As the energy landscape evolves, microgrids are emerging as a critical solution for localized power generation and enhanced resilience. They represent a decentralized approach that can operate independently of the main grid, offering security and stability in the face of disruptions. However, maximizing their performance, especially in terms of energy efficiency, is a complex challenge. This is where the transformative power of digital twins comes in. By creating a virtual replica of a physical microgrid, a digital twin allows for real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and scenario-based optimization, unlocking new levels of efficiency and operational excellence that were previously unattainable.

This program provides a comprehensive and practical deep dive into the engineering and technical solutions that make microgrids not just resilient, but also highly efficient. Participants will learn how to design, model, and operate microgrid systems by leveraging digital twin technology. The course will cover everything from the foundational components of a microgrid to the application of data analytics and machine learning for predictive maintenance and real-time control. By focusing on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, attendees will be equipped to build and manage the next generation of energy systems, ensuring they are both sustainable and economically viable for a wide range of applications.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Electrical and Power Systems Engineers
• Energy Project Managers
• Data Scientists and Analysts
• Utility Professionals
• Renewable Energy Developers
• Urban Planners and Architects
• Researchers in Smart Grids
• Business Development Professionals
• Energy Consultants
• Cybersecurity Specialists in Energy

Objectives:

• Master the foundational principles of microgrids and distributed energy resources.
• Learn about the key components and architectures of an energy-efficient microgrid.
• Understand the core concepts and applications of digital twin technology in power systems.
• Grasp the complexities of designing and modeling a microgrid's energy flow.
• Develop proficiency in using software tools for microgrid simulation.
• Explore best practices in energy management and operational optimization.
• Learn about robust approaches to ensuring microgrid reliability and resilience.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and financial considerations for microgrids.
• Develop skills in using data analytics for predictive maintenance.
• Formulate strategies for a data-driven approach to energy management.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Microgrid Fundamentals

• The evolution of the power grid and microgrids
• Defining microgrids and their key components
• Islanded vs. grid-connected operation
• The business case for microgrids
• An overview of microgrid applications

Module 2: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

• Types of DERs: solar, wind, storage, generators
• The role of smart inverters
• Integrating different energy sources
• The impact of DERs on grid stability
• The importance of a clear and focused research question

Module 3: The Concept of a Digital Twin

• What is a digital twin?
• The three components: physical, virtual, and data
• The role of real-time data and sensors
• Use cases of digital twins in various industries
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 4: Digital Twin for Microgrids

• Creating a digital twin of a microgrid
• Data sources for the virtual model
• Real-time monitoring and visualization
• The application of a digital twin for operational analysis
• The role of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 5: Microgrid Control Systems

• The brain of the microgrid: the control system
• Centralized vs. decentralized control
• Managing power flow and energy balance
• Load management and demand response
• The importance of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 6: Energy Efficiency in Microgrids

• The importance of energy efficiency for microgrids
• Minimizing transmission and conversion losses
• Optimizing generation and storage dispatch
• The role of smart loads and building management systems
• The use of a digital twin for efficiency optimization

Module 7: Modeling and Simulation

• An introduction to microgrid modeling software
• Simulating different operational scenarios
• The use of a digital twin for scenario planning
• Modeling the impact of weather and load changes
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 8: Reliability and Resilience

• The main benefit of microgrids
• Designing for resilience against outages
• Redundancy and fault tolerance
• Predictive maintenance with a digital twin
• The importance of a program's theory of change

Module 9: Power Quality Management

• The importance of maintaining power quality
• The impact of DERs on power quality
• Mitigating voltage and frequency issues
• The role of the digital twin in power quality analysis
• The importance of a "stakeholder analysis"

Module 10: Financial and Economic Analysis

• The economics of microgrid projects
• Cost-benefit analysis and ROI
• Financial modeling for microgrids
• The role of policy and incentives
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 11: Cybersecurity for Microgrids

• Identifying cybersecurity threats
• Protecting the microgrid's control system
• Securing the communication network
• The role of a digital twin in threat detection
• Best practices for securing the microgrid

Module 12: Advanced Analytics and AI

• Using AI and machine learning for forecasting
• Optimizing energy dispatch with AI
• Predictive analytics for asset maintenance
• The role of a digital twin in data analysis
• The future of AI in microgrids

Module 13: Project Management

• The project lifecycle for a microgrid
• Key phases: feasibility, design, construction, operation
• Managing complex supply chains
• Stakeholder management and public relations
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 14: Case Studies

• Case study: A university campus microgrid
• Case study: An industrial facility microgrid
• Case study: A military base microgrid
• Lessons learned from global projects
• The future of microgrids in a smart city context

Module 15: Policy and Regulation

• The regulatory challenges for microgrids
• The role of government policy and incentives
• Interconnection agreements and tariffs
• The business case for different policy models
• The future of microgrid regulation

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.