Educating Microgrids Using Planning Tools-Interactive Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Microgrids have been considered an essential component for improving the efficiency, resilience and reliability of the evolving electric power grid. Their modularity adds to the operational flexibility of the system in addition to provision for multi-player energy markets and transactive energy framework. The value of microgrid based systems is evident from their growing implementations globally. This underscores the need for developing a skilled workforce at the confluence of power systems and power electronics. Based on this, a special course in virtual power plants and virtual inertia was introduced at Clemson for exploratory pedagogy and building foundations for scientific scholarship in this area. This paper introduces the objectives, major challenges, design, planning and modeling tools, project outcomes and lessons learned from the instructor's experience with this hybrid course.