Renewable & Distributed Energy Systems SGST 9320

This course will explore the details of renewable energy technologies that have the most potential for use in British Columbia, including: wind farms and turbines (with a focus on Type 3 and 4 turbines); micro-hydro and tidal power devices and systems; photovoltaic devices, solar farms and solar-storage hydro systems; and, biomass generation. For each of these technologies, students will be exposed to detailed design, modeling, operation and control aspects associated with that technology. The theory in the course will be supported by case studies sourced from industry, as well as a laboratory component which allows for hands-on exposure to these technologies will be included in the course. The course will also include a ‘selected topics’ module which will be updated frequently as advancements are made in the area of renewable energy. In addition to the details of the individual technologies, issues and mitigation of issues involved with the integration into the electric utility grid will also be covered. In doing so, students will gain familiarity with the technical, economic and social issues surrounding the integration of renewable resources. These topics will enable students to propose a renewable energy system design suitable for interconnection to the electric utility grid. To contribute to their portfolio of work in SGST, this course will involve an individual project requiring students to select appropriate renewable energy technology and design a renewable energy system suitable for interconnection to the smart microgrid being designed as students progress through the program. Students will develop a report which demonstrates and documents the results of their project.