Program Details

The grid has powered industrialized countries for nearly a century. With the advancement of technology related to distributed energy sources, power electronics and storage, the evolution of the grid may someday give way to the microgrid. At a minimum, microgrids have already impacted the grid in industrial societies and are becoming more and more common (even ubiquitous) in developing countries. In fact, future microgrids will probably come into their own in developing countries ahead of those in the industrialized countries.

This presentation will cover what constitutes a microgrid, some of the characteristics that distinguish a microgrid from the grid, how microgrids function, aspects of microgrid architectures, distributed energy resources, energy storage, and a bit about how microgrids are controlled.

In addition, our presenter will provide an overview of the University of St. Thomas Renewable Energy Facility (the USTREF), with an update on the status of this exciting microgrid research project. As the USTREF construction plans finalize in the next few months, the structure and finalized assets that will be deployed have also evolved consistent with the rapid advancements in all facets of microgrid technology.

Dr. Greg Mowry is director of the MSEE and the renewable energy and alternatives laboratory (REAL) at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering. He has several years of work experience with Xcel Energy and is the recipient of a major multi-million dollar microgrid grant through the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund.


Registration:

Cost: FREE for current MnSPE members, MnSPE Platinum/Gold Industry Partners group webinar sites and non-member AET employees.
*Platinum/Gold Industry Partners, contact MnSPE for a free promo code.

*Membership must be current on the date of the seminar.
*Not a current member but want to attend for free? Join MnSPE for 6 months free or rejoin here.

Fee-based registration:

• Individual non-members (in person or via live webinar): $100
• Small group webinar site of 3-5 non-members participating: $290
• Medium group webinar site of 6-10 non-members participating: $575
• Large group webinar site of 11+ non-members participating: $1050

How to register: Visit the event page for full details and to register. MnSPE members must log in.

Live site attendees have the option to purchase a boxed lunch during the registration process. Please note: No lunch orders can be accommodated after Thursday, October 27, 2016. 

Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 27, 2016