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Microgrid Design, Economic Optimization and Simulation

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Approximately 1.2 billion people currently lack access to electricity.

Microgrids are emerging as a cost‐effective and scalable option for meeting global energy demand. Countries throughout the world are now exploring Microgrids as a reliable, low‐cost, and timely option to electrify communities away from the grid, or with unreliable electrical power. These localized electricity networks, typically harnessing energy from available solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, could hasten connectivity and reliability for millions of people, while the convergence of key factors such as cost reductions in power generation, storage technology, and use of smart meters, along with various financial models are bringing Microgrids within reach.

Participants can expect detailed instructions and hands-on exercises with state-of-the art tools such as Renewable, Ninja, Microsoft Excel advanced optimization features and sophisticated system modeling on the XENDEE microgrid simulator.

This course delivers comprehensive Microgrid training for both developers and financiers.

Course Highlights:

  • Differentiate Between Simulation and Optimization Tools
  • Overview of Existing Tools
  • Microgrid Feasibility and Planning
  • Assessing Customer Needs
  • Select the Most Economically Optimal Mix and Size of Technologies for Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources (DER)
  • Where to Ideally Install the System
  • How to Optimally Operate the System (Dispatch)
  • Designing Power Distribution Networks
  • Perform 8760 Time-Series Power Flow Analysis
  • De-Risk Microgrid Projects and Increase Confidence to Finance
  • Analyzing Project Bankability
  • Validating the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) Projections
  • Validating Optimal Project CAPEX and OPEX Projections
  • Validating CO2 Emissions Reductions for Carbon Credit

Course Learning Outcomes:

  • Empower students with the basics of economic optimization
  • Plan and Configure Microgrids
  • Perform Economic Optimization
  • Validate Microgrid Project Bankability

Course Typically Offered: Online in Spring and Fall quarters.

Prerequisite: A BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Next Step: After completing this course, consider taking other courses in the Power Systems Engineering certficiate program.

Contact: For more information about this course, please email unexengr@ucsd.edu.

Note: Students need to have a laptop or PC (Apple Mac or Microsoft Windows) with Internet access. The instructor will provide students with free access to world-class microgrid planning and optimization software for the duration of this course.

Course Number: CSE-41291
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Power Systems Engineering

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