About this course

This comprehensive introduction course provides clean energy professionals with essential knowledge for developing and implementing software solutions for utility-scale battery systems. Students will learn the critical differences between front-of-meter and behind-the-meter systems, understand energy market operations and bidding strategies, and explore proven software architectures for battery management systems. By course completion, students will have a solid understanding of how software controls battery operations, enables market participation, and maximizes economic value in utility-scale deployments.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the differences between front-of-meter and behind-the-meter battery systems and determine appropriate software architecture strategies for each
  • Apply microservices-based software architecture strategies for energy market bidding and behind-the-meter battery management systems
  • Evaluate opportunities for revenue from energy markets and cost savings from behind-the-meter systems using techniques such as energy arbitrage, ancillary services, and peak shaving

Course outline

6 modules
1 - 3 hours to complete
50 minutes of video lectures
Welcome • 1 assignments
Orientation Materials

This is a free course. We take pride in our free courses, but keep in mind that this is only a taste of what we do in a full HeatSpring course. You can get started immediately after you enroll.

  • Set up email notifications and your student profile
Module 1 • 3 assignments
Introduction

Course introduction, why batteries are important for renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and in front of the meter versus behind the meter systems.

  • Course Introduction (03:42 minutes)
  • The Need for Software for Battery Systems (05:09 minutes)
  • In Front of and Behind the Meter (02:59 minutes)
Module 2 • 3 assignments
In Front of the Meter

Explains systems that make bids into energy markets, which is especially relevant for in-front-of-the-meter battery systems.

  • Energy Markets (05:44 minutes)
  • Architecture for Energy Market Bidding (03:22 minutes)
  • Software Terms & Vocabulary: Energy Market Bidding Systems
Module 3 • 3 assignments
Behind the Meter

Explains how behind-the-meter battery systems work.

  • Behind the Meter Systems (03:51 minutes)
  • Architecture for Behind the Meter Systems (02:26 minutes)
  • Software Terms & Vocabulary: Behind-the-Meter Energy Management Systems
Module 4 • 1 assignments
Using AI

A short preview of upcoming courses by giving a demo of using AI to create a battery simulator.

  • AI demo (20:38 minutes)
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Summary, Feedback and Additional Resources

This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!

  • Wrapping Up (02:59 minutes)
  • Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
  • Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate (members only)

Frequently asked questions

Full FAQ
How does this course work?
This is a free course. Enroll today and get access to all of the materials instantly. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. During your year of access the instructor will be in the course answering questions on the discussion board every Friday.
How long do I have access to the materials?
For free courses there is no guarantee for how long the course materials will be available.
Will the instructor really answer my questions during this course?
Yes! This is an instructor-led online course. You can ask questions on the discussion board and get prompt answers from your instructor. It varies by instructor and by course but typically instructors check-in between daily and weekly to check quiz results or project work, review and respond to discussion board questions and read survey responses. Check the enrollment page for specific information about each instructor's check-in frequency.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Certificates of completion are only provided to HeatSpring Membership subscribers. This course has not been approved by any credentialing organizations (NABCEP, AIA, USGBC etc) for Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). This course is for self education purposes only and completion does not indicate a level of professional expertise or credential.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, this is a free course so you can share this page with other people from your team.
Do I need experience with specific programming languages?
The majority of the course does not use any programming languages, but the AI demo uses Python. If you have any experience with any programming language, you should be able to understand the Python code that's shown in the demo.
Does this course cover residential battery systems like Tesla Powerwall?
This course focuses on utility-scale battery systems, but many of the behind-the-meter concepts are similar in residential systems.
Will I learn to write actual battery control software in this course?
This is an introductory course that focuses on architecture and concepts rather than hands-on coding. Follow-on classes will feature hands-on coding using AI.
Do I need to understand energy markets to benefit from this course?
No prior energy market knowledge is required. The course includes a comprehensive module explaining energy markets, bidding processes, and how batteries participate in various market mechanisms.

Free

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