Live support chatMicrogrid Power Systems (Video on Demand)
Credit: 2 PDH
Subject Matter Expert: Lee Layton, P.E.
In Microgrid Power Systems (Video on Demand), you'll learn ...
- The structure and benefits of microgrids
- The types of generation resources used in microgrids
- The different control schemes for operating microgrids
- The challenges facing microgrid deployments
Overview
Preview a portion of the video before you purchase it.
Credit: 2 PDH
This video on demand course presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of microgrids—localized energy systems capable of operating independently or in conjunction with the main utility grid. It begins by defining a microgrid as a network of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (DERs) within a defined boundary that can seamlessly transition between grid-connected and islanded modes. Key characteristics such as local generation, autonomous operation, and intelligent control systems are emphasized.
The presentation examines microgrid applications for critical infrastructure such as military bases, hospitals, and data centers, as well as industrial campuses and remote communities. It outlines numerous benefits, including improved resilience, operational flexibility, and reduced strain on utility grids. However, challenges such as complex protection schemes, power flow variability, and economic costs are also addressed.
A detailed breakdown of microgrid components follows, including the Point of Common Coupling (PCC), micro-source controllers, inverters, energy managers, and separation devices. The discussion then shifts to generation resources—reciprocating engines, microturbines, fuel cells, solar PV, wind, and various energy storage systems—and their integration into combined heat and power (CHP) configurations.
Protection systems and operational schemes are analyzed, highlighting fault scenarios, islanding dynamics, and multi-layered control strategies (primary, secondary, tertiary). The business case segment evaluates cost-effectiveness, reliability, security, and environmental performance, supported by energy efficiency concepts like “negawatts.”
Finally, real-world case studies—such as the FDA facility in Maryland and Blue Lake Rancheria in California—demonstrate microgrid implementation, resilience during outages, and measurable environmental and economic benefits. The presentation underscores microgrids as a scalable, sustainable solution for modern energy challenges.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- The definition of a microgrid and its key characteristics, including islanding capability, localized generation, and intelligent control.
- The major components of a microgrid, such as the Point of Common Coupling (PCC), micro-source controllers, inverters, energy managers, and separation devices.
- Various distributed energy resources (DERs) used in microgrids, including reciprocating engines, microturbines, fuel cells, solar, wind, and battery storage.
- The structure and configurations of microgrids and how they integrate with the U.S. power grid in both grid-connected and islanded modes.
- Protection and control strategies used in microgrid operation, including fault detection, islanding, grid reconnection, and layered control schemes (primary, secondary, tertiary).
- The operational challenges of microgrids, such as bidirectional power flow, transient stability, low inertia, and load variability.
- The economic and environmental benefits of microgrids, including cost savings, improved reliability, energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions.
- Real-world case studies of microgrid implementation from projects like the FDA campus and Blue Lake Rancheria.
Video on Demand
This course is a recorded version of a live lecture and will be streamed directly to your computer's media player. Our format is generally compatible with media players included with all computers and mobile devices. After watching the video presentation, you will return to your account to take the online quiz. While this is a recording of a live presentation, please note that this recording will not qualify as a "live" or "interactive" continuing education activity in those jurisdictions where it is required.
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 10 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
| This course is applicable to professional engineers in: | ||
| Alabama (P.E.) | Alaska (P.E.) | Arkansas (P.E.) |
| Delaware (P.E.) | District of Columbia (P.E.) | Florida (P.E. Area of Practice) |
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| Illinois (S.E.) | Indiana (P.E.) | Iowa (P.E.) |
| Kansas (P.E.) | Kentucky (P.E.) | Louisiana (P.E.) |
| Maine (P.E.) | Maryland (P.E.) | Michigan (P.E.) |
| Minnesota (P.E.) | Mississippi (P.E.) | Missouri (P.E.) |
| Montana (P.E.) | Nebraska (P.E.) | Nevada (P.E.) |
| New Hampshire (P.E.) | New Jersey (P.E.) | New Mexico (P.E.) |
| New York (P.E.) | North Carolina (P.E.) | North Dakota (P.E.) |
| Ohio (P.E. Self-Paced) | Oklahoma (P.E.) | Oregon (P.E.) |
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| Vermont (P.E.) | Virginia (P.E.) | West Virginia (P.E.) |
| Wisconsin (P.E.) | Wyoming (P.E.) | |
Preview a portion of the video before you purchase it.
Credit: 2 PDH
