WTT 100 - Introduction to Wind Energy

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Introduces students to the fundamental concepts of turning energy from the wind into electricity. Explores the history and projected future of producing energy from the wind. Identifies the various scales of wind turbines, design types and requirements, and their major subcomponents. Performs a general analysis of sites where wind turbine installations are developing, along with analyzing Federal and State policies regarding the production of power from large-and small- scale wind turbines.

Prerequisite(s): MTH 099 or MATH LEVEL 3
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Define general wind turbine terminology.
1. Define general wind terminology including wind speed, power, and density.
2. Describe the components of wind turbine.
3. Describe components of wind measurement devices: anemometer.
4. Discuss aspects of wind turbine control.
5. Discuss the future of the wind industry and other topics that are appropriate.
Describe the evolution of wind turbine technology
1. Define different types and applications of various wind turbines
2. Describe environmental and economic issues of the wind industry.
3. Define key elements of wind energy systems and quality and longevity requirements for sustainability.
Explain air flow as related to wind turbine.
1. Analyze blade efficiencies.
2. Analyze blade environmental impacts on wind resources and blade efficiencies.
Examine site construction, foundation, roads, and substation development.
1. Compare differences in tower foundations.
2. Analyze substation development.
3. Describe and examine wind park site construction and roadways.
Discuss environmental, ethical, or legal obligations of the wind farm.
1. Define environmental and ethical aspects on locations of wind farms.
2. Describe legal obligations of wind farms.
Perform appropriate wind calculations.
1. Use a regional wind database and understand the relationship between elevations and wind speed.
2. Calculate the annual power from the wind turbine.
3. Use basic principles of wind energy conversion.
4. Know the operational characteristics of a wind generator.
5. Understand source of the wind, wind characteristics, wind speed gradient.
6. Analyze wind statistics, basic elements of wind power, and power density of the wind.
7. Understand the economics of the power produced.