Wind Energy Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wind Energy

 

Who is this Course for?

Wind energy technology is rapidly becoming popular. We expect, over the next few years, thousands of new jobs related to this source of renewable energy will be created. This course is designed for people who seek entry-level jobs in development, operation or maintenance of wind energy systems.

Course Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to be a complete self-standing learning experience. It includes all of the required mathematics, physics, basic technology, and specific technology elements. It consists of a number of modules, each of which has its own projected learning outcomes. After completing all of the modules, a student will be able to:

  1. Understand and explain the basic physics and mathematical concepts related to scope of this course.
  2. Understand and explain general safety issues and procedures, as well as those related specifically to electricity.
  3. Understand and explain how industrial heat exchangers work.
  4. Understand and explain importance of lubrication and how good lubrication is achieved for industrial equipment.
  5. Understand and explain basic concepts related to electricity.
  6. Understand and explain how industrial valves work.
  7. Understand and explain how industrial compressors work.
  8. Understand and explain how process instrumentation and automatic control systems work.
  9. Understand and explain how industrial pumps work.
  10. Understand and explain the nature of wind energy
  11. Understand and explain how kinetic energy from wind is converted into mechanical energy, and then into electrical energy.
  12. Understand and explain basic aerodynamic concepts related to wind turbine generators (WTGs).
  13. Understand and explain the nature and function of subsystems associated with wind turbine generators.
  14. Understand and explain how electrical and control systems associated with wind turbine generators work.
  15. Understand and explain key elements that need to be considered for development of new wind energy projects. 


Nature of Course

This course is designed to be user friendly. If you know enough about computing to use email, you can take this course easily over the Internet. This is a totally web-based course. That means you can participate in the course at any time and from any location. You also work at your own pace and your own schedule.

It is an interactive course. Many modules contain graphical simulations and animations to enhance the learning process. The course delivers some fairly complex concepts in an easy to learn format. Since you are in total control of the course delivery, you can go over the course material a number of times to improve the learning process.

Each course is valid for a given number of days. After the given time limit, the course is no longer available to the student. Therefore, students need to plan their work to ensure they finish the course in time. Usually, the allowed duration is three times as long as the expected necessary time. This allows students to work freely at their own pace, including not working for a short periods, and still finish the course.

Instructor-supported: On-line help is available to students. For help send email to instructor@simskills.com – our instructors usually respond within one working day to student queries. Students are encouraged to take a free sample course from our website to ensure their PC computer hardware works adequately with our programs.

 

Pre-requisites

High School Diploma

 

Math Requirements

None. The course includes all of the necessary math concepts.

 

Expected Seat-Time to Complete Course

400 hours

 

Course Schedule

Since this is a web-based course, students can enroll at any time.

 

Course Structure

The course consists of a number of modules. The student is expected to complete each of the modules and pass its associated test – each module has its own test.

Usually a student should be able complete a module after accessing it two or three times. However, to provide additional flexibility the system allows a student to access each of the modules 15 times. Once you access a module you can work on it for a long time, there is no limit on how many times a student repeats the learning material. However, the system detects and terminates idle computers. Depending upon a student's Internet connection, an idle time of 10 minutes or so is sufficient to terminate the connection.

Each of the modules contains a test, which students can access after they have been through a significant portion of the learning material. Pass Mark: 80%

It is expected that a student will take a test only once, after going through the learning material. However, to allow for Internet communication problems the system allows three accesses to each of the tests. In cases where a student takes a test more than one time, the system records the highest score.

Equipment Required

a. An ordinary PC (Pentium III or better)

b. 56K or better modem. We design most of our instruction pages to download in less than 10 seconds. Some of the graphics-heavy pages may take as much as 20 seconds.

c. Macromedia Flash Player. Almost all of the PCs (since 2003) come equipped with this Flash Player. If your computer does not have it, you can download it for free from Macromedia.com

 

 

Course Modules

  • Safety 1000
  • Hazcom 1000
  • Lockout Tagout 1000
  • Mathematics 1000
  • Mathematics 2000
  • Mathematics 2500
  • Physics – Applied 1000
  • Physics – Applied 2000
  • Physics – Applied 2500
  • Heat Exchangers 1000
  • Lubrication 2000
  • Electricity 1000
  • Electricity 2000
  • Valves 1000
  • Compressed Air 2000
  • Process Control 1000
  • Process Control 3000
  • Pumps 1000
  • Pumps 2000
  • Wind Energy 1000: Introduction to Wind Energy
  • Wind Energy 2000: Nature of Wind
  • Wind Energy 2500: Extraction of Wind Energy
  • Wind Energy 3000: Aerodynamics
  • Wind Energy 3500: Wind Turbine Subsystems
  • Wind Turbine 4000: WTG Planning, Control and Operation

 

In the following pages, learning outcomes for each of course modules are provided.

 

Safety 1000: Basic Safety

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

By going through this course you will be able to describe:

1. General safety practices utilized in industrial plants.

2. Common hazards likely to be faced by workers in industrial facilities.

3. The necessary protective measures needed against common industrial hazards.

4. The hazards posed by toxic, suffocating and explosive gases.

 

 

 

HAZCOM 1000: Basic Hazard Communication

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe purpose of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).

2. Describe the intent of the five key elements of the HCS.

3. Describe the purpose and main elements of an MSDS.

4. Describe the employer's responsibilities for providing MSD sheets to the workers.

5. Describe the key elements of the Right to Know labels, the NFPA labels, and other main types of labels used to communicate chemical hazards to the workers.

6. State the main terms which are used to communicate hazards to employees.

7. Describe the nature of training an employer is required to provide the workers to comply to the HCS.

 

 

Mathematics 1000: Basic Math 1

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the nature of basic numbers.

2. Describe the nature of fractions, fraction multiplication and division.

3. State the nature of mixed numbers.

4. Describe the nature of decimal numbers.

5. Describe how to convert a fraction into a decimal number.

6. Describe how to convert a decimal number into a fraction.

7. Describe how to perform decimal addition, multiplication and division.

 

 

Mathematics 2000: Basic Math 2

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Calculate areas of simple geometrical figures.

2. Calculate volumes of simple geometrical figures.

3. Calculate surface areas of simple bodies.

4. Perform calculations which involve simple equations.

5. Describe how to make and use a bar graph.

6. Describe how to make and use a line graph.

 

 

Mathematics 2500: Basic Math 3

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe what is meant by the term percentage.

2. Convert percentages in fractions, fractions into percentage, and percentage in decimal numbers.

3. Apply fundamental percentage calculation formulas.

4. Describe what is meant by unit conversions.

5. Convert one quantity with certain units into another with other units.

 

 

Physics 1000: Applied Physics 1

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe what is meant by mass and weight.

2. Explain what is meant by density and specific gravity.

3. Describe what is meant by buoyancy.

4. Describe the units used to measure heat energy.

5. Describe the difference between heat and temperature?

6. Describe the common temperature scales: Fahrenheit, Celsius, Rankine and Kelvin.

7. Describe what is meant by the term specific heat.

8. Describe the terms latent heat and sensible heat.

9. Describe what is meant by latent heat of vaporization.

10. Describe how superheated steam is produced.

11. Describe what is meant by thermal conductivity.

 

 

Physics 2000: Applied Physics 2

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe nature of energy including KE and PE.

2. Describe what is meant by force and pressure.

3. Describe how gases exert pressure.

4. Describe how solids and liquids exert pressure.

5. Describe what is meant by atmospheric pressure, psia and psig.

6. Describe how vacuum is created.

7. State the three common gas laws. Learn how to use the gas laws.

8. Describe how barometers and manometers works.

9. Describe what happens to pressure and velocity for fluid flow through venturies.

 

 

Physics 2500: Applied Physics 3

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. State and describe Law of Conservation of Energy.

2. Describe lever classification and how levers work.

3. Describe how pulleys work.

4. Describe energy, force, work and mechanical advantage.

5. Describe the basic nature of electricity.

6. Describe how electromotive force may be produced.

7. Solve simple series and parallel electric circuit problems.

8. Describe the Left Hand Rule for Coils.

9. Describe the Right Hand Rule for Generators.

10. Describe how alternating current is produced.

 

 

HeatExchangers1000 - Heat Exchangers

 

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose and application of heat exchangers.

2. Describe the basic technical concepts relating to cooling tower technology.

3. Describe the key operational aspects pertaining to cooling towers.

4. Describe the nature of shell and tube type heat exchangers.

5. Describe the nature of plate type heat exchangers.

 

 

Lubrication2000 - Lubrication and Bearings

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe what is meant by Tribology.

2. Describe the main objectives of lubrication.

3. Describe the mechanism which creates friction.

4. Describe how friction is reduced.

5. Describe different types of wear in industrial equipment.

6. Describe what is meant by hydrodynamic conditions and how they are created.

8. Describe three different types of lubrication regimes.

9. Describe the parameters which define a lubricant's characteristics.

10. Describe the nature and application of grease.

11. Describe common types of bearings used in industrial plants.

12. Describe key components of common bearings.

13. Describe how lubrication is applied (used) in industrial plants.

14. Describe role and duties of an operator as far as lubrication is concerned.

 

 

Electricity1000 - Electrical Safety

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe simple electric circuits as they pertain to electrical safety.

2. Describe the role of voltage and current in an electric circuit.

3. State the main hazards posed by electricity.

4. Describe how equipment and system grounding works.

5. Describe how Ground Fault Current Interrupter (GFCI) works.

6. Describe protective measures necessary for worker protection.

7. Describe what a worker should and should not do during an electrical accident.

 

 

Electricity2000 - Electricity for Operators and Technicians

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the nature of conductors, insulators and semiconductors.

2. Describe electromagnetism and magnetic induction,

3. State safety precautions which may be taken to protect against electrical accidents.

4. Describe what is meant by the term grounding and how it is applied.

5. Describe how batteries are used in series or in parallel.

6. Describe how resistors are used in series and parallel.

7. Describe how to use basic formulas to calculate voltage, current and resistance for basic electric circuits.

8. Describe the nature of alternating current and how it is generated.

9. Describe how a capacitor works.

10. Describe how a transformer works.

11. Describe how an electric motor works.

12. Describe the main operator duties regarding electric motors.

 

 

Valves1000 - Industrial Valves

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe purpose and main components of a gate valve.

2. Describe purpose and operation of globe valves.

3. Describe purpose and operation of quarter-turn valves.

4. Describe purpose and operation of check valves.

5. Describe nature and application of valve flow characteristics.

6. Describe nature and purpose of safety and relief valves.

7. Describe some of the key operational practices pertaining to industrial valves.

 

 

CompressedAir2000 - Compressed Air

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe main safety aspects regarding operation of compressed air systems.

2. Describe how compressed air systems are classified.

3. State the purpose of multistage air compression.

4. Describe different phases of a multistage air compression system.

5. Describe how reciprocating air compressors work.

6. Describe how rotary air compressors work.

7. Describe how dynamic air compressors work.

8. Describe the purpose of intercoolers, aftercoolers, separators and air receivers.

9. Describe the importance of dew point control and how air dryers work.

10. Describe main operator duties regarding air compression systems.

 

 

ProcessControl1000 - How to Read Process Drawings

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of process drawings.

2. Describe the nature of process flow diagrams.

3. State the nature of block diagrams.

4. Describe the nature of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.

5. Describe the common piping conventions used in P&IDs.

6. Describe the common equipment and instrument symbols used in P&IDs.

7. Describe how to read a P&ID.

 

 

ProcessControl3000 - Basic Process Instrumentation and Control

 

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of industrial instrumentation and control.

2. Describe the nature of and difference between automatic and manual control.

3. Describe the components of the basic control loops.

4. Describe how information flows through a control loop.

5. Describe the common control loop related terminology.

6. Describe the common symbols used in control loop schematics.

7. Describe how common pressure measurement instruments work.

8. Describe how common flow measurement instruments work.

9. Describe how common level measurement instruments work.

10. Describe application of simple controllers.

11. Describe how performance of controllers is evaluated.

12. State the names of the parameters used in controller tuning.

 

 

Pumps1000 - Pump Fundamentals

 

Learning Outcomes

By going through this course you will be able to describe:

1. The basic principles of centrifugal pump operation.

2. The main components of a centrifugal pump.

3. What an operator should be checking and observing on a centrifugal pump.

4. The main components of a reciprocating pump.

6. The basic operational principles of reciprocating pumps.

7. The basic operational principles of rotary pumps.

8. The basic operational principles of diaprhagm pumps.

 

 

Pumps2000 - Centrifugal Pump Operation

 

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe different types of centrifugal pumps.

2. Describe how self-priming pumps work.

3. Describe the purpose basic components of common mechanical packings.

4. Describe the purpose basic components of common mechanical seals.

5. Describe how mechanical packings and seals work.

6. Describe the nature of static lift and static head pumping configurations.

7. Describe how to start a centrifugal pump.

8. Describe how to troubleshoot a centrifugal pump.

 

Graphic source: Gould Pumps

 

 

Wind Energy 1000: Introduction to Wind Energy

 

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe origin of wind machines.

2. Describe why wind-based energy is an attractive alternative in this day and age.

3. Describe meaning and usage of watts and watt-hours.

4. Describe position of wind-based electrical energy in reference to electrical energy produced by conventional fuels.

5. Identify different types of wind-based machines.

6. Describe function of major components of a wind turbine generator.

7. Describe how, in a wind turbine generator, conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.

 

Graphic Source: Alstom Turbines

 

 

Wind Energy 2000 - Nature of Wind

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the role sun's radiation plays in formation of winds.

2. Describe the effect of Coriolis force on winds.

3. Describe general wind patterns associated with mountains, and regions close to water bodies.

4. Describe how wind varies according to time of day, and minute to minute.

5. Describe the nature of turbulence and tunnel effect associated with wind.

6. Describe the effect ground roughness and hills have on wind.

7. Describe the nature of offshore winds.

 

 

Wind Energy 2500: Wind Energy Extraction

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe how WTGs extract energy from wind.

2. Describe key factors that affect energy content of wind.

3. Perform basic kinetic energy calculations pertaining to wind energy.

4. Describe how customer power needs and WTG size are matched.

5. Calculate maximum extractable energy for a WTG.

6. Describe basis for development of statistical data for wind velocity and wind energy.

7. Calculate Capacity Factor for a WTG.

8. Calculate Availability Factor for a WTG.

9. Describe what is meant by and application for cut-in and cut-out wind speeds for a WTG.

 

Graphic Source: Wikipedia

 

 

Wind Energy 3000: Aerodynamics

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Differentiate between scalar and vector quantities.

2. Add or subtract scalar and vector quantities.

3. Describe what is meant by aerodynamic drag.

4. Describe how wind velocity vector interacts with WTG blade movement vector.

5. Describe what is meant by Angle of Attack.

6. Describe how a WTG blade airfoil creates rotor torque.

7. Describe what is meant by Coefficient of Lift.

8. Describe what is meant by airfoil stall.

 

 

Wind Energy 3500: Wind Turbine Generator Subsystems

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose of typical wind turbine generator hub.

2. Describe the purpose of aerodynamic brakes and main variations used in WTGs.

3. Describe the function of drive trains and gearboxes.

4. Describe different types of gears, including epicyclic gear trains.

5. Describe purpose and functionality of yaw mechanism.

6. Describe how active and inactive pitch control systems work.

7. Describe how angle of attack is used in operation of a wind turbine generator.

8. Describe how active and passive stall mechanisms work.

 

WindEnergy4000: WTG Planning, Control and Operation

 

Learning Outcomes

After successfully going through this training module, you will be able to:

1. Describe key differences between conventional power generating systems and WTG-based power generating systems.

2. Describe key features of electric power system grid.

3. State key features of electric rotating machines.

4. Describe key differentiating features of induction, synchronous and DC generators.

5. Describe reactive power considerations for operation of WTG systems.

6. Describe key features of directly coupled synchronous generators.

7. Describe key features of directly coupled induction generators.

8. Describe a system based on synchronous generator and inverter.

9. Describe how pitch and stall regulation systems work.

10. Using a bath-tub curve describe life-time reliability aspects of a WTG system.

11. Describe key features of operation and maintenance of a WTG system.

12. Describe key considerations for potential WTG site selection.

13. Describe key considerations for a typical WTG project development.