Spring 2026 - MSE 895 G100
Special Topics III (3)
Class Number: 3914
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
SurreyJan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 21, 2026
Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Patrick Palmer
ppalmer@sfu.ca
Description
COURSE DETAILS:
This is a 2-semester, project-oriented graduate course with strong practical training components and is the basis for an NSERC CREATE program with the same title. It will be co-taught annually online, by 10 professors from partnering universities, and covers the entire spectrum of sustainable hybrid microgrids research and development, including: Concept of microgrids; Energy storage and conversion technologies; Distributed energy sources, and interfacing; Sustainable energy policy and politics; Microgrid energy management and planning; Microgrid control and stability; Energy conversion and distribution systems in microgrids; Thermal energy grids; Thermal energy storage materials and processes; Sensing and communication systems; Bioenergy production and natural gas network; Entrepreneurial mindsets and developing value propositions; and Market application of HyTEM. The lectures and tutorials will be complemented with invited lectures from (inter)national experts, site visits from leading-edge facilities, and the direct participation of the (inter)national research labs and industry partners.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
There is a need for a holistic training that covers engineering as well as business, techno-economical, environmental, social (engagement, awareness, acceptance, participation), and policymaking aspects of emerging sustainable energy grids. This course is mandatory for all participating graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (PDFs) in Year 1 of the NSERC CREATE HyTEM program.
Grading
- exams (1st semester exam 30%; 2nd semester exam 30%) 60%
- assignments and team project 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.