Smart Energy Lab

The Smart Energy Lab consists of an integrated system of Electrical Energy subsystems. Built by Lucas Nuelle, a German leading provider in education and training, the lab deploys smart electric gird including generation, transmission, distribution, and load management. In addition, the lab includes security and communication modules.

The lab is based on the grid edge concept of clean energy smart grid configuration. The lab is used for undergraduate as well as graduate education and research. Students use the lab to design experiments required for their theses.

Smart Energy Student Club

The Smart Energy Student Club is dedicated to fostering innovation and development in the field of energy technology. Our mission is to provide students with hands-on experience, cultivate industry partnerships, and promote sustainable energy solutions that address the world's pressing energy challenges. The club serves as a vibrant hub for students passionate about energy, sustainability, and cutting-edge technologies.

Goals and Objectives

  • Foster Innovation
    Our primary goal is to advance the development of new solutions in smart energy technologies. We focus on projects encompassing renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. By encouraging creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute to the evolution of the energy sector.
  • Enhance Industry Collaboration and Partnerships
    We strive to build strong collaborations with industry leaders in the energy sector to facilitate joint projects, internships, and sponsored research. Through these partnerships, students gain valuable insights and real-world experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.
  • Provide Hands-On Learning and Skill Development
    The Smart Energy Club offers students hands-on experience with state-of-the-art energy technologies through structured lab courses, workshops, and extracurricular activities. Our resources include advanced equipment for solar, wind, and battery storage technologies, as well as tools for energy management and analytics.
  • Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration
    We encourage interdisciplinary projects that bring together students and faculty from different fields such as engineering, computer science, environmental studies, and business. By leveraging diverse expertise, we aim to solve complex energy problems and develop holistic solutions.

One of the main objectives of the SEL to strengthen the department energy option courses by providing the lab components and the requirements of the project. The lab provides the facilities and solutions for the following energy courses: EEEE221 (Renewable Energy Sources and Systems), EEEE321 (Energy Conversion), EEEE322 (Power Electronics), EEEE522 (Power System Transmission and Distribution), EEEE489(ST: Smart Grids). Furthermore, at the undergraduate level, capstone projects may utilize the lab for energy-related topics. Such topics may include solar photovoltaic energy conversion design and testing, energy grid synchronization and protection, and building pilot microgrids.

At the graduate level, the lab serves the analysis and design projects required for the following courses: EEEE622 (Power System Transmission and Generation), EEEE789 (ST: Smart grids). Furthermore, the graduate students utilize the lab for their experimental research work in thesis and graduate papers. Such utilization may include designing pilot microgrids, testing solar panels, storage and EV components influence on stabilizing the grid, and Controlling the grid voltage and frequency variations. 

SEL integrated facilities were carefully selected to allow faculty and students (graduate and undergraduate) to conduct applied energy research, both conventional and smart. Some of the concluded and ongoing research topics are:

  • Modeling and design of solar photovoltaic energy systems
  • Modeling and design of fuel cell energy storage systems
  • Design of special purpose microgrids 
  • Synchronizing interconnected smart grids
  • Controlling reactive power in microgrids
  • Load Frequency Control in smart grids
  • Control of FACTS in smart transmission systems

Potential publications of using the SEL in some department master thesis work are underway and will be posted shortly.

One of the main objectives of having such an advanced energy lab is providing continuous learning to practicing energy engineers in the country and region. Public and special training courses are designed to provide the energy industry with the latest smart technology and solutions. SEL plays a vital role in providing hands-on experience supporting the topics covered in the training programs. Close collaboration between SEL and our department DT (Digital Transformation) is significant to serve the digitalization and security issues in smart energy systems.

Selected titles of promising training courses utilizing the SEL are: Fundamentals of Smart Energy and Smart Grids. Analysis and Design of small-scale special-purpose smart grids (Microgrids), Control and Optimization of Smart Grids, Active and Reactive Power Control, Fundaments of Solar Photovoltaics, Designing Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Demand Side Management in Smart Grids, Cyber Security Issues in Smart Grids. 

The Smart Energy Club offers a variety of extracurricular activities to enhance students' learning experiences and skill development. These activities include:

  • Workshops on renewable energy technologies and sustainable practices
  • Hackathons and competitions focused on energy innovation
  • Guest lectures and seminars by industry experts and researchers
  • Field trips to energy facilities and research centers
  • Collaborative projects with industry partners and faculty advisors

Faculty

 

Club Student Lead

Suhail Almarzooqi

Members

  • Suhail Almarzooqi
  • Mhd Adnan Kassoumeh 
  • Zaid Alhomsi
  • Ahmad Zahran
  • Humaid Almarzooqi
  • Abdulrahman Al Hanafi 
  • Dhiren Sandeep Shah 
  • Mohammad Marhoon
  • Aditya
  • Aleem Khan
  • Mohammed Ashfaq
  • Saif Al-Azeeby 
  • Luqman
  • Mohammad Badr
  • Hamad Allanjawi
  • Omer Al-Azeeby 
  • Muhammad Khan 
  • Muhammad Muneer
  • Rashed Alhajri
  • Mariam Alraeesi 
  • Ibrahim Alhaiek
  • Laith Alnajjar
  • Maryam Albalooshi
  • Mohammed Moazam
  • Omar Abdelmoaty
  • Piyush
  • Ahmad Raza
  • Raghul Saravanan
  • Dhahi Almheiri
  • Shaikha Almeer
  • Yousuf Mansy
  • Emadeddin
  • Jacob Fay
  • Clarissa Mohammed
  • Mesk Alabduljaleel

Contact

Abdulla Ismail
Professor of Electrical Engineering
axicad@rit.edu

Website last updated: May 5, 2025