Introduction

As global energy landscapes rapidly evolve, driven by decarbonization targets, increasing grid vulnerabilities, and the proliferation of distributed energy resources (DERs), Microgrid Design and Operation has emerged as a cornerstone strategy for building resilient, sustainable, and efficient localized power systems. Unlike traditional, centralized grids, microgrids are self-contained energy systems capable of operating independently (islanded mode) or interconnected with the main grid, integrating diverse generation sources like solar, wind, and battery storage with local loads. This unique capability provides unparalleled reliability for critical infrastructure, reduces transmission losses, and enables optimal energy management. Without a robust understanding of Microgrid Design and Operation, communities, businesses, and critical facilities face heightened risks of power outages, inefficient energy use, and missed opportunities to leverage local renewable resources for enhanced energy independence and environmental stewardship. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Microgrid Design and Operation.

This intensive 10-day training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, power system planners, renewable energy developers, facility managers, and policy makers with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical tools necessary to design, implement, and manage microgrids effectively. Participants will gain a deep understanding of microgrid architectures, explore the technical and economic considerations for different DER integrations, learn about advanced control and protection strategies for both grid-connected and islanded modes, and acquire skills in utilizing simulation tools for performance optimization and reliability assessment. The course will delve into topics such as energy management systems (EMS) for microgrids, grid-forming and grid-following inverters, cybersecurity for distributed systems, optimal sizing and siting of components, and the evolving regulatory and business models supporting microgrid deployment. By mastering the principles and practical application of Microgrid Design and Operation, participants will be prepared to lead the development of next-generation, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions for diverse applications, from remote communities to urban campuses and industrial facilities.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Distribution, Renewable Energy, Power Systems)
• Utility Planners and Engineers
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Energy Storage System Integrators
• Facility and Infrastructure Managers
• Smart City Planners and Developers
• Researchers in Distributed Energy Systems
• Control System Engineers
• Business Development Managers in Energy
• Policy Makers and Regulators in the Energy Sector

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and benefits of microgrids in modern power systems.
• Learn about the various components and architectures of microgrids.
• Acquire skills in characterizing and forecasting electrical loads for microgrid sizing.
• Comprehend techniques for integrating diverse Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).
• Explore strategies for designing and operating microgrids in grid-connected and islanded modes.
• Understand the importance of power electronics and smart inverters in microgrids.
• Gain insights into microgrid control strategies (primary, secondary, tertiary).
• Develop a practical understanding of Energy Management Systems (EMS) for microgrids.
• Learn about protection schemes and fault management in microgrids.
• Master the economic and financial viability analysis of microgrid projects.
• Acquire skills in using simulation and optimization tools for microgrid design.
• Understand the cybersecurity challenges in microgrid environments.
• Explore regulatory frameworks and business models for microgrid development.
• Develop proficiency in assessing the resilience and reliability of microgrids.
• Prepare to plan, implement, and manage microgrid projects for various applications.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Microgrids

• Definition and distinguishing features of microgrids.
• Comparison with traditional grids and smart grids.
• Drivers for microgrid development: resilience, sustainability, cost savings, energy access.
• Benefits and challenges of microgrid deployment.
• Different types of microgrids: grid-connected, islanded, remote, community.

Module 2: Microgrid Components and Architectures

• Overview of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): solar PV, wind, fuel cells, reciprocating engines.
• Energy Storage Systems (ESS): battery technologies (Li-ion, flow), flywheels, supercapacitors.
• Loads: critical, non-critical, demand profiles.
• Interconnection points and power electronic converters.
• AC, DC, and hybrid microgrid topologies.

Module 3: Load Profiling and Energy Demand Analysis

• Importance of accurate load forecasting for microgrid design.
• Techniques for collecting and analyzing historical load data.
• Identifying peak demand, average demand, and load variations.
• Impact of consumer behavior and building energy efficiency on load profiles.
• Designing for critical loads and ensuring energy autonomy.

Module 4: Distributed Generation Technologies in Microgrids

• Photovoltaic (PV) systems: types, characteristics, maximum power point tracking (MPPT).
• Wind power generation: small-scale turbines, siting considerations.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and cogeneration systems.
• Diesel/gas generators as backup or primary sources.
• Emerging DER technologies and their microgrid applications.

Module 5: Energy Storage System Integration and Sizing

• Role of ESS in microgrids: firming renewables, peak shaving, frequency regulation.
• Key parameters for battery energy storage systems (BESS): capacity, power, cycle life, efficiency.
• Sizing methodologies for energy storage based on load and generation profiles.
• Optimal charging and discharging strategies for BESS.
• Safety considerations for battery storage deployment.

Module 6: Power Electronics and Smart Inverters

• Role of power converters (AC/DC, DC/AC, DC/DC) in microgrids.
• Grid-forming vs. grid-following inverters and their control functionalities.
• Smart inverter features: Volt/VAR control, fault ride-through, active power curtailment.
• Interfacing DERs with the microgrid and utility grid.
• Advanced control algorithms for power electronic converters.

Module 7: Microgrid Control Strategies (Hierarchical Control)

• Primary control: droop control for voltage and frequency regulation in islanded mode.
• Secondary control: restoring voltage and frequency to nominal values, power sharing.
• Tertiary control: economic dispatch, optimal power flow, grid interaction management.
• Centralized, decentralized, and distributed control architectures.
• Seamless transition between grid-connected and islanded modes.

Module 8: Microgrid Energy Management Systems (EMS)

• Functions of a Microgrid EMS: monitoring, forecasting, optimization, dispatch, control.
• Data acquisition and communication infrastructure for EMS.
• Algorithms for optimizing DER dispatch, energy trading, and demand response.
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for microgrid operators.
• Integration of EMS with building management systems (BMS).

Module 9: Microgrid Protection and Fault Management

• Challenges of protection in microgrids: bidirectional power flow, varying fault levels, islanding.
• Adaptive protection schemes for microgrids.
• Fault detection, isolation, and restoration (FDIR) in microgrids.
• Coordination of protection devices within the microgrid and with the utility grid.
• Impact of low inertia on protection system design.

Module 10: Grid Interconnection and Islanding

• Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and interconnection requirements.
• Synchronization procedures for grid reconnection.
• Anti-islanding protection and its importance.
• Black start capabilities of microgrids.
• Navigating utility interconnection agreements and standards.

Module 11: Economic and Financial Viability of Microgrids

• Cost components of microgrids: capital costs, O&M costs, fuel costs.
• Revenue streams: energy savings, resilience value, grid services (ancillary services, demand response).
• Financial modeling for microgrid projects: payback period, ROI, net present value (NPV).
• Funding mechanisms: grants, incentives, private investment.
• Business models for microgrids: energy-as-a-service, utility-owned, customer-owned.

Module 12: Simulation and Optimization Tools for Microgrid Design

• Introduction to microgrid simulation software (e.g., HOMER Pro, EnergyPLAN, PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Modeling microgrid components and scenarios in simulation tools.
• Performing techno-economic optimization for optimal sizing and dispatch.
• Evaluating reliability indices (SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI) and power quality.
• Hands-on exercises for microgrid performance analysis.

Module 13: Cybersecurity in Microgrid Environments

• Identifying cyber vulnerabilities in DERs, smart meters, and microgrid controllers.
• Threats to microgrid operation: data integrity, availability, confidentiality.
• Cybersecurity best practices for microgrid design and implementation.
• Securing communication networks and control systems.
• Regulatory compliance and incident response for microgrid cybersecurity.

Module 14: Regulatory Frameworks and Policies

• Evolution of policies and regulations supporting microgrid development.
• Interconnection rules and tariffs for distributed generation.
• Market participation rules for microgrids providing grid services.
• Resilience valuation and its role in policy making.
• Emerging policies for community microgrids and energy justice.

Module 15: Advanced Topics and Future Trends in Microgrids

• DC microgrids and their advantages for certain applications.
• The role of blockchain for peer-to-peer energy trading in microgrids.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for predictive control and optimization.
• Autonomous microgrids and self-healing capabilities.
• The future of microgrids in broader smart grid and smart city initiatives.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.