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Cluster 6

Introduction to Smart and Sustainable Power

Instructors:
Yihsu Chen, Ph.D
Professor of Technology Management in Sustainability
Yu Zhang, Ph.D
UCSC Assistant Professor Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Jack Baskin School of Engineering 

Prerequisite: None

Summary: This course aims to provide a breadth of knowledge of power systems, smart grids, as well as renewable energy sources and storage. Students will understand the relation between power grids and the internet. Various renewables such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and tidal energy will be introduced. Solar- and wind-site assessment, electric vehicles, and sustainable microgrids will be discussed. Important concepts of electrical machinery, power electronics, and industrial internet of things will also be described. Finally, the latest research topics on grid resilience under extreme events (e.g., wildfires and earthquakes), electrical faults, and energy data analytics will be presented. There will be a few hands-on lab sessions for facilitating students’ understanding of electricity fundamentals.

All students in this cluster will be enrolled in the following courses:

Renewable energy and energy storage technologies

The first half of the course focuses on renewable energy sources and energy storage techniques. Students will first understand the basic principles of power grid operations. Various renewable technologies, such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and tidal energy will be introduced. Different storage techniques based on mechanical, thermal, electrochemical, chemical and electrical methods will be discussed. Finally, the cutting-edge research topics on grid resilience under extreme events (e.g., wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc), electrical faults, and energy data analytics will be presented.

Energy market and policy

The second half will focus on the market and policy aspects. Students will understand the rationale of various policy instruments based on microeconomics and how public policies have been implemented by the government to address air pollution emissions and to promote renewable energy. Various of energy and environmental policies will be introduced. Principles of market and various policies, including emission trading, renewable portfolio standards, and other instruments will be discussed.  Simple numerical exercises and examples based on Microsoft Excel will be implemented to demonstrate these concepts. Finally, emerging challenges such as energy equity facing the sector will be presented. A UCSC energy tour will be arranged if the schedule permits.

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