests include smart grid, renewable DG, distribution system planning, transportation electrification, storage systems, and bulk power system reliability.