About this course
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Learning Objectives
- Identify the key components that comprise a microgrid.
- Examine the various challenges to implementing microgrids.
- Learn how to assemble the necessary components to create a functional microgrid.
- Explore optimization approaches using modeling and other tools.
- Learn how to develop a microgrid business model.
- Become familiar with the considerations for both U.S.-based and international microgrid deployment.
Course outline
10 modules • 51 assignments • 6:14 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 0 assignments
Orientation Materials
This is a self-study on demand course. This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Overview
This week, we’ll define our terms, explain the increasing need for microgrids, examine the U.S. and global microgrid markets, present drivers like security and disruptions (e.g. weather, terrorist attack, natural disasters), outline the main elements of a microgrid, provide an overview of distributed generation, and imagine how microgrids will function as the energy landscape continues to evolve.
- Section 1 Intro and Overview (52:28 minutes) Preview
- Definitions of Micro-grids (.pdf)
- Homework Assignment - Post Answers to Discussion Board
Module 2 • 2 assignments
The Big Questions
This week will provide the answers to the following questions? How do we classify microgrids? What are the two key things microgrids provide? What is the value proposition? What is holding back the development of microgrids if they are superior to the existing grid? What is a realistic forecast for microgrids? What would it take to exceed the realistic forecast?
- Section 2 The Big questions: more particulars, value prop (56:54 minutes)
- Optional: Additional specifics on DC vs AC system (.pdf)
Module 3 • 8 assignments
Case Studies
While microgrids have been studied and discussed extensively in theoretical terms, real-world examples are limited. This week will present case studies covering mixed modes (diesel, solar PV, batteries, etc.) and also different contexts/geographies (United States, international, island, etc.). Particular attention will be paid to the University of California, San Diego microgrid, which generates over 90% of the university's electricity.
- Module 3 case studies lecture (45:09 minutes)
- Optional: UCSD Additional reading 1 (.pdf)
- Optional: UCSD Additional reading 2 (.pdf)
- Optional: UCSD Additional deep dive by J Dilliot (.pdf)
- Optional: Borrego Springs additional reading 1 (.pdf)
- Optional: Borrego Springs additional reading 2 (.pdf)
- Optional: Hut Hamlet drill down with extended details (.pdf)
- Optional: Extended reading on Island micro-grids (.pdf)
Module 4 • 8 assignments
Key Components
Each microgrid project is different and incorporates different technologies and components to achieve its goals. This week will cover some of the common pieces of the puzzle, including solar panels, batteries, macro and micro wind turbines, diesel, and controllers.
- Module 4 components: PV & Batteries (43:15 minutes)
- Optional: NREL PV system guide (.pdf)
- Optional: Extra info on PV module selection (.pdf)
- Optional: PV module listing with specs (.pdf)
- Optional: More info on practicalities for battery choice (.pdf)
- Optional: Additional reading for off-grid batteries (.pdf)
- Optional: Common mistakes for Lead-acid batteries (.pdf)
- Optional: More on LA vs Li-ion white paper (.pdf)
Module 5 • 6 assignments
Assembling a Practical Microgrid
Microgrids range in size and complexity. This week will cover do-it-yourself options, more complex configurations, and engineering scale considerations.
- Module 5 Starting to build a micro-grid: considerations (19:21 minutes)
- Optional: Regulation of microgrids by various orgs w/links (.pdf)
- Optional: Intro to Inverters (.pdf)
- Optional: more info on MPPT (.pdf)
- Optional: managing battery charging with diversion loads (.pdf)
- Optional: Example of off-grid with wiring diagram/details (.pdf)
Module 6 • 3 assignments
Tools to Facilitate Microgrid Deployment and Modeling for Optimization
This week will describe how to leverage the learning and capabilities already out there. It will present more than 50 tools for global microgrid implementation. Two examples are HOMER, software that provides quantitative modeling of power sources and output, and GifZ, a German web-based microgrid tool that can assist with load assessment, sizing, and financing.
- Module 6 some initial tools for building (17:58 minutes)
- Optional: Sizing a diesel generator for small microgrids (.pdf)
- Optional: Deep dive - comprehensive micro-grid design (.pdf)
Module 7 • 4 assignments
What Microgrid Customers Want: How Can the Industry Best Deliver?
This week will delve into the myriad obstacles microgrids face. In the United States' residential market, all the necessary pieces exist, but the puzzle has not yet been solved. In the Virgin Islands, there is demand but no supply.
- Module 7 Delivering to the market (34:52 minutes)
- Optional: Boston micro-grid analysis for the community (.pdf)
- Optional: Boston micro-grid analysis - white paper 1 (.pdf)
- Optional: Boston micro-grid analysis - white paper 2 (.pdf)
Module 8 • 5 assignments
Financial and Policy Considerations
This week will explore the best ways to finance microgrid projects and how to drive (and survive) local, state and federal microgrid policy. It will also touch upon near-term developments in global support sources.
- Module 8 Financing and Policy considerations (51:18 minutes)
- Optional: enhanced valuation for micro-grids (.pdf)
- Optional: New regulatory models by Aggarwal & Burgess (.pdf)
- Optional: utility franchise considerations by McCary (.pdf)
- Optional: New generation standards by A. DeLaski et.al. (.pdf)
Module 9 • 5 assignments
International Microgrid Deployment
This week will take a broad look at the international microgrid landscape (including India, Africa, and China). It will review different potential business models and look to the telecommunications sector as an example of what is possible. Finally, it will provide an overview of clean energy mini-grid support providers and programs.
- Module 9 International considerations (21:49 minutes)
- Optional: Energy Access Practitioners Network Info & Links (.pdf)
- Optional: Sustainable Energy 4all - info & links (.pdf)
- Optional: List of possible financing & support sources (.pdf)
- Optional: Sustainable Energy 4all - How to get started (.pdf)
Module 10 • 3 assignments
The Future of Microgrids
This week will summarize and synthesize the material for the first nine weeks and provide additional resources for researching microgrid development.
- Module 10: Look to the Future (31:07 minutes)
- Optional: Rate change policy for NARUC 2016 (.pdf)
- Optional: EAPN- Energy Access for All by 2030 (.pdf)
Conclusion • 4 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 10 Professional Development Contact Hours
Author
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Dr. Andrew Skumanich is a successful Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of SolarVision Consulting, a boutique technology business development company with a core team of technologists focused on renewables and distributed generation energy production. He is a global expert on microgrids and has participated as part of a team installing more than... Learn more
