Humber College and Siemens Canada Open the Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology Lab (SMART Lab)

Humber and Siemens Canada promote Renewable Technology

May 24, 2023

Humber College is partnering with Siemens Canada to develop a Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology Lab (SMART Lab) at its North Campus. The SMART Lab is an educational and experimental environment designed to train students and professionals in the use of a microgrid system and to conduct research with industry partners.

Although traditional power grids offer reliable power, natural disasters or security breaches can threaten or disturb the grid’s supply. The resulting blackouts can have catastrophic and costly consequences for businesses and society at large. Microgrids are decentralized localized energy systems that can operate independently of the public system or in conjunction with the main power grid using energy sources like wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) to reduce carbon emissions.

They can adapt to virtually any local requirement and can withstand harsh environments. This resilient, on-site energy production ensures generation, while efficient storage solutions enable reliability of the energy supply. Microgrids can be “islanded” or disconnected from the traditional grid during a natural disaster or cyber threat. The islanding function for microgrids provides several benefits including the ability to maintain power during outages, improved reliability and resilience, increased renewable energy integration, and protection from cyber threats.

Renewable Technology of the Future

With the support of the Ontario Government, Humber’s investment in the SMART Lab features sustainable digital technology including a microgrid monitoring and controller system, battery energy storage capability, distribution infrastructure, as well as generation and load simulation equipment.

Devices such as the solar Smartflower, electric vehicle charging stations, and battery energy storage systems, will be used as part of the microgrid control system to generate and distribute energy locally, allowing for more efficient and sustainable use and consumption of electrical power.

The Smartflower is equipped with solar panels that open up and follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing the amount of electricity that is generated. The Smartflower’s solar panels can generate 40 per cent more electricity compared to a stationary panel. These small-scale power grids can operate on their own, or as part of a larger grid.

As the economy becomes more reliant on electricity, continued focus on developing technologies such as smart grids and microgrids is important. Humber College is partnering with industry stakeholders, utilities, technology companies, municipalities, and community planners, to conduct research and offer practical training for individuals who may operate these complex systems in the future.

Hands-on learning for renewable technology


The SMART Lab will equip Humber learners with knowledge and skills related to the design, operation, and maintenance of microgrids. The lab will be used for applied research projects and allow the college to offer micro-credentials in the field of microgrids and renewable energy, and new curriculum in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Sustainable Energy and Building Technology programs. The SMART lab will also be a key element in Humber taking advantage of its own energy assets to achieve its sustainability goals.

The SMART Lab’s benefits extend beyond the campus. With its training, research, and innovation in renewable technology and microgrids, Siemens and Humber will help fill the current skills gaps in electrical power and utilities, residential development, and manufacturing power management industries and provide current and future professionals with the hands-on technical education required to further expand and adopt microgrid technology into our society.

“Our energy transition to address climate change and a greener planet requires all hands-on deck. This partnership with Siemens Canada will allow our students to learn about and research the latest in microgrid technology. Humber is a national leader in infusing sustainability not only in our administration and building practices but also in our teaching and learning. Working with Siemens will enable us to train the next generation of professionals in the field of green technology and the SMART Lab will bring Humber another step closer to achieving its own sustainability goals”

Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, president & CEO, Humber College

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Vention Introduces AI, Making Adoption of Automation Easier

    December 20, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Vention has been on a mission to democratize automation since 2016. Etienne Lacroix, Founder and CEO of Vention, realized he could leverage software and technology to productize automation, making it more accessible to everyone. While working as an engineer and integrating systems for manufacturers, he noticed added costs and… Read More…

  • Machine Man Reflects on 50 Years In a Challenging But Rewarding Field

    December 18, 2024 Pat McCluskey’s machine design and build experience at ANCA has fuelled manufacturing exports for Australia for half a century For a half-century, ANCA has made the machines that make the tools that make the world go around. One half of its founding pair, Pat McCluskey, has designed many grinding machine tools in… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Digital Revolution in Transformer Substations

    December 20, 2024 The energy sector is under a lot of pressure. German distribution grid operators need to get their infrastructure ready for the energy transition and fast. By 2030, some 80 percent of electricity is to be generated from renewable sources. A pilot project at naturenergie netze GmbH is demonstrating how transformer substations can… Read More…

  • Siemens Xcelerator: Eplan and Siemens Enable Seamless Data Interoperability in Machine Engineering

    December 20, 2024 Siemens and Eplan will make engineering and production processes for customers in machine and line building more efficient. • Seamless data exchange between Siemens’ Teamcenter® X software, TIA-Selection Tool and the Eplan software• Collaboration improves tool chain in machine engineering• Machine builders can realize their projects in construction, operation and expansion faster… Read More…