This is the first in a series of three courses that provides a system view of the grid and are designed to expose participants to the complex engineering challenges associated with transforming today’s power grid, laying the foundation for designing the necessary solutions for grid modernization. With a normal tuition fee of $3,495, there will be no charge for the course, thanks to a generous State Energy Sector Partnership scholarship (available to eligible students - a value that will not be offered again).
Each course leverages the InteGrid Lab (www.integridlab.com) – a unique facility in Fort Collins that houses an operational 2 MW power system where innovative smart grid solutions are tested prior to being installed in the field. Hands-on activities provide participants experience on a real power system – participating in exercises and simulations that they would see in a real utility – where they will have an opportunity to analyze variables on the grid under changing conditions such as integrating more wind or solar power, security breaches, or different protection devices.
The first course will provide a technical foundation to smart grid for engineering professionals. Course participants will receive an introduction to the electric power grid with an emphasis on the demands and changes that are driving the need for a more intelligent electric power grid. Topics covered include: electricity and power grid basics, power grid topology, substations and transformers, Voltage/VAR control, protective devices, SCADA and Distribution Management Systems (DMS), and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
In addition, participants will become familiar with the economic impacts of smart grid through assessment of various residential and commercial rate structures and corresponding energy pricing. Lab activities will provide an opportunity for attendees to see Ohm’s and Kirchoff’s law brought to life in a 2MW-scale lab, as well as an opportunity to analyze “run data” that compares a variety of different smart grid variables. Participants will be able to see first-hand the operation of industrial, commercial, and utility-scale microgrids.
Successful completion of this course, along with two others, leads to a certificate of completion in Smart Grid Engineering.
Eligible students may qualify for a scholarship, generously made available by the Colorado State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP), which will pay the full tuition amount of $3495.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Demonstrate they are able to legally work in the U.S.
- Be a Colorado resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be registered with Selective Service, if a male born in 1960 or later.
U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge receive registration priority. All who register must provide necessary documentation to verify eligibility prior to the first day of class. Prior to the start of the course, you will be asked to complete an SESP application and provide citizenship/legal work status documentation. Examples include Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport – AND a state issued identification (i.e., Colorado driver's license). If you are a veteran, you must also provide verification of this such as your DD-214.
Carol Bernard will contact registrants to request appropriate documentation. If you have questions about registration requirements, contact Carol at carol.bernard@colostate.edu. Colorado State University reserves the right to drop registration if documentation is not provided upon request or if funding is no longer available.