Wind Energy Curriculum
Iowa State University
Kirkwood Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College
The University of Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Courses
Iowa State University
Course Name |
Number |
Prerequisites |
Professor/Instructor |
Description |
Introduction to Wind Energy (Online course) |
AerE 381 |
MATH 166, Physics 221 |
Basic introduction to the fundamentals of Wind Energy and Wind Energy conversion systems. Topics include bur are not limited to various types of wind energy conversion systems and aerodynamics, blade and twoer structural loads, kinematics of the blades and meterorology. Class Notes |
Kirkwood Community College
Course Name |
Number |
Prerequisites |
Professor/ |
Description |
ELT-304 |
MAT-109 |
Studies the theory and application of electricity. Includes electrical safety, shop methods, electrical theory and circuit analysis. Laboratory experiments enhance learning of theories studied and provide hands-on experience with electrical test instruments and soldering equipment. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0) |
||
ELT-146 |
ELT-304 |
Covers electrical codes and wiring techniques that are essential to the installation of electrical wiring. Local and National Electrical Codes are used to complete electrical wiring diagrams for a residential structure. Practical experience is provided by laboratory exercises designed to familiarize the student with electrical wiring components, wiring techniques, and the tools of the trade. Credits: 5, Hours: (3/4/0/0) |
||
MAT-718 |
None |
Builds on principles learned in the IMT math fundamentals course. Demonstrates practical mathematical principles to enable students to understand and apply course material covered throughout the Industrial Maintenance Technology program. Covers angles and Cartesian coordinates, j-operators, complex numbers, dimensional analysis, inductance, capacitance, RLC circuits, trigonometric functions, transistors, power supplies and diodes. Lab excercises enhance understanding of inductance, reactance and capacitance in the circuit. Credits: 3, Hours: (1/4/0/0) |
||
IND-400 |
None |
Varies |
Provides basic training and professional certifications in industrial maintenance workplace health and safety. Credits: 3, Hours: (1/4/0/0) |
|
PHY-180 |
MAT-109 |
Studies Mollier diagrams, psychrometric charts, thermodynamics and gas laws. Demonstrates how these properties of physics apply to the refrigeration cycle, heating, cooling, humidification and dehumidification. Credits: 2, Hours: (1/2/0/0) |
||
ELT-224 |
ELT-304, MAT-718 |
Provides theory and hands-on experience with electric motors and transformers. Learning activities include reading, lecture and labs. Covers DC, three-phase and single-phase motors in depth, and studies three-phase and single-phase transformers, applications and connections. Credits: 5, Hours: (4/2/0/0) |
||
ELT-211 |
ELT-224 |
Provides students with theory and hands on experience analyzing, designing and troubleshooting motor control circuits. Learning activities include reading, lecture and labs. Motor control theory is introduced covering control devices, schematic symbols, and the use of schematic and wiring diagrams. Wiring labs provide practical applications for control circuits. Students prepare simple schematics and wiring diagrams to meet specifications. Credits: 4, Hours: (1/6/0/0) |
||
ELT-152 |
None |
Provides an elementary look into industrial maintenance. Topics include electrical safety, vibration analysis, shaft alignment, lubrication, thermal imaging and preventive maintenance. Credits: 4, Hours: (3/2/0/0) |
||
ELT-277 |
None |
Presents DC current, voltage, energy, power, resistance, capacitance, inductance and semiconductor theory in a practical laboratory setting. Focuses on lab safety, component identification, schematic reading and the use of equipment to measure prototype circuits. Includes extensive laboratory sessions requiring schematic reading, constructing circuits, using soldering and solder-less breadboard, and utilizing lab equipment to measure and troubleshoot circuits. Credits: 4, Hours: (2/4/0/0) |
||
BCA-189 |
None |
Varies |
Introduces the student to the personal computer concepts and basic computer applications. Students gain knowledge and skills in the basic concepts of Microsoft Windows and Word. They also gain experience using the Internet and email. The course introduces students to spreadsheet and presentation software. This introductory course is intended for students with no knowledge or experience using personal computers. Credits: 1, Hours: (0.5/1/0/0) |
|
CSC-110 |
None |
Varies |
Familiarizes the student with business, personal and industrial uses of microcomputers. Broad-based overview of microcomputer topics is presented; concepts of storage media, file organization and data representation are also presented. The fundamentals of computer problem solving and programming are discussed. Credits: 3, Hours: (2/2/0/0) |
|
ELT-795 |
ELT-304 |
Familiarizes students with basic hydraulic systems. Includes common components and applications, theory of operation and basic troubleshooting techniques. Course theory is supplemented with laboratory experiments. Credits: 5, Hours: (4/2/0/0) |
||
IND-350 |
None |
Varies |
Builds upon IND-402 Manufacturing Health & Safety Certificate. Provides additional training and professional certifications in wind turbine, steam production, photovoltaic installation and high voltage power distribution workplace health and safety. Credits: 3, Hours: (1/4/0/0) |
|
WTT-300 |
None |
Describes the major system attributes of the 2.5 MW Wind Turbine. Provides an overview of the necessary elements to perform a successful installation of the WTG, including specific work instructions, inspection and receiving forms, safety policies and component assemblies. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0) |
||
WTT-350 |
None |
Introduces skills needed to safely commission a wind turbine. Covers component identification, component functions, electrical system troubleshooting and testing, training on the tools needed to perform system troubleshooting and testing, reading and understanding schematics, pitch system troubleshooting and testing, and safety. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0) |
||
WTT-400 |
None |
Examines turbine components, design principles, unique features and operating procedures. Provides a decisive understanding of an operating turbine's work flow and explains the interdependency of each of the turbine's systems. Focuses on best practices that minimize wasted man-hours and materials, as well as innovative ideas for cost savings and overall efficiency. Credits: 2, Hours: (1/2/0/0) |
||
ELE-400 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Covers the use of various tools and techniques for solar electric component operation and connection, system design and sizing, and standard requirements and practices. Studies a range of PV system operations, from fundamentals to advanced mechanical and electrical concepts in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Credits: 2, Hours: (1/2/0/0) |
|
ELT-255 |
ELT-211 |
Covers basic and advanced programming of the most popular programmable controllers used in industrial automation. Basic ladder logic programming, timers, counters, data manipulation, data compare, temperature control and analog operations are covered. Troubleshooting and installation are also included. Credits: 6, Hours: (3/6/0/0) |
||
WTT-500 |
None |
Introduces proven troubleshooting techniques and extensive troubleshooting resources. Explores an operating turbine's work flow and the interdependency of each of the turbine systems. Integrates Remote Monitoring Diagnostic Center (RMDC) and Condition Based Monitoring System (CBMS) technology into the troubleshooting process. Exercises replicate the site work environment as closely as possible. Credits: 3, Hours: (2/2/0/0) |
||
WTT-450 |
None |
Provides maintenance techniques and extensive testing resources used to maintain the wind turbine generator. Scheduling, preventive maintenance, and lubrication specifications are explored. Focuses on best practices that minimize wasted man-hours and materials, as well as innovative ideas for cost savings and overall efficiency. Credits: 2, Hours: (1/2/0/0) |
||
UTL-260 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Covers the principles of high pressure boiler operation. Includes steam boiler types, package and field erected boilers, steam systems, feed water systems, fuel systems, pumps, regulators, traps, superheating, de-superheating and pressure reducing systems. Credits: 2, Hours: (2/0/0/0) |
|
UTL-270 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Covers the techniques, procedures and practices for boiler and chiller inspection and maintenance. Includes preventive and predictive maintenance procedures; maintenance of boiler room and heating equipment; water quality maintenance; fire protection and structure; and maintenance of centrifugal, reciprocating, OPAC and modular chillers. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0) |
|
ELT-438 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Provides students with the knowledge required to specify, evaluate and use a wide variety of digital data acquisition systems in laboratory and field applications. Reinforces basic principles of sampling and digitizing theory with practical examples from everyday testing operations. Emphasizes the interaction between test design, data acquisition and analysis. Credits: 2, Hours: (1/2/0/0) |
|
PWL-300 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the emerging Smart Grid "Intelligent Power System" integration to wind, sun and steam power generation. Covers energy storage, advanced power electronics at the T&D distribution levels, networked control systems, automation, system optimization and real-time control. Credits: 1, Hours: (.5/1/0/0) |
|
PWL-325 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Encourages understanding and application of overhead and underground three-phase electrical distribution system principles, applications and components. Covers selection of proper conductors, cables and transformers and the importance of distribution system protection, insulation, coordination and overvoltage protection. Credits: 1, Hours: (1/0/0/0) |
|
PWL-330 |
None |
To Be Determined |
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the emerging Smart Grid "Intelligent Power System" integration to wind, sun and steam power generation. Covers energy storage, advanced power electronics at the T&D distribution levels, networked control systems, automation, system optimization and real-time control. Credits: 1, Hours: (.5/1/0/0) |
Northeast Iowa Community College
Course Name |
Number |
Prerequisites |
Professor/ |
Description |
ELE-117 |
Qualifying placement score for MAT:102 or co-registration with MAT:063 |
Moore |
A comprehensive introduction to the principles of direct current electricity. Includes theory and theorems related to DC sources, resistive networks and circuits, power, and the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance. Practical laboratory experiences allow students to gain familiarity with sources, components, and basic measuring instruments as well as required laboratory safety practices. (40/80) |
|
ELE-118 |
A minimum grade of C- in ELE:117 |
Moore |
A comprehensive introduction to alternating current electricity. Theorems studied in DC Theory are applied to resistance as well as capacitance, inductance, impedance, reactive power, and phase relationships. Vector analysis using both the polar and rectangular (ap) coordinate systems are applied extensively in this course. The caloratory activities provide practical insights into the subject matter. (40/80) |
|
ELE-148 |
A minimum grade of C- in ELE:118 |
Hoeltzle |
Introduces basic theory as well as the operation and industrial applications of solid-state electronic components in industrial applications. Includes numerous lab experiments using various types of test instruments. (32/64) |
|
ELE-172 |
MAT:063 |
Hoeltzle |
Introduces hydraulic and pneumatic theory. Subject matter includes hydraulics, pneumatics, pressures, and power sources. (32/32) |
|
ELE-193 |
A minimum grade of C- in ELE:118 |
Hoeltzle |
The principles of generators, motors, controllers, and transformers, and most types of motors, such as split phase, induction, and both manual and automatic types of controllers. Includes servicing of electric motors and controllers. (32/32) |
|
HSC-133 |
|
Hoeltzle |
Heartsaver First Aid with CPR, AED, and pediatrics targets lay responders including employees in the workplace. Responders are trained in use of adult and pediatric CPR with barrier devices, FBAO, automated external defibrillator in adults and children and includes content and learning activities for assessing victims and providing care for a variety of injuries and sudden illnesses according to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. (7/2) |
|
MGT-102 |
|
Hoeltzle |
A study of basic factors in the business environment that affect managerial decision making. Emphasis is placed on the four functions of management as well as a discussion of managerial ethics and social responsibility. (64/0) |
|
PHS-193 |
Computer proficiency strongly recommended. |
Hoeltzle |
Introduces desktop Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and their applications. Topics include getting data into a GIS, displaying data on maps, editing data, querying the data set, and displaying/printing/plotting the results of the queries. Gives hands-on experiences in practical applications of a geographical information system. Students design a GIS project from scratch, set the project parameters, collect data, and format the final project relating to their career fields. (16/64) |
|
UTL-204 |
|
Moore |
Basic knowledge on the installation and maintenance for Electronic Flow Computers, including SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and Telemetry systems. Covers the installing and maintaining of the different types of electronic control systems. (40/16) |
|
WTT-103 |
Corequisite: OSHA Certification |
Hoeltzle |
Provides exposure to the many facets of the wind industry. Covers the history and development of the wind industry, terminology used in the industry, types and applications of various wind turbines, environmental and economic issues, the future of the wind industry, and other appropriate topics. (40/16) |
|
WTT-133 |
|
Hoeltzle |
Introduction to gearboxes and other mechanical systems that make up the subsystems of today's wind turbines. (40/16) |
|
WTT-148 |
ELE:118 |
Hoeltzle |
Covers the various types of motor and generator controls, sensors of systems used in the industrial/generation industry. (16/96) |
|
WTT-204 |
SDV:200 or computer proficiency |
Hoeltzle |
Teaches techniques, methodology, and concepts used to develop proper siting of wind energy projects around the world. (56/16) |
|
WTT-216 |
ELE:118 |
Hoeltzle |
An introduction to the generation of electrical power with a wind turbine generator, moving that power through a local transmission system to a substation where customers purchase the generated power. Covers most aspects of working with components of a high-voltage transmission system. (32/32) |
|
WTT-225 |
|
Hoeltzle |
Information on how wind resource data is collected and analyzed for use in the development of wind-powered generation of electricity. Students learn how to assess power production of individual wind turbines. (48/32) |
|
WTT-235 |
WTT:148 |
Hoeltzle |
Theory of PLC's including basic concepts, programming, and interfacing of equipment. (32/64) |
|
WTT-932 |
|
Hoeltzle |
Provides on-the-job work experience, allowing application of skills and knowledge acquired in the wind energy program, technical skills, turbine maintenance management, and business relations. (320 co-op hours) |
The University of Iowa
Course Name |
Number |
Prerequisites |
Professor/ |
Description |
058:048 |
058:040 and 058:045 |
Principles and design of energy conversion systems, including solar, wind, and geothermal power systems; design of thermal-fluid system components, modeling and simulation of systems, optimization techniques; design projects. |
||
56:155 |
|
Introduces principles of wind power production, design of wind turbines, location and design of wind farms, control of turbines and wind farms, predictive modeling, diagnostics, operations and maintenance, condition monitoring, health monitoring and of turbine components and systems, wind farm performance optimization, and integration of wind power with a grid. |
||
56:166 |
22S:039 |
Covers fundamental probabilistic models and applications of industrial engineering. |
||
56:171 |
22M:033 |
Operations research models and applications emphasizing both deterministic and probabilistic models: linear programming, duality, parametric analysis, dynamic programming, Markov chains, queueing theory. |
||
56:134 |
056:171 |
Methodologies, algorithms, and tools for processing modeling, analysis, and reengineering; modeling issues in product and component design, product and process modularity, quality, reliability, agility. Offered spring semesters. |
||
56:162 |
22S:030 and 22S:039 |
Basic techniques of statistical quality control; application of control charts for process control variables; design of inspection plans and industrial experimentation; modern management aspects of quality assurance systems. |
||
56:178 |
056:171 |
Simulation modeling and analysis; emphasis on construction of models, interpretation of modeling results; input and output analysis; modeling discrete, continuous and hybrid systems; construction of model-related databases--hands-on usage of ARENA simulation software, manufacturing, health care, and service applications. |
||
Contemporary Topics in Mechanical Engineering: Fundamentals of Wind Turbines |
58:195 |
57:020, 58:040, 58:052; or consent of instructor |
Goal of this course is to learn how to apply fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid |
|
52:107 |
None |
Objective of the class is to employ emerging metrics for analysis and assessment of technological systems for energy, water, buildings (materials), agriculture (food), and communities. |
||
53:117 |
053:116 |
Fundamentals of electromagnetic waves, atmospheric radiative transfer, passive remote sensing, weather radar, hydrologic application of remote sensing. |
||
53:251 |
053:050, 053:055, and 053:152 |
Mathematical modeling of environmental systems, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, treatment systems for conventional and toxic pollutants. |
||
58:143 |
058:045 |
Governing equations of fluid flow and heat transfer; basic numerical techniques for solution of the governing equations; estimation of accuracy and stability of the approximations; boundary conditions; grid generation; applications to flows and heat transfer in engineering systems; familiarity with software for analysis and design of thermo-fluids systems. |
||
58:255 |
058:115 or 058:143 |
Computational modeling of engineering materials ranging from molecular to continuum scales, molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, nanoscale continuum modeling, scale-coupling methods. |
||
58:268 |
058:160 |
Origin; need for modeling, averages, Reynolds equations, statistical description; experimental methods and analysis; turbulence modeling; free shear layers and boundary layers; complex shearflows; development of computational strategies; recent literature on theory and applications, chaos phenomena. |
||
Contemporary Topics in Mechanical Engineering: Aeropropulsion |
58:195 |
None. |
New topics in fluid and thermal sciences and mechanical systems not covered in other courses |
|
55:050 |
22s:039 and 055:043 |
Introduction to analog and digital communications, with an emphasis on modulation and noise analysis; Fourier analysis, probability theory, random variable and processes, AM, FM, pulse-coded modulation, binary digital modulation, SNR analysis of AM and FM, BER analysis of digital modulation schemes. |
||
55:164 |
055:060 |
Discrete and digital control systems; application of computers in control; sampling theorem; discrete time system models; analysis and design of discrete time systems; control design by state variable and input/output methods; advanced topics in digital controls; lab. |
||
55:181 |
None |
Models, methods, and their application in all phases of software engineering process; specification methods; verification of consistency, completeness of specifications; verification using tools. |
||
55:160 |
055:060 |
State space approach; controllability, observability, canonical forms, Luenberger observers, feedback control via pole placement, stability, minimal realization and optimal control. |
University of Northern Iowa
Course Name |
Number |
Prerequisites |
Professor/Instructor |
Description |
TECH 2059/TECH 5159 |
TECH 1037; PHYSICS 1511; MATH 1140 or MATH 1420; or consent of instructor |
Fundamentals of wind power. History of Wind Energy. Characteristics of wind, measurement and siting of individual wind turbines and wind farms. Operation, control, applications and types of wind turbines. Stand alone, grid connectivity, transmission, economic and management issues regarding the adoption of wind as an energy source in Iowa and the United States in general. Investigate the ongoing growth in wind energy use that has numerous technical, political and economic implications including new and expanding career opportunities in the green energy future. |