The MidAmerica Regional Microgrid Education and Training (MARMET) Consortium

funded by the Department of Energy

researcher: Peter W. Sauer (and participants from the Missouri University of Science & Technology; the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Iowa State University; Ameren Corporation; City Utilities of Springfield, MO; the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Perfect Power Institute)

The primary goal of this project is to integrate cutting-edge research and advanced instructional methods to create a flexible, evolving approach to microgrid training for all levels of student. This goal entails the rapid development of modular material to capture and reflect the newest trends in electric power microgrid engineering and to make it available in traditional and nontraditional settings. It is our goal to develop course material that can be either integrated into existing courses or organized into new courses. The target audience ranges include technicians, contractors and consultants, inspectors, policy makers, supervisors, engineers, and undergraduate and graduate students.

The MARMET consortium is developing new knowledge through research that will be integrated into microgrid education and training programs for students. Research efforts are focusing on operational optimization, modeling and analysis, system architecture development, and ac/dc hybrid distribution systems. The educational infrastructure employs a modular approach to learning content. Learning objects are produced in short time blocks that can then be configured to support various instructional approaches and to various audiences. Delivery will include both conventional and multimedia learning environments.