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Living lab for microgrid training and research

Partnering with Siemens, Humber Polytechnic in Toronto, Canada, has established a living lab for microgrid technology and control, aptly named the Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology Lab (SMART Lab).

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State-of-the-art teaching for advanced energy tech

Microgrids are a key element of the future energy system. They help optimize energy use, integrate renewables, and improve resilience. But as with all new technologies, ample hands-on training is required. That's exactly what the SMART Lab provides.

Microgrids and sustainable energy infrastructure

Utilizing primarily renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, microgrids play a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable, largely decarbonized energy infrastructure. These decentralized, localized energy systems can adapt to virtually any local requirement and withstand harsh environments. They facilitate sustainable on-site power generation, and the integration of efficient storage solutions ensures supply reliability.

Simultaneously, a microgrid enhances the resilience of an institution’s power supply, as it can operate autonomously or in conjunction with the main power grid. In island mode, disconnected from the traditional grid, it provides continuous power during grid outages caused by events such as natural disasters or cyber threats.

A college campus with a modern building of Humber Polytechnic and a clear blue sky.

A collaborative partnership

In collaboration with Siemens Canada and with the support of the Ontario Government, Humber Polytechnic in Toronto has opened a dedicated living laboratory for microgrid technology and control, the Sustainable Microgrid and Renewable Technology Lab (SMART Lab) at its North Campus. The SMART Lab serves as both an educational and experimental environment, aimed at training students and professionals in the use of microgrid systems and conducting research with industry partners.

The collaborative partnership between Humber and Siemens enables students to obtain practical education and training for the high-demand jobs of today and tomorrow, while also offering the industry a unique opportunity to further advance sustainable energy solutions using real-world live data.

Hands-on training, research and innovation

As the economy becomes more reliant on electricity, continued focus on developing technologies such as smart grids and microgrids is important. With its training, research, and innovation in sustainable technology and microgrids, Siemens and Humber are addressing the current skills gaps in electrical power and utilities, residential development, and manufacturing power management industries and providing current and future professionals with the hands-on technical education required to further expand and adopt microgrid technology into society.

The SMART Lab equips users with knowledge and skills related to the design, operation, and maintenance of microgrids. It is used for applied research projects and allows Humber Polytechnic 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. At the same time, the SMART Lab is a key element in Humber taking advantage of its own energy assets to achieve its sustainability goals.

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“Our students get to use the latest technology, they get to be creative, they get to invent, they get to work with industry on the problems of today and solving the problems of today, so that we have the workforce and the opportunities for tomorrow.”
Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Humber Polytechnic

Transforming theory into tangible reality

Providing hands-on experience in efficient, sustainable power use, the SMART Lab covers microgrid monitoring and control, distributed renewables, battery storage, smart distribution, load simulation, and EV charging.

The Smartflower

Inspired by nature, the Smartflower at Humber’s North campus follows the sun throughout the day, just like sunflowers do, to maximize the amount of energy it generates. The structure can close at night or when there’s high wind, and its modules can generate 40 percent more electricity compared to a stationary module. The electricity it generates is controlled by the SMART Lab, which is located on the second floor of an adjacent parking garage.

Person standing in front of a Siemens logo with a blue background.
A person in a blue shirt and black pants is standing in front of a white wall with a blue and white logo.

Smart microgrid control

At the heart of Humber’s microgrid are a SICAM A8000 microgrid controller and a Siemens-built distribution control panel. They enable the smart management of the on-campus energy system and provide the basis for the SMART Lab, which uses the wealth of data provided by the campus microgrid.

Energy transition is the biggest lever we have to create real-life solutions for society. Microgrids have the ability to fast-track and facilitate energy transition. So this project is about empowering our future generations.
Faisal Kazi, President and CEO, Siemens Canada

Unique opportunities

Microgrids are complex systems, and managing them requires a deep understanding of the various control loops and interactions among grid components. Practical experience is an invaluable advantage here. As a living lab, the SMART Lab enables students to practice using a microgrid hands-on. “That’s very unique, because students usually don’t get the chance to practice on a live system” says Shaun Ghafari, Dean of Engineering at Humber Polytechnic.

Prortrait of Professor Shaun ghafari in the SMART Lab of Humber Polytechnic, Canada.
Portrait of student Ashley Nollner in the SMART Lab of Humber Polytechnic, Canada.

Expanded skill sets

Originally working as a personal trainer before being laid off during the pandemic, Ashley Nollner was encouraged to pursue a career as an electrical engineer technologist by her father and enrolled for Humber’s Electrical Engineering Technology – Control Systems program. She considers the new SMART Lab “an opportunity to expand our power generation and distribution subjects and add a microgrid training module in our program so students can expand their skill sets and learn how to work with microgrid systems.”

Harness the full potential of academic opportunities with a living lab

Living labs like the SMART Lab bring the real world and hands-on academic education together in a unique way. Would you also like to offer your students and researchers the opportunity to explore and investigate cutting-edge technologies for greater sustainability and cost efficiency in a real-life test bed? Get in touch to embark on your individual living lab journey.

Students at Humber College are working in a smart lab with Siemens technology.