Fundamentals of Microgrids

Microgrids provide opportunities to develop new electrical networks targeted for the needs of communities. The fourth industrial revolution is associated with the global trend toward decentralizing energy grids. Within this context, microgrids are seen as a solution to how renewable electricity can be supplied to local areas. The Fundamentals of Microgrids: Development and Implementation provides an in-depth examination of microgrid energy sources, applications, technologies, and policies. This book considers the fundamental configurations and applications for microgrids and examines their use as a means of meeting international sustainability goals.

It focuses on questions and issues associated with microgrid topologies, development, implementation and regulatory issues. Distributed energy resources are defined, stand-a-lone generation systems are described and examples of typical microgrid configurations are provided. The key components of developing a business model for microgrid development are also considered.

Features:

• Describes what microgrids are and details the basics of how they work while considering benefits of microgrids and their disadvantages.
• Provides answers to the fundamental questions energy managers and other professionals want to know about the basics of microgrids.
• Details the applications for microgrids and demystifies the types of microgrid architectures that are successful.
• Includes real-world examples of functioning microgrids which provide models for the development of microgrids in the future.
• Discusses the key considerations that must be addressed to develop a business case for microgrid development.

Dr. Stephen A. Roosa has over 35 years of experience in commercial energy management, energy engineering and performance contracting. During his career he has been the corporate energy manager for a Fortune 100 company and worked in various capacities with a number of energy services companies. His past experience includes thousands of energy studies and over $250 million in energy conservation, energy management and performance contract projects that were developed for his customers.

Stephen is a past President of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). He currently serves as its Director of Sustainable State and Local Programs, as its Chairman of both the AEE’s Certified Sustainable Development Professional Board and Renewable Energy Professional Certification Board.

Stephen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Louisville, a Master of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Kentucky. He co-instructed his first graduate-level course at the University of Kentucky at the age of 19, implementing its first course in the use of the built environment as an educational medium. He has since taught graduate and undergraduate courses and professional certification courses and workshops throughout the U.S and in India, Saudi Arabia, Jordon, Kuwait, South Africa and the Dominican Republic. Stephen is a Certified Energy Manager, Certified Sustainable Development Professional, Certified Building Commissioning Professional, Certified Measurement and Verification Professional, Certified Energy Monitoring and Control System Designer, Certified Demand Side Management Specialist, Certified Building Energy Management Professional, Certified Renewable Energy Professional, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Stephen is the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Strategic Energy and Environmental Planning, a bi-monthly academic and professional journal. He is also on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Energy Management. His published books include International Solutions to Sustainable Energy, Policies and Applications and The Sustainable Development Handbook. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Energy Management Handbook, 9^th edition. He has published over 50 journal articles relating to energy conservation, energy engineering, energy management, alternative energy and sustainable development.

Stephen has received numerous related awards during his career including the AEE International Energy Manager of the Year Award, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Energy Engineers Systems Technology Award, the U.S. Army Energy Conservation Award, and the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Citation for Energy Management. He is a member of the Energy Manager’s Hall of Fame and a two-time recipient of the Rockefeller Family Funds, Energy and Environmental Education Award.