Smart Grids Technology Fundamentals - New Course

In this paper, a new course in smart grid technologies to enhance the power systems concentration in an Electrical Engineering program is presented. The aim of this course is to introduce students to contemporary topics related to distributed generation, micro-grids, renewable energy sources, and smart homes applications. This proposed 4-credit course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge from the basic concepts of power systems to the inherent elements of computational intelligence including decision support systems, smart metering, cyber security, optimization, and renewable energy sources. The automation and computational techniques involved in Smart Grid technologies are also introduced with special emphasis on the interoperability of different renewable energy sources without losing the integrity and reliability of the existing power systems. Furthermore, the standards and requirements for designing new devices and products for Smart Grid applications are introduced and discussed in this course. Topics in power generation, transmission, distribution, demand response, and reconfiguration are thoughtfully explained with real world applications to enhance the student learning process. Several case studies are analyzed and simulated using software tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and PowerWorld packages. The course has also a laboratory component which provides students with hand-on experience in the utilization of commonly used tools to formulate and solve engineering problems.