Course Code and Title: RENT 6005 – Wind Energy I

Semester and Level: Semester I

Course Type: Core

Credits: 3

Mode of Delivery:  Online 

 

  1. Course Description

This course explores the fundamental aspects of the wind resource, wind turbine aerodynamics and control, along with institutional and environmental aspects involved in the planning of wind farms. An integral part of the course is industry software exercises to provide hands-on experience in pre-feasibility wind resource assessments and the preliminary stages involved in the design of a wind farm. Teaching will consist of lectures, tutorials, and software exercises to provide students with opportunities to engage with the course material. This is a foundational course for an advanced elective course.

 

  1. Course Evaluation: 100% Coursework

Assignments                                                         30%

Software exercises                                               40%

Coursework exam                                                30%

 

  1. Rationale

Wind energy technologies will play a greater role in meeting the global objective of a net zero carbon future. In addition, the development of indigenous wind energy resources is critical in the drive to reduce electrical energy cost and achieve energy security in many nations. Thus, a grounding in wind energy concepts, methods of assessment and planning for wind power plants will prepare students to pursue a career as a wind energy analyst.

 

  1.  Course Aims
  • To introduces students to the various elements considered in planning a wind power project, and the advanced physics concepts and computational methods for designing a wind power plant.
  • To provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in using industry software to model wind flow, wind turbine aerodynamics, and electrical production of a wind power plant.

 

  1. Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, the graduates will be able to:

  1. Describe the elements in planning a wind power project.
  2. Explain the factors influencing the wind resources.
  3. Conduct a prefeasibility assessment for a wind power project using suitable software.
  4. Conduct a wind resource assessment via the use of industry software (e.g. WAsP).
  5. Discuss the principles of aerodynamics of the main types of wind turbines.
  6. Compare different methods of wind turbine control.
  7. Calculate wind resource metrics and wind turbine characteristics.
  8. Assess the economical, environmental and institutional factors of wind energy.
  9. Assess the potential for wind energy in the Caribbean region.
  10. Identify the critical parameters involved in the effective design of small-scale wind power systems.
  11. Use a commercial software (e.g. WINDPro) to simulate wind generated electricity production.
  12. Communicate results of simulation experiments concisely via written reports.

 

  1. Course Content/Syllabus

Topics include the following: planning wind power projects; nature of atmospheric winds; wind resource assessment methods; pre-feasibility assessments; wind resource metrics and calculations from time series; computer software for wind resource assessments; wind turbine components and aerodynamics; wind turbine control systems; small-scale wind power systems; economic, environmental and institutional issues in wind power projects; simulation of wind generated electricity production.

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