ENY 1622 - Wind Energy and Photovoltaics

Credits: 3

This course will prepare the student for entry level, technical positions in the growing fields of wind and solar photovoltaic systems. It will introduce various aspects of wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems. The current state of wind and PV systems in the U.S. and the world will be briefly covered. The basic elements of wind power systems will be covered including wind energy mapping, site selection, wind turbine components, and power vs. speed calculations. A brief overview of electric generators and speed control will also be included. The basic elements and operation of photovoltaic power systems will be covered including common types of PV cell technologies, PV array structure, and the electrical properties of PV arrays. Efficiency factors such as sun intensity and angle, and the shadowing effect will be discussed. Finally, the system integration elements of wind and PV systems will be discussed including batteries, basic power electronics, and off-grid and on-grid connected systems. Regulatory and safety issues associated with on-grid connected systems will be discussed.