Pittsburgh, PA
What makes a microgrid? In this session we will explore the basics of a microgrid and break down some of the details. We look to address questions like: Why implement a microgrid? What are the drivers and goals (i.e., resiliency, 24/7 Carbon-Pollution Free Electricity, etc.)? What are the basic components and functions? What are the key and emerging sustainable technologies? How big (or small) can a microgrid be? We will also share case studies for a range of microgrid solutions that illustrate these considerations and show real implementations and technology solutions.
Instructors
Ben Dombrowski, Utilities Advisory Practice Leader, Jacobs Read Bio
Ben Dombrowski, PE, is a Mechanical Engineer with 15 years of experience with expertise in energy planning and district energy systems in the federal and higher education sectors. He is Jacobs' practice leader for new energy and utilities advisory and strategic energy development projects. He specializes in analyzing complex district energy systems holistically to help clients achieve their energy goals for sustainability, efficiency, and resiliency with global experience for both public and private clients. Ben's focus and innovation in planning has helped him spearhead the development of cutting-edge energy and water infrastructure planning approaches and digital solutions. Ben earned his B.S. (ME) from North Carolina State University. He has presented on the topics of dynamic utility master planning, smart grid solutions, and energy transition and resiliency at several conferences, including Energy Exchange in 2017.
Bill Anderson, Microgrid and Energy Resilience Senior Subject Matter Expert, Department of Defense, U.S. Navy Read Bio
Bill Anderson, PhD, PE, CEM, LEED AP, is the Department of the Navy's Microgrid and Energy Resilience Senior Subject Matter Expert, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (E, I&E) working to improve energy resilience of critical infrastructure through cybersecure microgrids. Bill was formerly a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, and previously a career U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officer leading SEABEEs in support of Special Forces (SEALs). Bill earned his Ph.D. (SE) from the Naval Postgraduate School, M.S. (Green Technologies) from USC (Viterbi), MBA from CGU (Drucker), M.S. (CE) from UC Berkeley, and B.S. (ME) from VMI. He has published, presented, and guest lectured (Stanford and Naval Academy) his research findings to enhance resilience of remote islanded naval installations through renewable energy microgrids.
Michael Gutowski, Business Development Leader, Federal Services, Power Secure Read Bio
Mike Gutowski PE, leads sales and business development efforts with PowerSecure's Federal team on both the energy efficiency and microgrid side of their business. Mike's background includes over 20 years of engineering and construction experience including a start in design engineering, moving into project management and development, and then to business development and sales. Mike has spent a majority of his time in the ESCO industry, working for Fortune 500 companies in the development and execution of performance contracts in the Federal space, along with healthcare, municipal, city, and county level markets. Prior to the civilian world, Mike served in the US Navy's nuclear propulsion program and has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Mike is a FL-licensed professional engineer (mechanical).
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
- Identify current drivers and Federal Requirements/Policy for implementing microgrids;
- Select the major components that comprise a microgrid and the interaction/operation of the systems;
- Recognize the key considerations, challenges, and opportunities related to planning, implementing, and operating a microgrid;
- Identify the difference between resilience and reliability.
