On-Demand Training:
Utility Scale Wind Energy 101

Introduction to Utility Scale Wind Energy

• 1 Course Overview and Objectives
  • Introduction to the course structure, and set learning objectives
• 2 The History of Wind Energy
  • A brief history of wind energy, from ancient uses to modern wind turbines
  • Review the major types of companies involved in wind energy
• 3 Understanding the Wind
  • How wind can impact siting and micro-siting of each wind turbine
  • Wind characteristics that impact the lifespan of a wind turbine:
    • Wind shear
    • Flow inclination
    • Shadowing (wake effect)
    • Turbulence class
    • Asymmetric loading
  • 4 Interactive Element: Poll
    • Quick poll to understand the attendee’s prior knowledge and expectations

 Module 2: Utility Scale Wind as a Source of Energy

• 1 How Wind is Converted into Electrical Energy
  • Overview of the process from wind to electricity to the grid
  • What is the difference between Power vs. Energy (MW vs. MW-hr)
• 2 Components of a Wind Turbine
  • Detailed description of wind turbine systems and components and their functions:
    • Electrical configurations (PMG, SFAG, DFIG, etc)
    • Yaw and pitch system designs
  • 3 Interactive Element: Q&A Session
    • Open floor for questions related to wind energy conversion and turbine components

 Module 3: Utility Scale Wind Energy Production

• 1 Types of Wind Turbines and their Applications
  • Comparison of today’s modern wind turbine manufacturers and models (LW/HW)
• 2 Calculating Potential Power Output
  • Introduction to power curves, curtailment and other factors of wind farm annual energy production to include failures over time (bathtub curve)
• 3 Interactive Element: Group Discussion
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different turbine types

 Module 4: Environmental Considerations

• 1 Impact of Wind Farms on Wildlife and Habitat
  • Discussion on the environmental impact of wind farms during all the phases of operations:
    • Construction
    • Commissioning
    • Turnover to customer
    • Long term FSAs
  • 2 Mitigating Environmental Impact
    • Strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of wind energy projects
  • 3 Safety Hazards and Mitigation
    • Identification of safety hazards in wind energy installations and prevention strategies
  • 4 Interactive Element: Poll and Q&A
    • Poll on environmental concerns followed by a Q&A session on mitigation strategies

Module 5: Challenges and Solutions

• 1 Integrating Wind Energy into the Electrical Grid
  • Challenges of grid integration and potential solutions
• 2 Making Wind Energy Profitable
  • OPEX vs. CAPEX budgets, maintenance cycles
• 3 Wind Turbine Failures
  • Serial defects, and design failures of gearbox, blade and other components
• 4 Interactive Element: Scenario Analysis
  • Group discussion on hypothetical challenges and brainstorming solutions

Module 6: Utility Scale Wind Energy Policy and Regulatory Framework

• 1 Understanding Wind Energy Policies
  • Overview of global and national policies affecting wind energy
• 2 Navigating Regulatory Requirements
  • Key considerations for compliance with regulations in wind energy projects
• 3 Power Purchase Agreements
  • Time-based availability, production-based, generation guarantees
  • Feed-in tariffs and factors that impact revenue
• 4 Interactive Element: Role-Playing Game
  • Role-playing exercise on navigating policy and regulatory challenges in wind energy

Module 7: Successful Utility Scale Wind Energy Projects and Future Directions

• 1 Case Studies of Successful Wind Energy Projects
  • Examination of successful wind energy projects and key factors for their success
• 2 Future Trends in Wind Energy
  • Discussion on the future of wind energy, including technological advancements
  • Decommission or repower
• 3 Interactive Element: Group Discussion and Course Wrap-Up
  • Final group discussion to share insights and course feedback. Summary of key takeaways and next steps for further learning