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Wind Energy 1

Semester 1

Whether large, medium or small-scale, wind power is set to play a major part in the future energy mix of the Caribbean. Wind power technology is an interdisciplinary subject. Accordingly, this course explores the fundamental aspects of the wind resource, wind turbine aerodynamics and control, along with institutional and environmental aspects (including planning issues). An integral
part of the course is a computer-based laboratory to provide hands-on experience in the design and optimisation of a wind farm. This course will also include a field trip to wind turbine site to allow the student to appreciate wind power in the real world.

Syllabus: 
  1. Nature of atmospheric winds
    1. Averaging periods
  2. Wind resource assessment
    1. Anemometry
    2. Siting
    3. Basic statistics
    4. Weibull distribution
  3. Wind turbine aerodynamics
  4. Wind turbine control
  5. Small scale wind power
  6. Economics aspects
  7. Environmental aspects
Undergrad/Postgrad: 
Graduate
Co-requisites: 
Evaluation: 
  •  Coursework: 50 %
    • Laboratory assignment: 20%
    • Term Paper: 10%
    • Mid-semester Exam: 20%
  • Final Exam: 50%
    • three hour final exam
Learning Objectives: 

Upon successful completion of this course, students MUST be able to:

  1. Explain the basic theories of the wind resource and its assessment.
  2. Discuss the aerodynamics of the main types of wind turbines.
  3. Compare different methods of wind turbine control.
  4. Assess the economical, environmental and institutional factors of wind energy.
  5. Assess the potential for wind energy in the Caribbean region.
  6. Identify the critical parameters involved in the effective design of smallscale wind power system.
  7. Utilise commercial software to optimize wind farm performance. Perform detailed wind energy-based experiments and communicate results concisely.
  8. Discuss complex theories both verbally and in written format.
Course Code: 
RNEM6045
Credits: 
3 Credits
Level: 
n/a
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