The main objective of the Smart Grid and Renewable Power Laboratory: Control and Protection lab is to provide a real power system for educational and research purposes. This power system is a lab version of the IEEE 14-bus five-generator power system, which is equipped with the power system essential components such as controllable synchronous generators, transmission lines, and loads. Moreover, the lab will include the renewable energy sources such as solar cells as well as smart grid components including communication and storage. Therefore, the lab will provide the electrical environment required for analyzing current power system designs as well as emerging technologies such as micro grids, intermittent renewable energy sources, and smart grids that will be fully implemented by utilities in the near future.

Traditionally, most research and educational power system analyses rely on simulations to evaluate the designs and examine the methods in regards with power system analysis. The lab complements the simulation studies with an actual power system with all essential components and control mechanisms and will benefit power system research and education in both university and industry.

The lab supports coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in addition to the needs of students working on research and course projects. Courses cover the fundamentals of micro grids, power system control, and smart grids.