RC 430 - Integration of Distributed Energy Systems

3 Credits

Outline Effective Date 2024 Fall
2024/2025

Lecture Hours: 45
Course Description:
This course examines the monitoring and control logistics and integration challenges of the distributed renewable energy technologies into new construction or creating compatibility with existing energy systems. This course through the use of holistic design thinking, integrates the knowledge learned about individual renewable technologies and essential performance factors that may be required to be monitored and controlled.

Rationale:
This course is a required course for the Sustainable Energy Technology program. It is structured to combine existing knowledge with new approaches and methods that are specifically focused on the cutting edge of distributed energy systems integration. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge to design holistic systems for residential and light commercial buildings that deliver unsurpassed efficiency and reliability. This all really comes down to how we ‘think’ about integration when designing new or retrofitting existing building structures. RC 430 goes beyond integration of distributed energy systems. It includes energy efficiency and the effective use of these systems, which is added value to a more Circular Economy, Renewable Energy and Conservation.

Prerequisites: Completion of 1^st year courses, RC 324 , and RC 325
Corequisites: RC 322

Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

discuss the key factors of and the correlation between distributed energy systems for the purpose of integrating a holistic design of energy systems.
1. list key factors involved with varying system installations.
2. summarize in plain language the various factors involved with installations.
3. understand ‘behind the meter’ relationships of electrical and thermal system(s).
discuss current local market experiences and practices with hybrid energy systems.
1. investigate the historical and current initiatives within hybrid energy systems.
2. review, select, and work with computer modeling for system designs.
summarize the efficiencies of design tools.
1. discover holistic systems outside the box, utilizing the working tools, mass marketed systems, and products within the status quo.
2. research how a well-controlled energy system that is automated leads to acceptance to an understanding of the conveniences and demystifies the use of distributed energy systems in the mainstream energy markets.
3. gives examples of control strategies that increase the efficiency of a holistic distributed energy system.
describe energy reduction systems currently on the market.
1. define ‘reduce before you produce’.
2. outline the traditional and non-traditional methods of reducing energy loads.
3. recognize the impact of energy efficiencies.
design a potential client questionnaire for the installation of an integrated distributed energy system.
1. acquire relevant documentation and information related to the integration of distributed energy systems from the local 3^rd party stakeholders.
2. discuss regulatory matters at all levels of government.

Required Resource Materials:
There is no text. The author has drawn parallels from other industries to provide the learners (participants in RC 430), the opportunity to think differently on how you design systems. This is a very conceptual course rather than a technical course in integration. All materials that you need are sent, and with this emerging market that is always changing. Learners also have to source some of the material themselves as part of their assignments. The published information is changing fast and furious with the race to integrate on a manufacturers’ level, and therefore a stimulating challenge to keep up with updates on existing publications. Nonetheless, existing information remains functional for conceptualizing possibilities of integration. The final Module specifically addresses this matter.

Other Resources:

Access to a computer and the Internet
Ability to video conferencing
Library
D2L orientation and technical assistance

Optional Resource Materials:
Other resources referred to throughout the course materials.

Conduct of Course:
This course consists of the equivalent of 45 hours of lecture delivered on-line using an online learning manager program. The course is delivered over a set 8-week period. Course content modules and links to assigned readings are available on-line. A course facilitator is available to guide the learner through the course, answer any questions, and grade assignments. Learners are expected to participate and are given marks on the on-line discussion forums and synchronous conference discussions with other classmates and the course facilitator. Assignments are submitted electronically through the learning manager program. Assignments are marked by the instructor and returned to the student with a grade and comments in the learning manager program. Students can monitor their progress though the course using utilities available in the learning manager program. In order to complete the course on time, deadlines for assignments are enforced.

Active participation is required in all courses within the Sustainable Energy Technology one-year certificate program. Each facilitator designates these requirements through the use of tools within the management system and personal contact with learners.

These expectations can be given marks as part of the assessment process. Each course outlines these expectations within the course structure.

For example, learners can be asked to demonstrate their participation/attendance through discussion forums, sharing research results, contributing relevant information, submitting assignments, communicating with colleagues and the facilitator, and participating in synchronous meetings or asynchronous activities.

Attendance is considered vital to the learning process. Absenteeism is recorded. For example, if a discussion forum is organized; the learner is expected to attend as per the guidelines set by the facilitator.

Students can request for an excused absence. An excused absence is one that is verified with your facilitator.

NOTE: Any exceptions to the above attendance policy (e.g. family or work-related issues) must be approved in writing by the Department Chair prior to the beginning of the course.

It is the student’s responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Content of Course:

Module One: Prerequisites Review
Module Two: Hybrid Energy Systems
Module Three: Integrated Systems Concepts and Controls
Module Four: A More Holistic Approach
Module Five: 3rd Party Considerations

Course Assessments:

Module	Marks
1 - Prerequisite Materials Review	13%
2 - Hybrid Systems	18%
3 - Integrated Systems	28%
4 - Holistic Approach	18%
5 - 3^rd Party Considerations	23%
Total	100%

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.