Welcome to Hao Liang's Homepage!

About Me

I am currently the Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Energy Systems and an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta, Canada. I am affiliated with both Energy Systems Research Group and Communications Research Group. Before joining the University of Alberta, I received my Ph.D. degree from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2013. From 2013 to 2014, I was a postdoctoral research fellow in the Broadband Communications Research (BBCR) Lab and Electricity Market Simulation and Optimization Lab (EMSOL) at the University of Waterloo, where I had co-founded and coordinated a Smart Grid Research Group.

My research is interdisciplinary in nature across the fields of power and energy systems and information and communication systems. Along with the preeminent researchers from all over the world, I am looking for major breakthroughs in energy efficiency, reliability, security, and sustainability.

 

For prospective students and visiting scholars:

I am currently looking for Ph.D. Students and Postdoctoral Fellows to work in several exciting interdisciplinary research areas including intelligent energy systems, smart grid, cyber-physical security, and energy and spectrum efficient wireless networking. Preference will be given to students with strong background in power and energy systems, wireless communication networks, big data analytics, cyber security, stochastic modeling, optimization, and/or automatic control.

I also plan to host a selected number of visiting scholars, undergraduate research assistants, and Co-op students in related areas.

If interested, please send your CV, transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores, and any other useful information in one email. Thesis, sample publications, and/or technical reports which can reflect your research and presentation skills are highly welcomed.

For more information about the University of Alberta, City of Edmonton, Canada, and graduate course suggestions, please visit the Useful Information section. 

  

Hao Liang

Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Energy Systems

Associate Professor, Ph.D.


Office 11-215

Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering

University of Alberta

9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T6G 1H9

Telephone: (780) 248-1887

Email: hao2@ualberta.ca

Email (Mobile Device): haoliang.mobile@gmail.com
 

Research Interests

My research interests are in the areas of intelligent energy systems, smart grids, and wireless communication networks. Currently, I am working on the following research topics:
  • Stochastic modeling and optimization in smart grid

  • Cyber-physical security of smart grid

  • Large language models (LLMs), deep neural networks, and machine learning for industrial applications

  • Quantum computing for smart cities

  • Microgrid planning, operation, control, and self-healing

  • Distribution system operation with distributed generation and energy storage devices

  • Energy management of electric vehicles and vehicle-to-grid systems

  • Green buildings and smart home energy management

  • Joint planning and operation of electric power system and communication network in smart grid

  • Energy efficient wireless networking

  • Resource management in delay tolerant networks and vehicular networks

  • Cross-layer design and optimization

  • Big data analytics

  • Cloud and fog computing

Teaching

ECE 730 Advanced Topics in Energy Systems - Smart Grid Fundamentals: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017, Fall 2016

ECE 330 Introduction to Power Engineering: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Winter 2018, Winter 2017, Fall 2015 (Prerequisite: ECE 203 Electrical Circuits II)

ECE 432 Variable Speed Drives: Winter 2022, Winter 2019, Winter 2018, Winter 2017, Winter 2016, Winter 2015 (Prerequisite: ECE 332 Electric Machines)

ECE 730 Advanced Topics in Energy Systems - Smart Grid Operation and Communications: Fall 2015

ECE 710 Wireless Communication Network - Guest Lecture on Smart Grid Communications: Spring 2014, Spring 2013

Awards and Honors

Outstanding Paper Award, 2023 IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE 2023), Regina, SK, Canada (Our paper was one of the three outstanding paper awards out of 101 publications.) [Announcement]

Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Energy Systems - Renewal, since 2022 (Current and former Chairs constitute about 4% of academic researchers in Canada, according to the 2016 NSERC report on the evaluation of the Canada Research Chairs Program.) [Announcement]

Provost's Award for Early Achievement of Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, 2019 (Each year, up to two (2) Provost's Early Achievement Awards will be funded at the University of Alberta. The award is specifically designed to publicly recognize achievement of teaching excellence by full-time continuing academic staff within five years of their first university appointment.) [Announcement]

IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Prize Paper Award, 2018 (Each year, IEEE PES presents two (2) best papers for the award among all IEEE PES transactions, including IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, and IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion.)

Canada Research Chair in Intelligent Energy Systems, 2017-2022 with Renewal on 2022 (Current and former Chairs constitute about 4% of academic researchers in Canada, according to the 2016 NSERC report on the evaluation of the Canada Research Chairs Program.) [Announcement]

Best Conference Papers on Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage, Microgrids, and Demand Response, 2016 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting (PES GM 2016), Boston, MA, USA (Top 5% among 970 publications.)

Best Paper Award Finalist, The 31st Annual IEEE Orlando, FL, USA (Our paper was selected as one of the 16 finalists International Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM 2012), out of 278 publications among 1547 submissions.)

Best Student Paper Award, IEEE 72nd Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC 2010-Fall), Ottawa, ON, Canada (Our paper was one of the two best paper awards out of 530 publications among 1051 submissions.)

Excellent Paper Award, The 22nd Annual Postgraduate Communications Conference in Nanjing, 2007

IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter Compendium - 32 "Best of the Best" Insightful Articles, 2015 (The IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter Compendium features 32 "best of the best" insightful articles published on IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter between 2011-2015. IEEE Smart Grid Society expects these articles to be the go-to resource for industry professionals for years to come.)

IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Best Readings - Topics on Smart Grid Communications, 2014 (The Best Readings is a concise list of must-read books and articles that reveal the role and the potential of communication networks and systems in the smart grid. Among all publications in the area of smart grid communications till 2014, 42 books and articles are selected by IEEE ComSoc Technical Committee.)

Best Speaker Award, ECE Graduate Student Research Talks, University of Waterloo, 2012

Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Abroad, 2011 (The awards were presented to 495 out of 440,000 Chinese oversea students across all fields of study all over the world in 2011) [News and Speech Quote by Xinhua News Agency] [BCbay News]

Graduate Scholarship, University of Waterloo, Fall 2010, Winter 2010, Fall 2009, Spring 2009, and Winter 2009 (A maximum 5 awards could be received by a full-time Ph.D. student.)

International Doctoral Student Award, University of Waterloo, 2008-2012

Books and Book Chapters

  1. R. Deng, P. Zhuang, and H. Liang, "Cyber-physical security in smart grid communications," in Encyclopedia of Wireless Networks, Sept. 2018.

  2. B. Cao, Q. Zhang, H. Liang, G. Fu, and J. W. Mark, "Cooperative cognitive radio networking: towards a new paradigm for dynamic spectrum access," in Software-Defined and Cognitive Radio Technologies for Dynamic Spectrum Access and Management, Oct. 2014.

  3. X. Zhao and H. Liang, "Capacity dimensioning for wireless communications system," in Mobile and Wireless Communications: Physical Layer Development and Implementation, S. A. Fares and F. Adachi, Eds., INTECH Publishers, ISBN 978-953-307-043-8, 2010, pp. 283-290, Jan. 2010.

Journal Publications

  1. W. Shi, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Stochastic sequential restoration for resilient cyber-physical power distribution systems," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 2024, to appear.

  2. W. Shi, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Data-driven resilience enhancement for power distribution systems against multi-shocks of earthquakes," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 2024, to appear.

  3. W. Shi, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Decision support for smart distribution system against natural disasters during health pandemics considering resilience," IEEE Access, 2024, to appear.

  4. W. Shi, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Dynamic microgrid formation for resilient distribution systems considering large-scale deployment of mobile energy resources," Applied Energy, 2024, to appear.

  5. W. Shi, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Stochastic planning for power distribution system resilience enhancement against earthquakes considering mobile energy resources," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 2024, to appear.

  6. K. Honari, S. Rouhani, N. E. Falak, Y. Liu, Y. Li, H. Liang, S. Dick, and J. Miller, "Smart contract design in distributed energy systems: a systematic review," Energies, vol. 16, no. 12, pp. 4797, June 2023. (Open Access)

  7. Y. Liu, O. Ardakanian, I. Nikolaidis, and H. Liang, "False data injection attacks on smart grid voltage regulation with stochastic communication model," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 7122-7132, May 2023.

  8. C. Ma, H. Liang, and Y. Jing, "A novel ZSV-based detection scheme for FDIAs in multiphase power distribution systems," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 1236-1248, Mar. 2023.

  9. G. Li, Y. Liu, Q. Xu, H. Liang, and X. Wang, "Deep learning enabled inverse design of nanocrystal-based optical diffusers for efficient white LED lighting," Applied Optics, vol. 61, no. 29, pp. 8783-8791, Oct. 2022.

  10. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "A data-driven approach for electric bus energy consumption estimation," IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, vol. 23, no. 10, pp. 17027-17038, Oct. 2022.

  11. C. Liu, R. Deng, W. He, H. Liang, and W. Du, "Optimal coding schemes for detecting false data injection attacks in power system state estimation," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 738-749, Jan. 2022.

  12. Y. Miao, T. Chen, S. Bu, H. Liang, and Z. Han, "Co-optimizing battery storage for energy arbitrage and frequency regulation in real-time markets using deep reinforcement learning," Energies, vol. 14, no. 24, pp. 1-17, Dec. 2021. (Open Access)

  13. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "False data injection attacks against state of charge estimation of battery energy storage systems in smart distribution networks," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 2566-2577, May 2021.

  14. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "Stochastic energy management of electric bus charging stations with renewable energy integration and B2G capabilities," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1206-1216, Apr. 2021.

  15. C. Liu, H. Liang, and T. Chen, "Network parameter coordinated false data injection attacks against power system AC state estimation," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1626-1639, Mar. 2021.

  16. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "A three-layer stochastic energy management approach for electric bus transit centers with PV and energy storage systems," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1346-1357, Mar. 2021.

  17. Y. Wang, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Decentralized stochastic programming for optimal vehicle-to-grid operation in smart grid with renewable generation," IET Renewable Power Generation, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 746-757, Mar. 2021.

  18. P. Zhuang, T. Zamir, and H. Liang, "Blockchain for cyber security in smart grid: a comprehensive survey," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 3-19, Jan. 2021.

  19. R. Deng, Y. Liu, W. Chen, and H. Liang, "A survey on electric buses - energy storage, power management, and charging scheduling," IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 9-22, Jan. 2021.

  20. F. Nejabatkhah, Y. Li, H. Liang, and R. R. Ahrabi, "Cyber-security of smart microgrids: a survey," Energies, vol. 14, no. 27, 2021. (Open Access)

  21. Z. Shi, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Distributionally robust multi-period energy management for CCHP-based microgrids," IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 14, no. 19, pp. 4097-4107, Oct. 2020.

  22. C. Liu, H. Liang, T. Chen, J. Wu, and C. Long, "Joint admittance perturbation and meter protection for mitigating stealthy FDI attacks against power system state estimation," IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 1468-1478, Mar. 2020.

  23. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "Hierarchical and decentralized stochastic energy management for smart distribution systems with high BESS penetration," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 9583-9595, Dec. 2019.

  24. X. Bao, H. Liang, Y. Liu, and F. Zhang, "A stochastic game approach for collaborative beamforming in SDN-based energy harvesting wireless sensor networks," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 6, no. 6, pp. 9583-9595, Dec. 2019.

  25. P. Zhuang, R. Deng, and H. Liang, "False data injection attacks against state estimation in multiphase and unbalanced smart distribution systems," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 6000-6013, Nov. 2019. [PDF]

  26. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "A discounted stochastic multiplayer game approach for vehicle-to-grid voltage regulation," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 68, no. 10, pp. 9647-9659, Oct. 2019. [PDF]

  27. Z. Shi, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Data-driven distributionally robust chance-constrained unit commitment with uncertain wind power," IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 135087-135098, Sept. 2019.

  28. Z. Shi, H. Liang, S. Huang, and V. Dinavahi, "Multistage robust energy management for microgrids considering uncertainty," IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 13, no. 10, pp. 1906-1913, May 2019. [PDF]

  29. R. Deng, P. Zhuang, and H. Liang, "False data injection attacks against state estimation in power distribution systems," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 2871-2881, May 2019. [PDF]

  30. P. Zhuang, H. Liang, and M. Pomphrey, "Stochastic multi-timescale energy management of greenhouses with renewable energy sources," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 905-917, Apr. 2019. [PDF]

  31. Y. Wang, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Parallel stochastic programming for energy storage management in smart grid with probabilistic renewable generation and load models," IET Renewable Power Generation, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 774-784, Apr. 2019. [PDF]

  32. R. Deng and H. Liang, "False data injection attacks with limited susceptance information and new countermeasures in smart grid," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 1619-1628, Mar. 2019. [PDF]

  33. Z. Shi, H. Liang, S. Huang, and V. Dinavahi, "Distributionally robust chance-constrained energy management for islanded microgrids," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 2234-2244, Mar. 2019. [PDF]

  34. X. Bao, H. Liang, and L. Han, "Transmission optimization of social and physical sensor nodes via collaborative beamforming in cyber-physical-social systems," Sensors, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 1-18, Dec. 2018. [PDF]

  35. J. Wang, G. Geng, K. L. Chen, H. Liang, and W. Xu, "Event-based non-intrusive home current measurement using sensor array," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 5878-5886, Nov. 2018. [PDF]

  36. Z. Shi, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Wavelet neural network based multiobjective interval prediction for short-term wind speed," IEEE Access, vol. 6, pp. 63352-63365, Oct. 2018. [PDF]

  37. Y. Wang, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Two-stage stochastic demand response in smart grid considering random appliance usage patterns," IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 12, no. 18, pp. 4163-4171, Oct. 2018. [PDF]

  38. Z. Shi, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Direct interval forecast of uncertain wind power based on recurrent neural networks," IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 1177-1187, July 2018. [PDF]

  39. W. Liu, P. Zhuang, H. Liang, J. Peng, and Z. Huang, "Distributed economic dispatch in microgrids based on cooperative reinforcement learning," IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 2192-2203, June 2018. [PDF]

  40. F. Zhang, R. Deng, and H. Liang, "An optimal real-time distributed algorithm for utility maximization of mobile ad hoc cloud," IEEE Communications Letters, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 824-827, Apr. 2018. [PDF]

  41. Y. Liu, R. Deng, and H. Liang, "A stochastic game approach for PEV charging station operation in smart grid," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 969-979, Mar. 2018. [PDF]

  42. K. Ma, X. Liu, Z. Liu, C. Chen, H. Liang, and X. Guan, "Cooperative relaying strategies for smart grid communications: bargaining models and solutions," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 2315-2325, Dec. 2017. [PDF]

  43. T. Ding, H. Liang, and W. Xu, "An analytical method for probabilistic modeling of the steady-state behavior of secondary residential system," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 2575-2584, Nov. 2017. [PDF]

  44. P. H. Divshali, B. J. Choi, and H. Liang, "Multi-agent transactive energy management system considering high levels of renewable energy source and electric vehicles," IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, vol. 11, no. 15, pp. 3713-3721, Nov. 2017. [PDF]

  45. P. H. Divshali, B. J. Choi, H. Liang, and L. Soder, "Transactive demand side management program in smart grids with high penetration of EVs," Energies, vol. 10, no. 10, pp. 1-18, Oct. 2017. [PDF]

  46. R. Deng, P. Zhuang, and H. Liang, "CCPA: Coordinated cyber-physical attacks and countermeasures in smart grid," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 2420-2430, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  47. R. Deng, H. Liang, J. Yong, B. Chai, and T. Yang, "Distributed rate control, routing, and energy management in dynamic rechargeable sensor networks," Springer Peer-to-Peer Networking and Applications, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 425-439, May 2017. [PDF]

  48. R. Deng, G. Xiao, R. Lu, H. Liang, and A. V. Vasilakos, "False data injection on state estimation in power systems - attacks, impacts, and defense: a survey," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 411-423, Apr. 2017. [PDF]

  49. R. Deng, R. Lu, C. Lai, T. H. Luan, and H. Liang, "Optimal workload allocation in fog-cloud computing towards balanced delay and power consumption," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 1171-1181, Dec. 2016. [PDF]

  50. W. Xu, T. Ding, X. Li, and H. Liang, "Resonance-free shunt capacitors - configurations, design methods and comparative analysis," IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 2287-2295, Oct. 2016. (IEEE PES Prize Paper Award) [PDF]

  51. R. Deng and H. Liang, "A survey on false data injection attack and defense in smart grid," Chinese Association of Automation (CAA) Newsletter, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 31-36, Aug. 2016. [IN CHINESE] (Invited Paper)

  52. Y. Liu, R. Deng, and H. Liang, "Game-theoretic control of PHEV charging with power flow analysis," AIMS Energy, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 379-396, Mar. 2016. (Invited Paper) [PDF]

  53. T. Ding, W. Xu, and H. Liang, "Design method for third-order high-pass filter," IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 402-403, Feb. 2016. [PDF]

  54. T. Yang, H. Liang, N. Cheng, R. Deng, and X. Shen, "Efficient scheduling for video transmission in maritime wireless communication network," IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 64, no. 9, pp. 4215-4229, Sept. 2015. [PDF]

  55. C. H. Ou, H. Liang, and W. Zhuang, "Investigating wireless charging and mobility of electric vehicles on electricity market," IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 3123-3133, May 2015. [PDF]

  56. T. Yang, Z. Zheng, H. Liang, N. Cheng, R. Deng, and X. Shen, "Green energy and content-aware data transmissions in maritime wireless communication networks," IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 751-762, Apr. 2015. [PDF]

  57. M. Wang, Q. Shen, R. Zhang, H. Liang, and X. Shen, "Vehicle-density based adaptive MAC for high throughput in drive-thru networks," IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 1, no. 6, pp. 533-543, Dec. 2014. [PDF]

  58. A. T. Gamage, H. Liang, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, "Device-to-device communication underlaying converged heterogeneous networks," IEEE Wireless Communications, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 98-107, Dec. 2014. [PDF]

  59. J. Yan, C. Chen, X. Luo, H. Liang, X. Guan, and X. Yang, "Topology optimization based distributed estimation for relay assisted wireless sensor networks," IET Control Theory and Applications, vol. 8, no. 18, pp. 2219-2229, Dec. 2014. [PDF]

  60. N. Zhang, H. Liang, N. Cheng, Y. Tang, J. W. Mark, and X. Shen, "Dynamic spectrum access in multi-channel cognitive radio networks," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 32, no. 11, pp. 2053-2064, Nov. 2014. [PDF]

  61. H. Liang, A. K. Tamang, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Stochastic information management in smart grid," IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials - Special Issue on Energy and Smart Grid, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 1746-1770, Third Quarter 2014. [PDF]

  62. A. T. Gamage, H. Liang, and X. Shen, "Two time-scale cross-layer scheduling for cellular/WLAN interworking," IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 62, no. 8, pp. 2773-2789, Aug. 2014. [PDF]

  63. M. Wang, H. Liang, R. Zhang, R. Deng, and X. Shen, "Mobility-aware coordinated charging for electric vehicles in VANET-enhanced smart grid," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications - Smart Grid Communications Series, vol. 32, no. 7, pp. 1344-1360, July 2014. [PDF]

  64. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Stochastic information management in microgrid operations," IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter, Apr. 2014. (Invited Article) [LINK]

  65. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Stochastic modeling and optimization in microgrid: a survey," Energies - Special Issue on Smart Grids, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 2027-2050, Mar. 2014. [PDF]

  66. H. Liang, B. J. Choi, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Optimizing the energy delivery via V2G systems based on stochastic inventory theory," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 2230-2243, Dec. 2013. [PDF]

  67. B. Cao, H. Liang, J. W. Mark, and Q. Zhang, "Exploiting orthogonally dual-polarized antennas in cooperative cognitive radio networking," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 31, no. 11, Nov. 2013. [PDF]

  68. H. Liang, B. J. Choi, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Stability enhancement of decentralized inverter control through wireless communications in microgrids," IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 321-331, Jan. 2013. [PDF]

  69. H. Liang, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Cooperative wireless networking for smart grid," IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter, Jan. 2013. (IEEE Smart Grid Newsletter Compendium - 32 "Best of the Best" Insightful Articles) [LINK]

  70. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Double-loop receiver-initiated MAC for cooperative data dissemination via roadside WLANs," IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 60, no. 9, pp. 2644-2656, Sept. 2012. [PDF]

  71. H. Liang, B. J. Choi, A. Abdrabou, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Decentralized economic dispatch in microgrids via heterogeneous wireless networks," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications - Smart Grid Communications Series, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 1061-1074, Jul. 2012. (IEEE ComSoc Best Readings - Topics on Smart Grid Communications) [PDF]

  72. H. Liang, A. Abdrabou, B. J. Choi, W. Zhuang, X. Shen, and A. S. A. Awad, "Multiagent coordination in microgrids via wireless networks," IEEE Wireless Communications - Recent Advances in Wireless Technologies for Smart Grid, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 14-22, Jun. 2012. [PDF]

  73. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Efficient on-demand data service delivery to high-speed trains in cellular/infostation integrated networks," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 780-791, May 2012. [PDF]

  74. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Cooperative data dissemination via roadside WLANs," IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 68-74, Apr. 2012. [PDF]

  75. B. J. Choi, H. Liang, X. Shen, and W. Zhuang, "DCS: distributed asynchronous clock synchronization in delay tolerant networks," IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 491-504, Mar. 2012. [PDF]

  76. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "DFMAC: DTN-friendly medium access control for wireless local area networks supporting voice/data services," ACM/Springer Mobile Networks and Applications, vol. 16, no. 5, pp. 531-543, Oct. 2011. (Invited Paper) [PDF]

Conference Publications

  1. C. Kong and H. Liang, "An adaptive power allocation scheme for wildfire emergency communication networks," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'24, Dec. 2024.

  2. Z. Wu, Y. Liu, and H. Liang, "A quantum minimum cut-set method for vulnerable node localization against false data injection attacks," in Proc. IEEE CCECE'23, Sept. 2023.
    (Outstanding Paper Award)

  3. S. Ma, H. Liang, and M. Bittner, "Multi-timescale stochastic electrical and thermal energy management for sustainable communities with wastewater treatment plants," in Proc. IEEE CCECE'23, Sept. 2023.

  4. W. Shi and H. Liang, "Balanced graph partition for resilient load restoration against natural disasters," in Proc. IEEE CCECE'23, Sept. 2023.

  5. C. Kong, Y. Liu, and H. Liang, "A self-detection gradient descent approach for semi-underground LoRa communication networks in smart irrigation systems," in Proc. IEEE CCECE'23, Sept. 2023.

  6. K. Honari, X. Zhou, S. Rouhani, S. Dick, H. Liang, Y. Li, and J. Miller, "A scalable blockchain-based smart contract model for decentralized voltage stability using sharding technique," in Proc. IEEE Blockchain'22, Aug. 2022. (Acceptance rate: 15.8%)

  7. A. Bidell, Y. Liu, and H. Liang, "LoRa gateway placement optimization based on a data-driven low height path loss model," in Proc. IEEE CCECE'21, Sept. 2021.

  8. W. Shi, P. Zhuang, and H. Liang, "Mobile energy resource allocation for distribution system resilience against earthquake," in Proc. IEEE VTC'20-Fall, Nov. 2020.

  9. W. Chen and H. Liang, "Average reward reinforcement learning for optimal on-route charging of electric buses," in Proc. IEEE VTC'20-Fall, Nov. 2020.

  10. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "FDI attacks against real-time DLMP in CPS-based smart distribution systems," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'19, Dec. 2019.

  11. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "A ROOT approach for stochastic energy management in electric bus transit center with PV and ESS," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'19, Dec. 2019.

  12. W. Chen, P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "Reinforcement learning for smart charging of electric buses in smart grid," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'19, Dec. 2019.

  13. Z. Shi, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Energy and reserve dispatch with renewable generation using data-driven distributionally robust optimization," in Proc. IEEE NAPS'19, Oct. 2019.

  14. Y. Wang, H. Liang, and V. Dinavahi, "Stochastic demand response under random renewable power generation in smart grid," in Proc. IEEE PES GM'19, Aug. 2019.

  15. X. Bao, H. Liang, and L. Han, "A novel node selection algorithm for collaborative beamforming in wireless sensor networks," in Proc. IEEE GreenCom'18, July-Aug. 2018.

  16. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "An MHO approach for electric bus charging scheme optimization based on energy consumption estimation," in Proc. IEEE PES GM'18, Aug. 2018.

  17. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "Vehicle-to-grid frequency regulation signal optimization based on inhomogeneous hidden Markov model," in Proc. IEEE VTC'17, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  18. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "Decentralized coordination of electric vehicle charging stations for active power compensation," in Proc. IEEE VTC'17, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  19. R. Deng and H. Liang, "Whether to charge or discharge an electric vehicle? An optimal approach in polynomial time," in Proc. IEEE VTC'17, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  20. F. Zhang, Y. Liu, W. Liu, H. Liang, Y. Zang, and M. Fu, "Stochastic game between cloud broker and cloudlet for mobile cloud computing," in Proc. IEEE VTC'17, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  21. W. Liu, P. Zhuang, Y. Liu, H. Liang, Z. Huang, and J. Peng, "Cooperative neural fitted learning for distributed energy management in microgrids via wireless networks," in Proc. IEEE VTC'17, Sept. 2017. [PDF]

  22. R. Deng, Z. Zhang, J. Ren, and H. Liang, "Indoor temperature control of cost-effective smart buildings via real-time smart grid communications," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'16, Dec. 2016. [PDF]

  23. R. Deng and H. Liang, "Whether to charge an electric vehicle or not? A near-optimal online approach," in Proc. IEEE PES GM'16, July 2016. (Best Conference Papers on Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage, Microgrids, and Demand Response) [PDF]

  24. W. Wang, H. Liang, and J. Chen, "Stochastic modelling of community energy storage system based on diffusion approximation," in Proc. IEEE PES GM'16, July 2016. [PDF]

  25. P. Zhuang and H. Liang, "Energy storage management in smart homes based on resident activity of daily life recognition," in Proc. IEEE SmartGridComm'15, Nov. 2015. [PDF]

  26. Y. Liu and H. Liang, "A firm-union bargaining game approach for PHEV charging access control," in Proc. IEEE SmartGridComm'15, Nov. 2015. [PDF]

  27. T. N. Le, S. AL-Rubaye, H. Liang, and B. J. Choi, "Dynamic charging and discharging for electric vehicles in microgrids," in Proc. IEEE ICC'15 - Workshop on Green Communications and Networks with Energy Harvesting, Smart Grids, and Renewable Energies, June 2015. [PDF]

  28. J. Gao, X. Zhang, H. Liang, and X. Shen, "Joint encryption and compressed sensing in smart grid data transmission," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'14, Dec. 2014. [PDF]

  29. T. N. Le, B. J. Choi, H. Liang, H. Li, and X. Shen, "DCD: distributed charging and discharging scheme for EVs in microgrids," in Proc. IEEE SmartGridComm'14, Nov. 2014. [PDF]

  30. H. Liang, I. Sharma, W. Zhuang, and K. Bhattacharya, "Plug-in electric vehicle charging demand estimation based on queueing network analysis," in Proc. IEEE PES GM'14, July 2014. [PDF]

  31. N. Zhang, N. Cheng, H. Liang, Y. Tang, J. W. Mark, and X. Shen, "Efficient channel assignment for cooperative sensing based on convex bipartite matching," in Proc. IEEE ICC'14, June 2014. [PDF]

  32. H. Liang, A. Abdrabou, and W. Zhuang, "Stochastic information management for voltage regulation in smart distribution systems," in Proc. IEEE INFOCOM'14, Apr.-May 2014. (Acceptance rate: 19.4%) [PDF]

  33. J. Zhu, Z. Shi, H. Liang, R. Lu, and X. Shen, "Particle filter based grid synchronization with voltage unbalance and frequency variation in smart grid," in Proc. IEEE WCSP'13, Oct. 2013. [PDF]

  34. M. Wang, H. Liang, R. Deng, R. Zhang, and X. Shen, "VANET based online charging strategy for electric vehicles," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'13, Dec. 2013. [PDF]

  35. T. Yang, H. Liang, N. Cheng, and X. Shen, "Towards video packets store-carry-and-forward scheduling in maritime wideband communication," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'13, Dec. 2013. [PDF]

  36. H. Liang, B. J. Choi, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Decentralized inverter control in microgrids based on power sharing information through wireless communications," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'12, Dec. 2012. [PDF]

  37. H. Zhao, J. Zhang, H. Liang, and W. Zhuang, "A practical multi-hop channel allocation algorithm for cognitive radio ad hoc networks," in Proc. IEEE ICWITS'12, Nov. 2012.

  38. H. Liang, B. J. Choi, W. Zhuang, and X. Shen, "Towards optimal energy store-carry-and-deliver for PHEVs via V2G system," in Proc. IEEE INFOCOM'12, Mar. 2012. (Acceptance rate: 17.97%) (Best Paper Award Finalist) [PDF]

  39. B. Cao, L. X. Cai, H. Liang, J. W. Mark, Q. Zhang, H. V. Poor, and W. Zhuang, "Cooperative cognitive radio networking using quadrature signaling," in Proc. IEEE INFOCOM'12 (mini-conference), Mar. 2012. (Acceptance rate: 17.97%) [PDF]

  40. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Resource allocation for on-demand data delivery to high-speed trains via trackside infostations," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'11, Dec. 2011. [PDF]

  41. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Optimal message scheduling for roadside WLANs with pre-downloaded messages," in Proc. IEEE ICC'11, Jun. 2011. [PDF]

  42. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "A double-loop receiver-initiated medium access control scheme for data dissemination services with packet pre-downloading," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'10, Dec. 2010. [PDF]

  43. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "DTCoop: delay tolerant cooperative communications in DTN/WLAN integrated networks," in Proc. IEEE VTC'10-Fall, Sept. 2010. (Best Student Paper Award) [PDF]

  44. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "Cross-layer resource allocation for efficient message dissemination in rural infostation systems," in Proc. IEEE GLOBECOM'09, Nov. 2009. [PDF]

  45. H. Liang and W. Zhuang, "DFMAC: DTN-friendly medium access control for wireless local area networks," in Proc. IEEE CHINACOM'09, Aug. 2009. [PDF]

  46. X. Zhao, H. Liang, and Z. Gu, "A Markov chain-based capacity dimensioning method for wireless communications systems with AMC, HARQ and packet multimedia traffic source," in Proc. IEEE ICC'08, May 2008. [PDF]

  47. X. Zhao, J. Qi, H. Liang, and X. You, "An analytical method for capacity dimensioning of WCDMA with high speed wireless link," in Proc. IEEE WCNC'07, pp. 4172-4176, Mar. 2007. [PDF]

  48. H. Liang, Z. Gu, and X. Zhao, "A novel method for estimating the probability distribution of user's received CIR in HSDPA systems," in Proc. 22nd Annual Postgraduate Communications Conference in Nanjing, Dec. 2007. (Excellent Paper Award) [IN CHINESE]

  49. Z. Gu, H. Liang, and X. Zhao, "A modeling method for variable orthogonality factor," in Proc. 22nd Annual Postgraduate Communications Conference in Nanjing, Dec. 2007. [IN CHINESE]

  50. Z. Gu, H. Liang, and X. Zhao, "A novel capacity dimensioning method for HSDPA in mixed service scenarios," in Proc. 22nd Annual Postgraduate Communications Conference in Nanjing, Dec. 2007. [IN CHINESE]

Research Funding

NSERC Canada Research Chair (Tier 2), "Intelligent energy systems," 2017-2027. (PI)

Mitacs Accelerate Grant, "Efficient and resilient smart grid modeling and operation approaches in a smart city environment," 2022-2023. (PI)

NSERC Discovery Grant, "Stochastic energy management in smart grid with cyber-physical resilience enhancement," 2021-2026. (PI)

NSERC Alliance Grant, "Novel demand forecasting and reliability enhancement approaches for electrical grids in response to COVID-19 pandemic," 2020-2021. (PI)

NSERC Alliance Grant, "Towards future interconnected electric system," 2020-2025. (co-PI)

NSERC CRD Grant, "Optimal energy management of sustainable greenhouses in smart grid," 2020-2022. (PI)

Canada First Research Excellence Fund, "Future energy systems research initiative - blockchain-based smart contracts in the future smart grid," 2020-2021. (PI)

Alberta Innovates Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) Program, "Blockchain-based smart contracts in the future smart grid (matching fund)," 2020-2021. (co-PI)

NSERC CRD Grant, "A systems engineering approach for precision irrigation," 2018-2021. (Co-PI)

Canada First Research Excellence Fund, "Future energy systems research initiative: energy management strategies for distributed energy resources," 2018-2024. (Co-PI)

Canada First Research Excellence Fund, "Future energy systems research initiative: optimization of small wind turbines for gusty wind resources of Northern Canada," 2018-2024. (Co-PI)

Canada First Research Excellence Fund, "Future energy systems research initiative - future smart grid structures," 2017-2024. (Co-PI)

Canada First Research Excellence Fund, "Future energy systems research initiative - operational decision support for smart grids," 2017-2024. (Co-PI)

NSERC Engage Grant, "A data-driven approach for electric bus charging demand modelling," 2018. (PI)

Mitacs Accelerate Grant, "Wireless network planning and robust optimization for advanced irrigation systems," 2017. (PI)

Mitacs Accelerate Grant, "Optimal two-dimensional energy management of grid-connected thermal/electrical hybrid energy system," 2017-2018. (PI)

NSERC CRD Grant, "Assessment and mitigation of the impacts of distributed generation on urban utilities," 2015-2017. (Co-PI)

NSERC Discovery Grant, "Decentralized operation, control, and communications in smart grid," 2015-2020. (PI)

Faculty of Engineering Start-Up Funding for Research in Electrical & Computer Engineering, "Smart grid operation and control based on advanced information and communication systems," 2014-2019. (PI)

 

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners (in alphabetical order). Without their generous support, the research in our group would never be possible.


Alberta Innovates Technology Futures
Canada First Research Excellence Fund
Canada Research Chairs
Cisco Systems Inc.
Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC)
EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc.
General Motors Company
InteliRain Inc.
Pomphrey Industries Corporation
Mitacs
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
RWI Synthetics Inc.
St. Albert Transit / StAT
Waterloo North Hydro Inc.

Supervision

Postdoctoral Fellows, Graduate Students, Undergraduate Research Assistants, and Visiting Professors

Yuan Liu

  • Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, 2021-present (Ph.D. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Smart contracts and quantum algorithms for smart grid
Xiao Zhang

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Yindi Jing, 2021-present (B.Sc. McMaster University)
  • Research: Disturbance detection and localization in smart grid
Wenlong Shi

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, 2020-present (M.Sc. Jilin Universty)
  • Research: Cyber-physical resilient power distribution systems against natural disasters
Xiaotian Zhou

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, 2021-present (B.Sc. Universty of Alberta)
  • Research: Blockchain-based stochastic energy management in smart grid
Chen Kong

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, 2021-present (B.Sc. Universty of Alberta)
  • Research: Resource management of LoRa wireless networks for IoT applications
Zhao Yang

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Yindi Jing, 2023-present (M.Sc. North China Electric Power University)
  • Research: Cyber-physical security in multiphase power distribution systems
Qizhu Huang

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, starting 2023 (M.Sc. University of Hannover)
  • Research: Intelligent energy systems
Siyao Ma

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, 2020-Present (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Stochastic energy management of wastewater treatment plants in smart grid
Zhuoheng Wu

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, 2021-Present (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Quantum algorithms for smart grid applications
Gangyi Li

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Xihua Wang, 2020-2023 (B.Sc. Shandong University)
  • Research: Deep learning algorithms for optical design
Sharifullah Mohd Hussain

  • Position: M.Eng. Student, 2023-Present
  • Research: Intelligent energy management of home energy storage systems in smart grid

Alumni

Chensheng Liu

  • Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, 2018-2019 (Ph.D. Shanghai Jiaotong Univeristy)
  • Research: Cyber-physical security in smart grid
  • First/current employment: Distinguished Research Fellow, East China University of Science and Technology, China
Ruilong Deng

  • Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, 2015-2018 (Ph.D. Zhejiang University)
  • Research: demand response in smart grid
  • Major award: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures (AITF) Postdoctoral Fellowship
  • First employment: Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
  • Current employment: Full Professor, Zhejiang University, China
Peng Zhuang

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, 2015-2020 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Energy storage management in smart grid
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2014; Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship, 2019; NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2022.
  • First employment: Postdoctoral Fellow, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Current employment: Assistant Professor, Zhengzhou University, China
Yuan Liu

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, 2015-2020 (B.Sc. Zhejiang University)
  • Research: Stochastic energy management of electric vehicles in smart grid
  • First/current employment: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Yue Wang

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Venkata Dinavahi, 2015-2020 (M.Sc. China Agricultral University)
  • Research: Demand side management in smart grid
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
Zhichao Shi

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Venkata Dinavahi, 2016-2020 (M.Sc. National University of Defense Technology)
  • Research: Stochastic modeling and optimization in smart grid
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
  • First/current employment: Assistant Professor, National University of Defense Technology, China
Tianyu Ding

  • Position: Ph.D. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Wilsun Xu, 2014-2017 (B.Sc. Shandong University)
  • Research: harmonic assessment and mitigation for systems with mass-distributed harmonic sources
  • First employment: Utility Engineer at FortisAlberta, Calgary, AB, Canada
  • Current employment: Senior Engineer, Distribution Asset & Planning Strategies, BC Hydro, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Chengran Ma

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Yindi Jing, 2020-2022 (B.Sc. China University of Mining and Technology)
  • Research: Zero-sequence-voltage-based detection and localization schemes for false data injection attacks in multiphase power distribution systems grid
  • First/current employment: 5G Industrial Network Researcher, China Mobile Research Institute, China
Wenzhuo Chen

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, 2018-present (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in smart grid
  • First/current employment: Software Engineer at EvertzAV, Burlington, ON, Canada
Juncheng Wang

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Wilsun Xu, 2015-2017 (B.Sc. Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
  • Research: event-based non-intrusive home current measurement using sensor array
  • First employment: Internet of Things Engineer at Appropolis Inc. Calgary, AB.
  • Current employment: Ph.D. Sudent, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Weiran Wang

  • Position: M.Sc. Student, co-supervised with Dr. Jie Chen, 2015-2017 (B.Sc. Harbin Institute of Technology)
  • Research: stochastic modeling and optimization for community energy storage systems in smart grid
  • First employment: System Engineer at CenturyLink, Inc., Edmonton, AB, Canada.
  • Current employment: Business System Analyst, TELUS, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Nikolai Marianicz

  • Position: M.Eng. Student, 2023-2023
  • Research: Optimal multi-microgrid coordination in smart grid
Syed Waqar

  • Position: M.Eng. Student, 2023-2023
  • Research: Optimal energy management of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems in smart grid
Syed Zahid Hussain Shah

  • Position: M.Eng. Student, 2023-2023
  • Research: Intelligent energy management of smart grid with electric vehicle integration
Xuecai Bao

  • Position: Visiting Professor, 2017-2018 (Assistant Professor, Nanchang Institute of Technology)
  • Research: resource allocation for energy harvesting wireless networks
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
  • First/current employment: Associate Professor, Nanchang Institute of Technology, China.

Xi Yang

  • Position: Visiting Professor, 2016-2017 (Associate Professor, University of Electronic Science and Technology, China)
  • Research: big data analytics and its applications
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
  • First/current employment: Associate Professor, University of Electronic Science and Technology, China.

Yi Zang

  • Position: Visiting Professor, 2016-2017 (Associate Professor, Henan University of Technology, China)
  • Research: intelligent energy systems and smart grid
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
  • First/current employment: Associate Professor, Henan University of Technology, China.

Weirong Liu

  • Position: Visiting Professor, 2016-2017 (Associate Professor, Central South University, China)
  • Research: decentralized control in smart grid
  • Major award: China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship
  • First/current employment: Associate Professor, Central South University, China.

Fenghui Zhang

  • Position: Visiting Professor, 2016-2017 (Assistant Professor, West Anhui University, China)
  • Research: resource management for cloud computing
  • First/current employment: Associate Professor, West Anhui University, China.
Lifu Shao

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: reliable wireless networking for intelligent irrigation
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2017-2018
Phuoc-Hoan Charles Le

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: charging demand modeling of electric buses
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2017-2018
Christina Kong

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2018-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: transmission and distribution system planning with renewable energy sources
Zixin Zhao

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: wireless networking for intelligent irrigation
Benjamin Kendall

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: community energy storage systems in smart grid
Andrew Chamberlain

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: community energy storage systems in smart grid
Quinton Laborde

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: community energy storage systems in smart grid
Nikita Kanigan

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: community energy storage systems in smart grid
Dominique Dubbeldam

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: community energy storage systems in smart grid
Zirun Hong

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Wireless networking for advanced irrigation systems
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2018-2019
Shengxiang Sun

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2017-2018 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: An artificial neural network model for weather forecasting in advanced irrigation systems
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2018
Asfandyar Butt

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Optimal energy management in microgrid
Howie Huang

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Optimal energy management in microgrid
Steven Hironaka

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Optimal energy management in microgrid
Michael Spracklin

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Optimal energy management in microgrid
Alex Cheng

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on power system planning)
Jiajie Li

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on power system planning)
Wenkai Lei

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on power system planning)
Chenhui Zhang

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on power system planning)
Ibrahim Khan

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on smart charging)
Aden Weyrah

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on smart charging)
Anand Sundaram

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on smart charging)
Bilal Chughtai

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2018-2019 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: Electric bus integration in public transit (with a focus on smart charging)
Hanbing Wang

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2016-2017 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: impact of distributed generation on distribution systems
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2016-2017
Qingxin Yuan

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2016-2017 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: cyber security in smart grid
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2016-2017
Ryan Wallenberg

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2016-present (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: assessment and mitigation of the impact of distributed generation on urban utilities

Douglas DeVries

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2016-present (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: assessment and mitigation of the impact of distributed generation on urban utilities
Ao Li

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: assessment of the impacts of distributed generation on protection coordination
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2015
Zhiyao Qian

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: distributed generation impact study under normal operating conditions
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2015

Kevin Chan

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart homes with renewable energy sources
  • First/current employment: Telecon, Edmonton, AB
Inder Panesar

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart homes with renewable energy sources
Raymond Fung

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart homes with renewable energy sources
Dianliang Zhao

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart homes with renewable energy sources
Taimoor Khan

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2015-2016 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart homes with renewable energy sources
Saklain Khan

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: distributed generation impact assessment and mitigation
  • First/current employment: Schneider Electric, Calgary, AB
Yifan Wang

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: electric vehicle traffic and energy demand analysis
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2015
Fenqing Liu

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: probabilistic power flow analysis in smart grid
Yanbin Chen

  • Position: Summer Undergraduate Student, supported by International Student Work Study Program (ISWSP), 2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: big data analytics in smart grid
Peng Zhang

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2014-2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: traffic data analysis for queueing network based electric vehicle charging demand estimation
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2014-2015
Peng Zhuang

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2014-2015; Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2014 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: energy storage management in smart grid
  • Major award: Dean's Research Award, 2014
Fuqi Cui

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2014-2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart buildings in smart grid
  • First/current employment: London Drugs, Edmonton, AB
Shihang Wu

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2014-2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart buildings in smart grid
Zichen Ling

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2014-2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart buildings in smart grid
Rong Zhang

  • Position: EE Capstone Project, 2014-2015 (B.Sc. University of Alberta)
  • Research: smart buildings in smart grid
Xiuming Zhang

  • Position: Exchange Undergraduate Student, 2014 (B.Sc. National University of Singapore)
  • Research: big data analytics in smart grid
  • First/current employment: Clinical Imaging Research Center (CIRC), A*STAR Singapore
Nan Chen

  • Position: Exchange Undergraduate Student, 2014 (B.Sc. Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
  • Research: stability analysis of droop control in microgrid and stability enhancement via wireless networks
  • First/current employment: Ph.D. student at the University of Waterloo
Wei (Harrison) Wang

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2012-2013 (B.Sc. University of Waterloo)
  • Research: stochastic information management in smart grid
  • First employment: Master's student at Cornell University (subsequently employed by General Motors).
  • Current employment: Ericsson, San Jose, CA
Peter (Ze Yu) Xian

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2011 (B.Sc. University of Waterloo)
  • Research: wireless communication network design and optimization for smart grid
  • First employment: NVIDIA, Santa Clara, CA
  • Current employment: Entrepreneur, Consumer Electronics, San Francisco Bay Area
Seongho Kim

  • Position: Undergraduate Research Assistant, 2011 (B.Sc. University of Waterloo)
  • Research: wireless interference in home energy management systems
  • First/current employment: Innovative, Creative Engineering Solutions (ICES), Mississauga, ON.

Ph.D. Dissertation External Examiner

  • Z. Wei, "Modeling and analysis on electric vehicle charging," University of Victoria, Canada, 2017
  • S. Ali, "An analytical framework for power quality monitoring in smart power microgrid," University of Victoria, Canada, 2015.
  • B. Zhao, "Pricing and scheduling optimization problems in the smart grid," University of Victoria, Canada, 2015.
  • K. Zhou, "Demand response in smart grid," University of Victoria, Canada, 2015.

Selected Seminars

  1. H. Liang, "Stochastic energy management and cyber-physical security in smart distribution systems," IEEE SmartGridComm - Workshop on Intellitence and Security for Smart Energy Systems, October 28, 2022. (Keynote, Online)
  2. H. Liang, "Quantum computing for future energy systems," Quantum Algorithm Institute (QAI)-Microsoft-UofA Meeting on Quantum Algorithms, November 5, 2021. (Online)
  3. H. Liang, "Intelligent irrigation system architecture and implementation," Alberta Innovates (AI)-UofA Meeting on Advanced Irrigation Technologies, March 25, 2021. (Online)
  4. H. Liang, "Towards future interconnected electric system: cyber-physical security in smart grid," Alberta Power Industry Consortium (APIC)-UofA Pitch Meeting, November 13, 2020. (Online)
  5. H. Liang, "Research on intelligent energy systems at the University of Alberta," RWI-UofA Meeting on Smart Cities, Edmonton, AB, Canada, July 29, 2019.
  6. H. Liang, "Research on intelligent energy systems at the University of Alberta," RWI-UofA Meeting on Smart Cities, Edmonton, AB, Canada, July 29, 2019. (Invited Seminar)
  7. H. Liang, "University of Alberta electric vehicle and electric bus research," StAT-UofA Meeting on Electric Bus Integration, St. Albert Transit Center, St. Albert, AB, Canada, July 27, 2017.
  8. H. Liang, "Assessment and mitigation of the impacts of distributed generation on urban utilities," EPCOR-UofA Meeting on DG Integration, EPCOR North Service Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada, Dec. 12, 2016.
  9. H. Liang, "Cyber security in smart grid," AltaLink / University of Alberta Meeting on Protection and Cyber Security of AC Power Systems with Multi-Terminal HVDC Transmission Networks, Calgary, AB, Canada, May 26, 2016.
  10. H. Liang, "Electric cars on the grid," Interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Edmonton AM, Host: Mark Connolly, Jan. 25, 2016. [LINK]
  11. H. Liang, "Harmonic assessment and mitigation for systems with mass-distributed harmonic sources," International Workshop on Mobile Communications and Networking (IWMCN), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada, Nov. 27, 2015.
  12. H. Liang, "Wireless networking in smart grid," IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communications (SmartGridComm) Workshop on Smart Cities Enabled by Smart Grid Communications - Challenges and Opportunities from a Grid Modernization Perspective, Miami, FL, Nov. 2, 2015.
  13. H. Liang, "Advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China, May 27, 2015.
  14. H. Liang, "Advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China, May 19, 2015.
  15. H. Liang, "Advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," North American Chinese Power Professional Association (NACPPA) Webinar Series, Nov. 2014.
  16. H. Liang, "Smart buildings in smart grid," City of Edmonton - Blatchford Redevelopment Research Collaborations, Edmonton, AB, Canada, Sept. 2014.
  17. J. Salmon, P. Musilek, and H. Liang, "UofA electrical engineering projects - advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," EPCOR Utilities / University of Alberta Meeting on Distributed Generation, Edmonton, AB, Canada, Aug. 2014.
  18. H. Liang, "Advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, Apr. 2014.
  19. H. Liang, "Advanced information and communication systems for smart grid," Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, Apr. 2014.
  20. H. Liang, "Wireless networking and stochastic information management in smart grid," Department of Computing and Software, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Sept. 2013.
  21. H. Liang, "Smart grid research at BBCR Lab," Siemens New Jersey / University of Waterloo Meeting on Smart Grid, Waterloo, ON, Canada, May 2013.
  22. X. Shen, K. Bhattacharya, H. Liang, and R. Lu, "Smart grid research at University of Waterloo," Waterloo North Hydro / University of Waterloo Meeting on Smart Grid, Waterloo, ON, Canada, Mar. 2013.
  23. X. Shen, H. Liang, and R. Lu, "Current and future research challenges in smart grid networks," Defense Research and Development Canada / BBCR Lab Meeting on Smart Grid, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Jan. 2013.
  24. H. Liang, "Towards optimal energy store-carry-and-deliver for PHEVs via V2G system," ECE Graduate Student Research Talks, University of Waterloo, Mar. 2012. (Best Speaker Award)

Professional Activities

Technical Journal Editorships
  • Editor, IET Communications, 2016-2022
  • Guest Editor, IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computing, Special Issue on Big Data Computing for the Smart Grid, 2016
  • System Administrator, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 2009-2013
Chair/Co-Chair of Conferences
  • TPC Co-Chair, Smart Grids for Smart Cities (SGSC) Conference - Smart City 360 Summit 2015
  • Travel Grants Chair, IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communications (SmartGridComm) 2015
  • Workshop Co-Chair, Smart Cities Enabled by Smart Grid Comms - Challenges and Opportunities from a Grid Modernization Perspective, IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communications (SmartGridComm) 2015
  • Student Travel Grant Co-Chair, IEEE/CIC International Conference on Communications in China (ICCC) 2015
Technical Program Committee (TPC) Member of Conferences
  • IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communications (SmartGridComm) 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
  • IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC) 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • IEEE Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
  • IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC) 2010-Fall, 2011-Fall, 2013-Spring, 2016-Spring, 2016-Fall, 2017-Spring, 2017-Fall
  • IEEE Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE) 2016
  • IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies Conference (ISGT) 2014
  • IEEE International Conference on Sensing, Communication and Networking (SECON) Workshop on Toward A City-Wide Pervasive EnviRonment (CoWPER) 2016
  • IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT), 2015
  • IEEE Conference on Energy Conversion (CENCON) 2014
  • IEEE International Conference on Clean Energy and Technologies (CEAT) 2013
  • IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECON) 2012, 2014
  • IEEE International Conference on Telecommunications (ICT) 2015
  • IEEE International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC) 2014
  • IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing (ISSNIP) 2014
  • IEEE Second International Conference on Image Information Processing (ICIIP) 2013
  • IEEE International Conference on Connected Vehicles and Expo (ICCVE) 2013, 2014, 2015
  • IEEE International Conference on Communications in China (ICCC) 2013, 2014
  • IEEE International Conference on Signal Processing, Informatics, Communication and Energy Systems (SPICES) 2015
  • International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communications and Informatics (ICACCI) 2014
  • International Conference on Ambient Systems, Networks and Technologies (ANT) 2014
  • International Symposium on Security in Computing and Communications (SSCC) 2014
  • International Conference on Wireless Communications and Signal Processing (WCSP) 2013
Conference Session Chair
  • IEEE GLOBECOM 2012 - WN14: Network Coding
  • IEEE VTC 2010 Fall - 8I: Medium Access Control
Journal Reviewer

      Power and Energy Systems Related Areas

  • IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid
  • IEEE Transactions on Power Systems
  • IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery
  • IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy
  • IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion
  • IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
  • IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution

      Information and Communication Systems Related Areas

  • IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications
  • IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking
  • IEEE Transactions on Communications
  • IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications
  • IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing
  • IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems
  • IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology
  • IEEE Transactions on Emerging Topics in Computing
  • IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
  • IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems
  • IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering
  • IEEE Transactions on Cognitive Communications and Networking
  • IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics
  • IEEE Communications Magazine
  • IEEE Wireless Communications
  • IEEE Network
  • IEEE Internet of Things Journal
  • IEEE Communications Letters
  • IEEE Wireless Communications Letters
  • IEEE Systems Journal
  • EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking
  • European Journal of Operational Research
  • Energies
  • Wiley Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies
  • Wiley Security and Communication Networks
  • Elsevier Information Sciences
  • Elsevier Ad Hoc Networks
  • Elsevier Computer Communications
  • Elsevier Computer Networks
  • Elsevier Journal of Network and Computer Applications
  • Elsevier International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems
  • Elsevier Computers and Electrical Engineering
  • ACM Mobile Networks and Applications
  • KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems
  • Springer Journal of Wireless Personal Communications
  • Springer Telecommunication Systems
  • China Communications
  • Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute Journal
  • Journal of Machinery Manufacturing and Automation
IEEE Membership
  • IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES)
  • IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc)
Membership of Department Committee
  • Research and Planning Committee, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta (2015-present)
  • ECE Bridge Planning Team, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta (2016-2017)

Useful Information

University of Alberta
  • "The university has been recognized by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings as one of the top five universities in Canada and one of the top 100 universities worldwide." - Wikipedia
City of Edmonton
  • "The Calgary-Edmonton Corridor is in a unique position in Canada. Specifically, it is the only Canadian urban centre to amass a U.S.-level of wealth while preserving a Canadian-style quality of life." - TD Bank Financial Group
  • "Poised to take up the mantle of Canada's new energy capital, Edmonton is strategically located between the world?s second largest oil reserves and the US, one of the planet's largest energy consumers." - Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
Canada

  • "Canada is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the eighth highest per capita income globally, and the eleventh highest ranking in the Human Development Index. It ranks among the highest in international measurements of education, government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, and economic freedom." - Wikipedia
  • The information about Canadian immigration programs for Ph.D. and Master's students is available here
  • The information about "super visas" for parents and grandparents is available here
  • The information about Canadian citizenship is available here
  • Permanent resident of Canada or Canadian citizen is eligible for a NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, for a maximum of 2 years, to be hold in a Canadian university/institution or a university/research centre outside Canada
  • Canadian citizen usually does not need a visa to work as a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Professional. More information is available here
Courses for Graduate Students in Smart Grid Related Areas (suggestions based on my own enrolment)
  • Power and energy system discipline - Power System Analysis and Control, Power Electronics, Power Systems Operation, Distribution System Engineering, Power System Quality, High Voltage Engineering Applications
  • Information and communication system discipline - Stochastic Processes, Communications over Fading Dispersive Channels, Digital Communications, Wireless Communication Networks, Network Information Theory, Network Coding Theory
Calls for Papers

  • IEEE Power & Energy Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Power Electronics Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Signal Processing Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Computer Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Cloud Computing Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Sensor Council Journals [LINK]
  • IEEE Intelligent Transportation Systems Society [LINK]
  • IEEE Computer Society's Technical Committee on Security and Privacy [LINK]
  • IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering [LINK]
  • IEEE Transactions on Services Computing [LINK]
  • IEEE Network [LINK]
  • IEEE Communications Magazine [LINK]
  • IEEE Wireless Communications [LINK]
  • IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine [LINK]
  • IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials [LINK]
  • IEEE/KICS Journal of Communications and Networks [LINK]
  • IEEE Internet of Things Journal [LINK]
  • IEEE System Journal [LINK]
  • Elsevier Ad Hoc Networks [LINK]
  • Elsevier Computer Networks [LINK]
  • Elsevier Information Sciences [LINK]
  • Elsevier Computer Communications [LINK]
  • Wiley Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing [LINK]
  • Wiley Security and Communication Networks [LINK]
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