Solar and Wind Energy Generation -EME5193

This graduate course (open to Undergraduate Seniors in Engineering) reviews the science and engineering of solar and wind energy generation power systems.  Initial topics include an introduction to atmospheric science, weather conditions, the seasonal nature of sunlight and solar tracking, and the origins of wind and the influences of ground topography on wind conditions.  A comprehensive review of Solar and Wind energy maps provide the student an understanding of the general opportunities available for applying these renewable energy systems.

In the solar energy section of the course the topics of electromagnetic radiation spectrum, the photoelectric effect, the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation heat transfer, black body radiation and Solar radiation heat transfer are reviewed.  Convection and conduction heat transfer are also discussed.  Advanced passive and active solar energy system designs, and the fundamental designs of solar energy concentrators are also presented.  In the photovoltaic (PV) section of the course semiconductors, band gap theory, and photovoltaic materials (including crystalline silicon, multi-crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium-telluride) are reviewed.  Basic DC circuits are also covered, as are the power output and typical current-voltage curves for PV systems.  The required supplemental electronic systems, including inverters and voltage regulators are described. 

The wind energy section of this course discusses the nature of wind energy, wind data, predictions and its seasonal influences.  The properties (thermal and static) of compressible fluids and fluid flow of compressible fluids are presented.  After an introduction to aerodynamics, the properties of air foils, lift, drag and the Betz limit, as well as blade theory, rotors, wind turbine design are reviewed.  The various designs of wind turbines are reviewed and their performance are analyzed.  Electric generators, voltage regulators, their system controls and how these systems integrate with the existing grid are reviewed.  Energy storage and backup supply systems are also discussed.  Finally, the economics of wind and solar energy systems concludes the course.