Mar 13, 2025  
2024 - 2025 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2024 - 2025 Cowley College Academic Catalog

WND3661 WIND ENERGY TECHNICAL SYSTEMS COURSE PROCEDURE


WND3661 WIND ENERGY TECHNICAL SYSTEMS

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the Freshman or Sophomore year.

Catalog Description:
WND3661 Wind Energy Technical Systems (3 hrs.)

Students will gain an awareness of the systems and hazards encountered when working on wind energy hydraulic, mechanical, electrical and installation systems. Students will also study how to control and mitigate these hazards, preparing them to work in the wind power industry.

KRSN:

NA

Course Classification:

2 hr. Lecture/1 hr. Lab

Prerequisites:

Acceptance into the Wind Technology program. 

Co-requisites:

NONE

Controlling Purpose:

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the systems and hazards encountered when working on wind energy equipment, to include hydraulic, mechanical, electrical and installation systems.  

Core Outcomes: (If KRSN course put this statement)

The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course meet, or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Project for this course, as sanctioned by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Perform basic mechanical tasks under the supervision of an experienced technician.
  2. Work safely with electricity under supervision in a wind turbine environment.
  3. Carry out basic hydraulic tasks, supervised by an experienced technician.
  4. Work safely with basic installation tasks under supervision in a wind turbine environment.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period.  Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1: Mechanical Systems

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to

  • Describe energy, wind speed/direction, and how a wind turbine works.
  • Describe how the wind turbine uses the wind to produce electricity.
  • Describe the main components of the turbine structure.
  • Explain the location, importance, and inspection procedures for welded and bolted connections.
  • Demonstrate how to use feeler gauges, torque wrenches, calipers, and other tools to measure and tighten connections.
  • Describe the function and inspection of the gearbox, yaw system, and aerodynamic brake.
  • Define how to inspect the cooling and lubrication systems.

UNIT 2:  Electrical Systems

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to

  • Describe the appropriate PPE, safety precautions and possible human factors to consider when working on electrical systems.
  • Recall the basic components of electrical system principles, including DC, AC, ohm’s law, batteries, switches, contacts, resistors, relays, diodes, rectifiers, capacitors, transformers, generators, motors, fuses, circuit breakers, and processor control systems.
  • Define the importance of sensors and their functions for wind energy applications.
  • Recall electrical circuit diagrams, symbols, and assembly.
  • Utilize electrical measuring instruments.

UNIT 3: Hydraulic Systems

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to

  • Describe the safety instructions and emergency procedures for dealing with hydraulic systems.
  • Describe Pascal’s Law and how it integrates with hydraulic systems.
  • Recall the functions of valves, actuators, pumps, and sensors in a hydraulic system.
  • Describe the procedure for checking oil and filters, to include collecting an oil sample.
  • Define the symbols, diagrams and measuring points used in hydraulics, including pressure measuring tools.

UNIT 4: Installation

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to

  • Describe the safety instructions, PPE, and emergency procedures for installation of wind energy components.
  • Describe how to utilize checklists in the installation environment.
  • Explain the risks and hazards associated with handling and storing of wind energy components.
  • Recall the types of lifting operations and the risks and hazards associated with each.
  • Explain the preparation, pre-assembly, and assembly of the main wind energy components.
  • Define the principles of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic completion to include several examples of each.

Projects Required:

Varies, refer to syllabus.

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

None

Attendance Policy:

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program:

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class and which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.

 

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.

 

Rev. 2/16/2023