Humber College and Siemens Canada opens SMART Lab
by CM Staff
The SMART Lab will equip Humber learners with knowledge and skills related to the design, operation, and maintenance of microgrids.
TORONTO — 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.
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 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. 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.
