NEW Certificate in Solar and Wind Energy Technologies

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

Fundamental knowledge of wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy technologies
Practical steps in designing, installing and commissioning PV and wind systems
Clear and unbiased know-how about the pros and cons of both technologies
The knowledge to compare both technologies
Understanding of challenges in deploying these technologies
Ability to perform financial viability assessments
Understanding of the key climate change laws relating to these technologies

INTRODUCTION

In this course, you will learn about the developments taking place in the areas of solar and wind energy and also how these can be made economically viable while reducing the carbon footprint.

Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in applying wind and solar power technologies – ranging from the domestic to the corporate environment. There has also been a dramatic improvement in the efficiencies of these technologies and this has helped make the application economical.

The issue of how these energy systems can coexist with the grid needs attention. The growth of capacities of wind energy sources is already posing new challenges to the grid operators and users alike, given that their output changes almost continuously. Modelling wind generators for system study and synchronised operation with the grid are areas that must be understood by engineers preparing for a career in these technology segments, as well as consultants, installers of these energy systems and the end users.

This course will provide you with the tools to design, install and commission simple photovoltaic and wind energy systems. This is not an advanced in-depth course but one covering the important issues enabling you to do simple designs and then to investigate the design and installation issues in more detail after the course either by further study or in conjunction with experts in the field.

It has been remarked that the annual growth rate of the solar and wind energy industry is 20% and even increasing beyond this in particular areas. In these challenging economic times, this is thus a good industry in which to gain some skills in.

Who Should Attend

This practical course would be suitable for any engineering professional who wants to gain know-how in these rapidly growing industries and enhance their careers. Typical participants would include:

Mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers, technologists and technicians
Instrumentation and control engineers and technicians
Supervisors
Electricians with a number of years experience
Facility managers
Energy specialists

COURSE STRUCTURE

Session 1: Introduction to Wind and Solar Energy sources

World energy usage and mix of energy sources
Pollution and global warming / climate change
Fossil power and other non-renewable sources
Renewable energy sources
Is all renewable energy green?
Non polluting renewable sources
Energy security issues
Electrical and mechanical engineering fundamentals
[Practical Assignment]

Session 2: Solar Power

Harnessing solar energy
Applications
Thermal energy from solar radiation
Photovoltaics (PV) as an emerging alternative
Basics of PV cells
Modules and arrays
Photovoltaic system components
Modern trends
Mechanical design
Panel assembly and roof attachment methods
Inverters
Electrical system design
Load profiles
A typical PV installation
Interconnecting solar power with the Utility Grid – challenges & opportunities
[Practical Assignment]

Session 3: Wind Power Basics
Origins of wind energy
Wind energy potential
Technologies in wind power generation
On-shore and off-shore installations
Basics of wind studies and site suitability evaluation
Wind energy economics
Project evaluation
[Practical Assignment]

Session 4: Wind Energy Equipment (Mechanical)

Wind turbine operating principles
Types and ratings commonly available
System design
Dynamics and fatigue
Wind turbine components
Structures
Aerodynamics and power control
Troubleshooting
Environmental issues (noise pollution and effect on fauna)
[Practical Assignment]

Session 5: Wind Energy Equipment (Electrical)
Generators for wind turbines
Electrical components
Electrical installations of a typical wind farm
Interconnection with electricity grid
Fault ride through
Modelling wind turbine generators for system study
Grid connection
Controls and simulation programs
Typical power generation profile of a wind farm
Lightning protection of wind turbines
Troubleshooting
[Practical Assignment]

Session 6: Planning a green energy installation

Study of power consumption of a facility
Planning solar and wind power installation
Energy storage issues
Base load requirements and emergency power backup
Technical issues
Financial savings and viability
[Practical Design Assignment]