Wind Turbine Technology

This certificate program will prepare students for technical careers in wind energy technology. Demand for wind energy technicians is on the rise, given the country is on a path to generate 20% of its energy needs from wind by 2030. Facilities and laboratories specifically designed and equipped for the certificate coursework will provide students with hands-on experience to learn and apply theory through the use of trainers and virtual reality simulations. Graduates will be prepared as entry-level wind turbine technicians, capable of demonstrating skills in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting wind energy related equipment.

Typical Employment Opportunities

  • Function as a member of the wind energy team to support wind power production
  • Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines
  • Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions
  • Support wind turbine operations, maintenance, and service

Certificate Program Outcomes

  • Follow and apply wind turbine safety guidelines according to industry standards
  • Explain the principles of a wind turbine system, including general operation and maintenance
  • Conduct maintenance routines for mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components of a wind turbine
  • Analyze wind turbine systems to detect and mitigate commonly occurring faults in mechanical and electrical systems
  • Demonstrate an understanding of technical schematics/drawings (mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems) and how to interpret them for troubleshooting and maintenance purposes

*Gainful Employment Mandatory Disclosure Statement

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Mechanical Engineering Technology | Dr. Yue (Jeff) Hung | met@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2046

Fall 2024

Subject to revision

BCS 262 Data Communications 3
ENV 100 Introduction to Electric Circuits 4
MTH 015 Elements of Algebra (or Higher) 3
WTT 101 Introduction to Wind Energy Turbine Technology 3
MET 105L Technical Drawing and CAD 1
MET 109 Computer Programming & Applications 2
WTT 301 Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems 3
WTT 307 Principles of Fluid Power Systems 3
IND 308 Occupational Safety 3
WTT 314 Wind Turbine Motor Control 3
WTT 415 Wind Turbine Troubleshooting 4

Curriculum Summary

Total Required Credits: 32

Notes:
1. Students planning to pursue a degree program after completing the certificate program are urged to select elective courses applicable to the degree program.

BCS 262 Data Communications

This course is an introduction to the concepts and applications of computer networking and its role in the business world today. Topics include: history of networking and applications, voice and data communications, hardware, transmission, network topologies, network analysis, the OSI model, design, implementation and management issues.

ENV 100 Introduction to Electric Circuits

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals and basic principles of DC and AC circuits. The fundamental knowledge acquired in this course can be used to understand AC/DC circuits used in various energy subsystems and to troubleshoot problems that can occur during the operation of these systems. Laboratory activities allow students to gain hands-on experience making measurements on circuits and interpreting the data collected. The students are required to take the laboratory course, ENV 100L as a corequisite. The laboratory exercises provide the students with hands-on-experience on the topics learned from the theory class. Corequisite(s): ENV 100L

MTH 015 Elements of Algebra

This course fulfills the elementary algebra requirement for entrance into many programs at the College. Topics include numeric and algebraic operations, solutions of linear equations and inequalities, graphs and equations of lines, systems of linear equations, polynomial operations, factoring, and solution of quadratic equations. The minimum passing grade is C-. Grade will not be computed into GPA.

WTT 101 Introduction to Wind Energy and Turbine Technology

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of wind turbine mechanical systems, including wind energy potential and application to power generation. Topics include wind energy principles, wind site assessment, wind turbine components, power generation machinery, control systems, connection to the electric grid, and maintenance. Laboratory assignments will reinforce the topics covered by theory through relevant experiments performed by the students. Corequisite(s): WTT 101L

MET 105 MET 105L Technical Drawing and CAD Lab

This is a laboratory course designed to provide students with hands-on experience in technical drawing and computer aided design (CAD). Students will apply traditional drafting techniques, such as ortho-graphic projection, dimensioning, and tolerancing, though 2D CAD software. Note: Student who have received credits for MET104 cannot receive credit for this course.

MET 109 Computer Programming and Applications

This is an introductory course in a computer programming language. Programs are specifically written to be used in the areas of statics, strength of materials, machine design, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. Applications of the theoretical concepts are covered in the required laboratory. Corequisite(s): MET 109L

WTT 301 Wind Turbine Mechanical Systems

This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of wind turbine mechanical systems. The course covers types of industrial fasteners, crane and rigging, power transmission systems, and rotating equipment that are utilized in wind turbines. Laboratory assignments will reinforce the topics covered by theory through relevant experiments performed by the students. Prerequisite(s): WTT 101 Corequisite(s): WTT 301L

WTT 307 Principles of Fluid Systems

This course covers the fundamentals and basic principles of fluid (hydraulic) power systems and their control circuits. Hydraulic components such as directional control valves, flow control valves, and pressure control valves will be covered. Accumulators, linear/rotary actuators and hydraulic pumps will be discussed along with practical applications and examples related to Wind Energy technology. Student will also acquire knowledge to read and draw hydraulic circuit schematics. Additionally a simulation software will be introduced to complement laboratory activities and examine hydraulic circuits. Prerequisite(s): EET 104 Corequisite(s): WTT 307L

IND 308 Occupational Safety

This course introduces the fundamentals of occupational safety and examines potential accidents, which may occur in the modern work environment that employs complex materials, processes and technologies. We will review the history and safety legislation of the regulatory agency OSHA. Acquiring and analyzing hazard information, organizing and setting up occupational safety programs, accident causes, and their control and accident record keeping will be addressed.

WTT 314 Wind Turbine Motor Control

This hands-on and theory course covers the principles and applications of wind turbine motor control systems. The course introduces the student to a broad range of motor types and control systems. Topics covered include: RLC circuits, single and three-phase circuits that contain AC and DC motors, transformers, starters and low voltage controls, time and frequency domain representations, analysis and design of feedback control systems, and applications of different types of integrated circuits. It provides an overview of electric motor operation, selection and control. Laboratory assignments will reinforce the topics covered by theory through relevant experiments performed by the student and will include the writing of laboratory reports. Prerequisite(s): PHY 136 or EET 104 or ENV 100 Corequisite: WTT 314L

WTT 415 Wind Turbine Trouble Shooting

This course discusses advanced troubleshooting concepts and techniques. Students will learn about maintenance strategies, common failures of Wind Turbines, test devices and tools and subsystems of Wind Turbines. Students will gain practical experience with preventive maintenance and condition monitoring of gearing system, hydraulic systems, bearing & hub, rooter blade, main shaft, brake, generator, electric and control systems. Practical exercises will include troubleshooting of the above-mentioned systems. Prerequisite(s): WTT 301T and WTT 307T

Last Modified 6/12/24