Management and Implementation of a Laboratory-Scale Isolated Microgrid for Teaching and Training Activities: A Case Study of the Microgrid Laboratory at the University of Pavia.

This thesis presents the design, management, and implementation of a laboratory-scale isolated microgrid developed at the University of Pavia for educational and research purposes. The system combines solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy sources with battery energy storage, forming a fully operational small-scale microgrid that functions independently of the main grid. The primary goal of this work is to develop a practical and flexible platform to study renewable energy generation and conversion, while also raising awareness and promoting understanding of sustainable energy systems among undergraduate and graduate students. The experimental setup includes two PV modules connected in series, a small wind turbine, a charge controller, a deep cycle battery, an inverter, protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers, a battery monitoring unit and several controllable loads that can be connected or dis- connected from the microgrid feeder. This configuration allows users to observe real variations in system operation and performance under changing load and resource conditions. Operating in isolated mode, the microgrid replicates off-grid scenarios, providing students with direct, hands-on experience in the functioning and management of an isolated power system. A comprehensive review of existing research on laboratory microgrids and renewable systems was carried out to identify current practices and limitations. Most previous studies have focused on simulation- or control-based approaches, with less emphasis on laboratory implementation and educational integration. This work addresses these gaps by developing a safe, modular and user- oriented platform that supports both experimental analysis and structured teaching activities. Beyond its technical contribution, the project aims to raise awareness of renewable energy tech- nologies and foster active learning through practical engagement. The developed system bridges the gap between theoretical study and real-world application, offering undergraduate and gradu- ate students an interactive environment to explore, test, and understand the operation of isolated renewable microgrids.