Utility Scale Wind Energy 101

August 12, 2024 | Online :: Central Time

0724-wind-energy-101

As the world’s demand for clean energy grows, the gentle yet formidable force of the wind has emerged as a frontrunner in the quest for sustainable power generation. Wind Energy 101 is an awareness level online course designed to introduce professionals to the fundamental concepts and applications of wind energy. Through seven engaging modules, participants will explore the history, technology, environmental impacts, and policy frameworks of wind energy. Whether you’re an administrative assistant, a lawyer transitioning into the renewable energy field, or an aspiring project manager, this course will equip you with the knowledge to contribute to the wind energy sector effectively.

Join us to embark on a journey through the dynamic and evolving world of wind energy, gaining insights and skills that will lay the foundation for your success in this exciting field.

Learning Outcomes

• Explore how wind is converted into electrical energy
• Evaluate factors that impact project viability
• Identify the systems inside of wind turbines
• Recognize the challenges of integrating wind energy into the electrical grid
• Evaluate different types of wind turbines and their applications including potential power output using power curves
• Review strategies for mitigating environmental effects
• Identify safety hazards and prevention measures
• Review policy and regulatory frameworks governing wind energy projects
• Review successful project examples to inspire and inform

Monday, August 12, 2024 : Central Time

9:00 – 9:05 a.m. :: Overview and Instructions

9:05 – 9:50 a.m. :: Module 1: 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

9:50 – 11:00 a.m. :: 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

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:15 – 11:50 a.m. :: 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

11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. :: 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

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. :: Lunch Break

1:15 – 2:35 p.m. :: 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

2:35 – 2:50 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:50 – 3:30 p.m. :: 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

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. :: 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

Auston Van Slyke, President, Pacific Crest

Auston Van Slyke is the President of Pacific Crest, a leading publishing and training provider in the renewable energy sector. His diverse career began in the Marines, specializing in avionics upgrades for the Harrier Jet, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Auston’s journey in wind energy started at Vestas as a resource technician, leading to significant contributions in turbine retrofits and the co-founding of a turbine maintenance company. Recognizing the gap in qualified candidates, he transitioned into education, influencing programs at NWREI, LCCC, Casper College, Redstone College, and notably, as the Program Director of the Wind Energy Program at Ecotech Institute. With expertise in wind turbine technology, electrical systems, and safety training, Auston has enhanced educational outcomes through innovative labs, custom textbooks, and online learning solutions. Now, with the education sector’s evolution, he is excited to leverage his extensive experience and passion for wind energy in his current role.

---

Shawn Lamb, Principal Consultant and Owner, Lamb Consulting Services

Shawn Lamb is the Principal Consultant and owner of Lamb Consulting Services (LCS), a Training Consultancy company focused on Wind Turbine Technology and Operations.  Currently, LCS works with “owner-operators” to create and deliver custom curriculum for wind technicians. Shawn’s background includes over 16 years of technical training in wind, at companies such as GE, Nordex, Ecotech Institute, and the Danish Wind Power Academy.  Shawn has a B.S. in Astronomy from the University of Florida and a M.S. in Engineering Physics from Appalachian State University.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Utility Scale Wind Energy 101

August 12, 2024 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before July 10, 2024 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.6 CEUs for this event.

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must long on and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations, Q&A, open discussion & polls

---

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 7.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

Anyone who would like to learn more about wind energy. Including but not limited to:

• Renewable Energy Consultants
• Project Managers in Renewable Energy
• Sustainability Coordinators
• Legal Advisors specializing in Energy
• Administrative Assistants in Energy Firms
• Technical Sales Representatives
• Environmental Policy Analysts
• Insurance Adjustors