Building real-world microgrid solutions
Center for Microgrid Research
The Center for Microgrid Research is dedicated to improving the reliability and resiliency of our electric grid through cutting-edge research, educational programs, and strategic partnerships.
As one of the premier applied engineering research centers in distributed energy resources and microgrids, we are building the human and operational capacity needed for a secure, resilient, and carbon-free electric grid in the 21st century.
Our work is not only advancing critical technologies but also preparing the next generation of engineers to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions.
Gain real-world experience working directly with microgrid technologies.
As the only institution of its kind in North America offering hands-on training for students and professionals, St. Thomas students engage in groundbreaking projects, gaining practical experience in developing microgrid technologies that significantly impacting climate change and sustainable energy solutions.
The University of St. Thomas Microgrid and Center for Microgrid Research are centrally located in the Twin Cities metro area (about 10 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and the MSP International Airport).
Read more about the Center and the St. Thomas Microgrid in recent publications and news media:
- "State, federal funding fuels expansion of Minnesota microgrid research center," Energy News Network by Frank Jossi, September 20, 2023.
- "St. Thomas research into microgrids may help reimagine future power distribution," WCCO|CBS News Minnesota by Erin Hassanzadeh, July 25, 2023.
- "University of St. Thomas Takes on Microgrid Mission," Microgrid Knowledge by Lisa Cohn, March 30, 2023 .
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Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan
Director of the Center for Microgrid Research
Shaping the Evolution of Energy
Student-Focused Microgrid Research Facilities
St. Thomas has one of the only student-focused microgrid research facilities in the nation. Students help develop technology and are trained to shape the evolution of energy in the face of climate change. The Center attracts an array of students, researchers and industry partners interested in distributed energy resources.
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What is a microgrid?
The Microgrid
A microgrid is a local version of the continental-size electric grid. A microgrid is made up of a group of sources and loads. It can include renewable energy sources such as solar Photovoltaic (PV) or conventional energy sources such as natural gas generators.
A Facility for the Entire Community to Learn & Experiment
Get involved with the Center to learn, apply your knowledge, and make an impact in this community.
For Industry Partners
We are here to answer your questions about:
- Research and development partnerships
- Training and workforce education workshops
- Student-focused projects
- Pre-compliance testing of near commercial products
- Futureproofing current commercial products
- Testing, facility rental, and data acquisition
- Federal proposal partnerships and cost-share support
For Academic and Not-for-Profit Organizations
If you have questions about:
- Research Projects
- Proposal partnerships
- Testing, facility rental, and experimental data acquisition
Expert Faculty of the Center for Microgrid Research
Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan
Dr. Mahmoud Kabalan is the Founding Director of the Center for Microgrid Research. He is the recipient of the 2023 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grant which is the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious grant in support of early-career faculty. Dr. Kabalan is the Principal Investigator of more than $22.6 million grants and contracts. His work has been supported by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota Department of Commerce, and the National Science Foundation. He led and supervised the commissioning of a $3 million industry-grade microgrid on the University of St. Thomas St. Paul campus. He is a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota.
Dr. Mohamed Moustafa
Dr. Mohamed Moustafa is the Assistant Director of the Center for Microgrid Research. His work is dedicated to supporting the energy sector's transition to carbon-free electricity. He specializes in microgrid technology, focusing on developing advanced control systems, enhancing grid stability, and integrating renewable energy resources. With a background that spans both academia and industry, Dr. Moustafa bridges the gap between research and practical applications, contributing to grid modernization and resilience.
Dr. Don Weinkauf
Dr. Don Weinkauf has served as the Dean of Engineering at the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, MN since 2008. He has been honored nationally for his teaching and research as a Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar. Prior to his career in academia, Dr. Weinkauf worked for Shell Oil Company as a Research Engineer. He is the inventor on 3 U.S. Patents and has been the Principal Investigator on over 5 million dollars in federal, state and corporate research grants.
Expert Staff of the Center for Microgrid Research
Dr. Renuka Loka
Dr. Renuka Loka is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Center for Microgrid Research. Prior to joining St. Thomas, she worked on optimization techniques for distributed frequency control, blockchain applications for power and energy systems, data-driven uncertainty modeling using machine learning, frequency regulation in renewable and storage-integrated power systems, and deep reinforcement learning. As a dedicated researcher passionate about renewable energy integration, she is committed to driving innovation and solving real-world problems.
Ian Masui
Ian Masui is a Microgrid Controls Research Engineer at the University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. During his studies at St. Thomas, he aided in setting up and configuring the Microgrid. This included creating and commissioning the communication and control infrastructure to enable the microgrid to function safely and efficiently.
Ian Masui
Shree Pandey
Shree Pandey is the Microgrid Engineer at the University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research. Before joining the Center, Shree worked as an Electrical Engineer, Master Electrician and Head of Field Operations in a Twin Cities based rooftop solar developer and installer. Shree is an EIT and has a Master Electrician license from the State of Minnesota.