Course Overview
The course builds upon the fundamental concepts from previous courses to provide details of microgrid design, operation, protection and control in both grid-connected and islanded (independent) modes of operation. The economic and environmental impact of microgrids will also be studied, offering students a basis for comparison with conventional approaches to distribution system implementation and planning. Furthermore, an overview of relevant standards which govern the safe operation of microgrids will be provided and students will be required to apply these standards in their work. The theoretical content will be reinforced with real-world case studies and laboratory sessions which involve implementation on a small-scale microgrid. Selected topics in emerging areas, such as the development of DC microgrids, or volt-var optimization (VVO) will also be presented in each iteration of the course. As a contribution to the student’s portfolio of work developed throughout the program, an individual project component will be included in this course. In this project students will be required to design and implement a feature or aspect of a microgrid EMS. Projects could include the development of a module which enables load or generation forecasting; enables new energy trading techniques for small-scale transactional markets; achieves optimal dispatch of renewable distributed energy resources or other applications of numerical analysis. Students will be required to demonstrate and develop a report which provides details of their project.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the economic and environmental benefits of microgrids versus conventional approaches to rural electrification
- Propose solutions to the technical and social challenges in the implementation and operation of microgrids in both urban and remote areas
- Design a suitable architecture for microgrids used in a variety of applications such as remote communities, military, and industrial compounds
- Apply the relevant standards which relate to design and safe operation of microgrids
- Perform an interconnection study to determine the impact of a microgrid when interconnected to the larger grid based on standards or procedures set out by the electric utility or regulators
- Develop protection systems which are suitable for achieving the target levels safety and reliability in a grid-connected or islanded microgrid
- Develop frequency and voltage control schemes for microgrids in islanded and grid-connected modes of operation
- Select appropriate control and communication hardware which allow for interaction between elements within a microgrid, between multiple independent microgrids, between the microgrid and the larger electric utility
- Describe the benefits, challenges and principles of DC microgrids implementation as well as practical aspects relating to their implementation
- Develop an energy management system (EMS) for a smart microgrid which enables basic operation and augment the EMS to provide additional useful functions such as forecasting, small-scale transactions, and DER optimal dispatch and other applications of numerical analysis
Effective as of Fall 2021
Related Programs
Microgrid Design, Operation & Control (SGST 9310) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Smart Grid Systems and Technologies
Master of Engineering Full-time/Part-time
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.