Course Descriptions

WET 100 Introduction to Renewable Energy (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of renewable ener­gies, including solar energy, wind power, hydropower, biomass, hydrogen and fuel cells. Students will learn the basic principles of each technology. Students will investigate the potential of renewable energy technolo­gies to help solve environmental and economic prob­lems with society.

WET 101 Introduction to Wind Energy (2 credits)

This course will cover the use of naturally occurring winds to create electricity. Wind farms, collection devices and current status of wind energy will be discussed. Horizontal Axis and Vertical Axis Turbine systems will be covered. A brief history of wind energy will be included.

WET 105 Electrical Theory I (4 credits)

This course is an introduction to basic direct current and alternating current theory, properties and components. Basic circuits, electrical components and their applica­tions, capacitive and inductive circuits will all be cov­ered in lecture and laboratory situations.

WET 107 Workplace Fitness I (1 credit)

Based on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, this introductory class discusses the physical requirements and abilities necessary to successfully and safely perform the “heavy work” job duties of a wind energy technician. Students will participate in a foundational conditioning program based on these requirements.

WET 110 Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance (4 credits)

This course provides an overview of industrial wind turbine operation and maintenance. Topics include rotor design and aerodynamics, tower and turbine safety, instrumentation and control systems. Also covered are turbine testing, operation, and routine maintenance of electro-mechanical systems, environmental consider­ations, and current and future trends in wind turbine design.

WET 112 Monitoring and Communications Technology (2 credits)

This course examines instrumentation and methodolo­gies used in monitoring a wind plant’s performance. Students learn how monitoring can be used to identify problems with wind turbine components and wind plant electrical systems and assist in solving and even preventing them.

WET 115 Field Safety and Experience (4 credits)

Wind turbine safety principles and practices are provided to ensure that persons working on plant and apparatus are safeguarded from hazards arising from the electro-mechanical system. Students obtain field experience with an emphasis on tower safety and tower rescue, as well as exposure to applicable OSHA standards.

WET 116 Introduction to Motors and Generators (3 credits)

An introduction to the terminology and basic principles of D/C and A/C motors and generators will be covered in this course. Students will study single phase and three phase motors and generators and operational controls.

WET 117 Workplace Fitness II (1 credit)

Based on identified industry physical requirements and abilities as well as assessment of physical fitness, Wind Energy Technology students will participate in an individualized exercise program with the goal of improving their tolerance for work-specific activities.

WET 121 Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the mechanical systems that make up the subsystems of wind turbines. This includes the rotor reduction gear, as well as the blade pitch gears and control system.

WET 127 Workplace Fitness III (1 credit)

Health and wellness issues as they pertain to the successful job performance of WET duties will be discussed, e.g., low back pain, carpal tunnel, ladder climbing and knee health, healthful nutrition, etc. Prehabilitation exercises will be implemented.

WET 131 Introduction to Biofuels (1 credit)

This course will focus on the release of chemical energy by accelerating the naturally occurring car­bon dioxide cycle and the use of this energy to power engines and generators. Natural fuels and fuels made from plant materials and garbage will be discussed. Engine efficiency and its impact on lower emissions will also be discussed.

WET 132 Introduction to Solar Energy (1 credit)

This course will give students an understanding of our solar energy resource and how it can be utilized for a variety of energy demand applications, includ­ing passive solar thermal, active solar thermal, and photovoltaics. Principles of energy efficient and so­lar design analysis and construction will be covered. Students will analyze the solar energy systems and calculate solar savings fractions, backup heat needs, and economic analysis.

WET 133 Introduction to Hydro-Energy (1 credit)

This course provides an overview of both the his­torical and future uses of capturing the energy of moving water. Topics that will be covered include water wheels, hydroelectricity, damless hydropower, and tidal stream power. Tidal energy and the earth-moon system and gravitational forces will be de­scribed while students explore tidal stream systems and barrages.

WET 134 Introduction to Nuclear Energy (1credit)

Student will study the history of nuclear power, the basic principles of reactor design and operation at commercial nuclear electrical generating facilities. An examination of nuclear waste issues, a study of the im­portant events which occurred at commercial nuclear plants, and a look towards the future of the electrical generating industry will be included.

WET 137 Workplace Fitness IV (1)

Participation in conditioning activities specific to working in the turbine will be performed at both the worksite and Health and Wellness Facility.

WET 140 Wind Turbine Climbing and Safety (3)

This course will introduce the student to the environment of a wind turbine. The student will obtain skills of proper identification, inspection, donning, and maintenance of personal protection equipment (PPE) and fall protection equipment. An initial climb test will be administrated with a pass grade to proceed with the Wind Energy Technology plan of study.

WET 141 Wind Turbine Climbing and Safety II (3)

This course will establish hazard awareness to the student in the environment of a wind turbine. The student will obtain skills of proper identification, inspection, reporting, and correcting the hazards. Climb time in this course will emphasize rigging, hoist­ing, and nacelle top equipment and proper tie off points.

WET 190 Internship in Wind Energy and Turbine Technology (6)

The wind turbine internship gives students the opportunity to apply and practice the skills developed in the first year of the Wind Energy Technology Program in real-world set­tings at an actual wind farm.

WET 202 Power Generation and Distribution (3)

The basic principles and mathematics of wind turbine power production are examined. Power curves are utilized to determine how much power will be produced by a given turbine at a particular site. Dynamics of interfacing tur­bines with the power grid is examined.

WET 204 Introduction to Hydraulics (3)

Students in this course will be introduced to the basic elements and applications of hydraulic power. Reading of hydraulic schematics will be practiced as well as trouble shooting of basic hydraulic components.

WET 205 Electrical Theory II (4)

Electrical Theory II builds upon basic direct current theory and alternating current theory obtained from Electrical Theory I, particularly alternating current and three-phase power generation as it relates to the wind turbine. Prerequi­site WET 105.

WET 210 Wind Turbine Sitting and Construction (3)

Students will be exposed to the various aspects of construc­tion as it applies to the wind industry. The use and ap­plication of cranes, rigging, tower assembly, commissioning and other events that encompass wind turbine construction will be covered.

WET 215 Wind Turbine Diagnosis and Repair (3)

This course exposes students to real-world scenarios that may be encountered in the workplace. Practice of instal­lation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of wind turbine electro-mechanical systems will all be included in this course.

WET 216 Digital Electronics (3)

This course is designed to investigate theory, opera­tion, design considerations, and servicing of advanced commercial and industrial computerized control systems. Additional emphasis will be given to computerized signal zone and multi-zone systems, as well as other computer­ized applications as presently used or proposed for use in automated control.

WET 240 Wind Turbine Climbing and Safety III (3)

This course will instruct the student in the proper procedure of entering the wind turbine hub. The student will obtain the skill of proper lock out tag out the rotor lock. The student will learn to identify the components inside the hub. Climb time will emphasize safe techniques of hub entrance and egression.

WET 241 Wind Turbine Climbing and Safety IV (3)

This course will establish procedures to the student in stopping and starting the wind turbine. The student will obtain skills of proper housekeeping. The student will be introduced to maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. Climb time will evaluate the student’s knowledge obtained through all Wind Turbine Climbing and Safety courses.

WET 290 International Internship in Wind Energy (6)

This course is designed to provide on-the-job work ex­perience and allow the student to apply skills and knowl­edge acquired in year two of the program. Students gain this experience by working at a wind park outside the United States. Application of technical skills, business management