Systems Engineering with a Focus on Foundations of Microgrids

APPENDIX 1 Course Outline Systems Engineering with a focus on Foundations of Microgrids
Block 1: Fundamentals of Electricity, Electric Grids and Microgrids (10 hours total)
Week 1 (3 hours)	1. Introduction to Electricity and Energy
	1.1. Basic Concepts of Electricity and Electric Circuits
	1.1.1. Voltage, Current, Resistance, Reactance
	1.1.2. Ohm’s Law and Power Calculations
	1.1.3. Series and Parallel Circuits
	1.1.4. AC vs. DC Electricity
	2. Electric Grid Architecture
	2.1. Overview of Electric Grid Components
	2.1.1. Generation, Transmission, Distribution
	2.1.2. Substations and Transformers
	2.2. Functions of the Electric Grid
	2.2.1. Load Balancing and Reliability
	2.2.2. Grid Interconnections
Week 2 (3 hours)	3. Evolution of the Modern Electric Grid
	3.1. Historical Development
	3.1.1. Early Power Systems to Current Infrastructure
	3.1.2. Key Innovations and Milestones
	3.2. Challenges and Opportunities
	3.2.1. Aging Infrastructure and Modernization Efforts 3.2.2 Demand for grid capacity in the coming energy future
	4. Introduction to Microgrids
	4.1. Definition and Purpose of Microgrids
	4.1.1. Characteristics and Benefits
	4.1.2. Types of Microgrids (Grid-connected vs. Off-grid)
Week 3 (3 hours)	4.2. Key Components of Microgrids
	4.2.1. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)
	4.2.2. Power Generation – Renewable / Traditional
	4.2.3. Power Distribution & Management
	4.2.4. Energy Storage Systems and
	4.2.5. Power Electronics & Control Systems
	5. Electrical Loads and Load Management
	5.1.1. Reactive Load Characteristics
	4.2.1. Power Quality Considerations
	4.2.1. Load Shedding & Prioritization Methods
Block 1 -- QUIZ	Electric Fundamentals -- 1 hour

Block 2: Systems Principles and Model-Based Systems Engineering (10 hours total)
Week 4 (3 hours)	1. Understanding Systems Principles
	1.1. What is a System?
	1.2. Definitions and Characteristics of Systems
	1.3. Types of Systems (Open vs. Closed)
	2. Systems Thinking
	2.1. Holistic Approach to Problem Solving
	2.2. Interrelationships and Interdependencies
	2.3. Life-Cycle Management
	2.3.1. Life Cycle Stages of Systems
	2.3.2. Concept, Development, Production, Operation, and Disposal
	2.3.3. Importance of Life-Cycle Management
	2.4. Sustainability and Efficiency Considerations
	2.5. Cost-Benefit Analysis
Week 5 (3 hours)	3. Introduction to Model-Based Systems Engineering
	3.1. Fundamentals of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
	3.2. Definition and Key Concepts
	3.3. Benefits of MBSE in Microgrid Development
	4. Modeling Techniques and Tools
	4.1. Overview of Common Tools (e.g., SysML, UML)
	4.2. Case Studies of MBSE in Microgrid Projects
Week 6 (3 hours)	5. Integration of Microgrid Systems
	5.1. Systems Integration Challenges
	5.2. Technical and Regulatory Considerations
	5.3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
	6. Future Trends in Microgrid Systems
	6.1. Smart Grids and IoT Integration
	6.2. Policy and Economic Implications
Block 2 -- QUIZ	Systems Fundamentals -- 1 hour

Executive Director
Nancy M. Pratt, Ph.D.
n.pratt@csuohio.edu