Microgrid Systems

Photovoltaics (PVs)

Solar energy has been the fastest-growing renewable energy source in recent years. It continues to grow in popularity due to a combination of incentive programs, the increasing cost-effectiveness of technology, and shifting property-owner values. To meet this popular demand, our hands-on training covers the common steps of a residential solar electric retrofit. Hence, making trainees familiar with common problems they’ll encounter on the job every day. Trainees will wire up inverters from various manufacturers and mount solar panels on racking systems with roof penetrations and panel attachments. Trainees will develop a working knowledge of DC disconnects, inverters, AC disconnects, and load centers/service panels to facilitate connection to the utility.

Wind Energy

The energy of wind has been exploited for thousands of years. The oldest applications of wind energy include extracting water from wells, grinding grain into flour, and other agricultural uses. In recent times, the use of wind energy has primarily evolved for the generation of electricity.

The basics of the wind energy course include understanding the following components of a windmill :

• A rotor consisting of blades with aerodynamic surfaces. When the wind blows over the blades, the rotor captures the kinetic energy of the wind and begins to turn, converting it into motion. This motion causes the generator or alternator in the turbine to rotate, producing electricity.

• A gearbox that matches the rotor speed to that of the generator/alternator. The smallest turbines (e.g., smaller than 10 kW) usually do not require a gearbox.

• An enclosure (or nacelle) that protects the gearbox, generator, and other components of the turbine from the elements.

• A tailvane (or yaw system) that aligns the turbine with the wind.

Fuel Cell Energy

The global fuel cell market is projected to grow from $8.6 billion in 2025 to $20.6 billion by 2035. Fuel cells can operate on various fuels, with hydrogen being the most efficient and environmentally friendly option. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process, not combustion, by converting the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy, with heat and water as byproducts. The course explores the potential of hydrogen technologies in power systems, with a focus on production, storage, and applications. A critical review of hydrogen energy systems will be conducted, focusing on technologies, applications, trends, challenges, and the integration of hydrogen into power systems for a sustainable energy transition.

Batteries

An introduction to batteries will cover the following:

Electrochemistry Basics

• electrochemical cells & ion transport

• electrochemical potential

• half-cell reactions

Lithium-ion Batteries (LiBs)

• battery materials

• application of batteries

• “post-LiBs”

Fuel Cell Basics & Applications

• fuel cell types and materials

• basic electrocatalysis

• H2 reduction & O2 reduction kinetics

• transport resistances

• cell-reversal & start-stop degrad

Battery Assembly

• spiral-wound cylindrical design

• high-energy batteries: pouch or prismatic cells