Grid Interconnection and Distribution

CEP 130 'Grid Interconnection and Distribution' is a technician-level course designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to work with grid-tied renewable energy systems and other distributed generation technologies. The curriculum covers essential topics including industry-accepted interconnection standards, ensuring compliance and safety for integrated systems. Students will learn about various grid protection methods and equipment, understanding their role in maintaining grid stability and preventing faults. The course also delves into the economic and operational aspects of net metering and other compensation mechanisms for distributed energy, as well as the principles and applications of microgrids for enhanced energy resilience and independence. Through theoretical instruction and practical exercises, graduates will be prepared to contribute to the evolving landscape of modern electrical grids.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

CEP 110

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Grid Interconnection Conceptslecture

02Lesson 2: Overview of Interconnection Standards and Regulationslecture

03Lesson 3: Electrical Power Fundamentals for Interconnectionlecture

04Hands-on Lab: Understanding Grid Components and Topologieslab

05Lesson 5: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Their Grid Impactlecture

06Lesson 6: Protection Systems for Grid-Tied DERlecture

07Lesson 7: Anti-Islanding Protection Methodslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Analyzing Protection Relays and Deviceslab

09Lesson 9: Net Metering and Other Grid Interconnection Policieslecture

10Lesson 10: Introduction to Microgrids and Their Architecturelecture

11Hands-on Lab: Designing a Basic Microgrid Layoutlab

12Lesson 12: Microgrid Control and Operation Strategieslecture

13Lesson 13: Economic and Regulatory Aspects of Microgridslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Developing an Interconnection Plan for a DER Systemassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Grid Interconnection Concepts","Week 2: Lesson 2: Overview of Interconnection Standards and Regulations","Week 3: Lesson 3: Electrical Power Fundamentals for Interconnection","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Understanding Grid Components and Topologies","Week 5: Lesson 5: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Their Grid Impact","Week 6: Lesson 6: Protection Systems for Grid-Tied DER","Week 7: Lesson 7: Anti-Islanding Protection Methods","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Analyzing Protection Relays and Devices","Week 9: Lesson 9: Net Metering and Other Grid Interconnection Policies","Week 10: Lesson 10: Introduction to Microgrids and Their Architecture","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Designing a Basic Microgrid Layout","Week 12: Lesson 12: Microgrid Control and Operation Strategies","Week 13: Lesson 13: Economic and Regulatory Aspects of Microgrids","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Developing an Interconnection Plan for a DER System"]