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Course

Microgrid Design, Economic Optimization and Simulation

CSE-41291

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 Redit

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.

Course Information

Online
3.00 units
$845.00

Course sessions

Closed

Section ID:

184056

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

Microgrid Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Resilient and Sustainable Energy System 1st
by Abi-Samra, Nicholas

ISBN / ASIN: 9798873151059

You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 9/30/2024

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Closed

Instructor: Nicholas Abi Samra

Nicholas Abi Samra
Nicholas Abi-Samra serves as the Principal at Electric Power and Energy Co. and as Senior Technical Director at Worley, in addition to his teaching role at UC San Diego Extended Studies Division. His career includes positions such as Westinghouse Fellow, Senior Technical Executive at EPRI, Vice President at Quanta Technology, and Senior Vice President of Power Transmission & Distribution at DNV GL. He authored "Power Grid Resiliency Under Adverse Conditions" (2017) and “Microgrid Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for Resilient and Sustainable Energy Systems” (2024). He also authored or co-authored more than 150 scholarly publications, as well as developed fifteen advanced power engineering courses.

Abi-Samra chaired the 2012 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting and has led the IEEE Power & Energy and Power Electronics Societies in San Diego for a decade.
Full Bio