Wind Energy Explained

Transformation of the energy economy depends on developing reliable and robust sources of alternative and renewable energy. This seminar introduces the theory, design, and application of wind energy technologies. The study of wind energy spans across a wide range of fields. To successfully deploy wind energy and other alternative technologies, we will need to converge across many knowledge domains, including civil, environmental, electrical, and mechanical engineering in addition to social science and public policy, among many others. Through this interdisciplinary course, we will learn about modern wind energy and its origins. We will explore the many facets of wind energy, including the characteristics of regional wind; aerodynamics, mechanics, and structural dynamics of wind turbine design; wind turbine control and integration with electrical systems; and environmental and economic aspects and impacts. Although this seminar seeks to explain wind energy, the topics covered can be applied to many other problems in engineering. This course will provide an introduction on how to find solutions to multi-disciplinary problems. True innovation lies on the border between fields. In this course, we will explore how to make these solutions a reality.