Course Description
Welcome to the exciting world of microgrid design and sustainable energy systems! This comprehensive course, "Introduction to Microgrids," offered by AlaskaX, is an essential stepping stone for anyone interested in shaping the future of electricity distribution and renewable energy integration. As we move towards a more resilient and decentralized electric grid, microgrids are becoming increasingly crucial in designing sustainable energy architectures.
What students will learn from the course:
- Fundamental concepts of microgrid design with a community-centric perspective
- Holistic approach to energy systems management
- Critical evaluation of microgrid systems design and related topics
- Strategies for integrating high levels of distributed renewable energy generation
- Real-world applications through extensive examples and site visits
- Insights from experts in innovative and advanced microgrid systems
- Best practices for all stages of microgrid project development
Pre-requisite or skills necessary to complete the course:
While no specific technical background is required, a general understanding of electric generation and transmission, as well as renewable energy, is helpful. The course offers opportunities to review basic energy principles and terminology for learners without a strong technical background.
What the course will cover:
- Types of microgrids and their energy and infrastructure services
- Off-grid/islanded microgrid projects and systems
- Strategies for renewable energy systems integration
- Dispatchable and non-dispatchable power sources
- System control, regulation, and optimization
- Power electronics advances and energy storage devices
- Control and optimization strategies for converter-dominated power systems
- Role of energy storage technologies and inverter technologies
- Microgrid system design, scoping, data collection, and modeling
Who this course is for:
- Engineering students interested in sustainable energy systems
- Professionals in the energy sector looking to expand their knowledge
- Community leaders and policymakers interested in implementing microgrid solutions
- Anyone passionate about renewable energy and sustainable development
How learners can use these skills in the real world:
- Designing and implementing microgrid systems for communities
- Improving energy resilience and sustainability in various settings
- Integrating renewable energy sources into existing power systems
- Developing innovative energy solutions for remote or off-grid locations
- Advancing careers in the rapidly growing field of sustainable energy
Syllabus:
Week 1: Introduction to Microgrids
- Getting started
- Defining what is and what is not a microgrid
- Types and use cases of microgrids
- Comparison of microgrids to other grid architectures
- Community perspectives on microgrids
Week 2: Microgrid System Design
- Design methodology and metrics
- Planning and scoping out a project
- Data collection and management
- Conceptual design and modeling
- Project development and implementation considerations
Week 3: Renewable Energy Integration
- Types of distributed energy resources
- Impacts of resource variability on small grids
- Load/grid demand considerations
- Renewable energy penetration
- Strategies for incorporating high levels of variable renewables
Week 4: Storage and Power Electronics
- Energy storage technology overview
- Services provided by energy storage
- Sizing storage solutions
- Battery technologies and safety
- Power storage
- Thermal storage
- The changing economics of energy storage
By enrolling in this course, you'll gain invaluable insights into the cutting-edge world of microgrids and sustainable energy systems, preparing you for the future of electricity distribution and renewable energy integration. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of the energy revolution!