Abstract

1. Implementing a First Power/Energy Systems Management Course Via Multidisciplinary-Project-Context Learning Paulo Ribeiro, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan Abstract The Electrical Power & Energy Systems Management Systems Course introduced students to real world problems. Besides learning the analytical basis of power and energy systems and the consequent environmental impact, and using professional state-of-the-art computational tools, the students (from mechanical, electrical and civil engineering concentrations) were divided in small groups to work on several real world projects in the local area. Figure 4 – Site of Small Hydro Table – FERC Suitability Table The Approach Among the projects, prearranged by the instructor to give the students a real world experience, were: A Feasibility Study for Wind Power Generation at Belknap Lookout. This project is being developed with the support of the Newberry Co-Housing Community, A Feasibility Study for the Recovery of a Small Hydro Power Station at the City of Plainwell, Michigan. This project is being developed with the support of the City of Plainwell. Other projects include Learning about Grid Operations with the support of Consumers Energy, analytical studies regarding Distributed Generation and Micro-Grids, and Nuclear Power Assessment. Students visited the sites, talked to managers and engineers and collected the data necessary to produce the analyses. Since the studies may take longer than the class period the projects will be extended to the end of the summer. The reality however is that the students will be exposed and attempt to solve real world power and energy engineering problems. Figure 5 – Kaplan Turbine Grid Connection Issues State requirements Agreements with Consumers Energy Selling back power to CE Technical requirements of the connection Additional Considerations Documented in Michigan Electric Utility Generator Interconnection Requirements Interconnection Application to the Utility filing fee Data outlining project details Standards adopt IEEE 1547 specification Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems Interconnection Study Determines any changes necessary for the connection Interconnection and Operating Agreement Net Metering Fee for installation of generation meter(s) • Civil Problems • Most likely from settling • Poor soils • Scouring beneath abutment • Abutment likely to need total replacement • Need geotechnical engineer to analyze Projects Economic Analysis Wind Generation Feasibility Study Figure 2 - Zoning Small Hydro Power Station Feasibility Study Electronic Communication During the course the instructor had to travel, but continued to instruct students via Skype. The process worked well and students thought the communication was very effective. Conclusions Student Evaluation "Our class looked at almost all of the new energy ideas I wanted to hear about“ "Working on our own projects ensured we enjoyed our topic and learned something we felt was valuable“ "For many of the projects, the work continued after the class, meaning we could go back later to look at the progress or continue it ourselves.“ “The class was flexible in terms of what field of Power Systems to study, allowing me to focus on my particular field of interest while still learning about others. The field trips to Consumers Energy, the potential wind power site and the former hydro-electric dam site were all very useful and tied to very practical projects.” Figure 6 – Electronic Instruction Figure 3 – Site of Small Hydro Figure 1 – Site for Wind Project