FRS 001K — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 75083 — W 3:10 – 4:00 pm — 2130 Bainer
Wind Energy — Explanation and Issues

Instructors: C.P. van Dam and B.R. White, Department of Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering, School of Engineering

Description: This course is intended to familiarize the students with the technology of extracting electric power from the wind and related issues. The topics covered in this course span a wide range from the history of wind energy through its technology to the economics and environmental concerns of wind energy. Wind is rapidly developing into a significant source of energy throughout the world with California remaining one of the leaders in the generation of wind based electricity. One reason for this interest is that the cost of wind-based electricity is becoming competitive with that of fossil fuel fired power plants. However, wind power also raises concerns related to its intermittent nature and the impact of wind turbines on the environment. With more wind plant developments in California and other parts of the country it is important that students understand the fundamentals of conversion of wind energy to electricity and related issues. This course is intended to provide an introduction into wind energy, present an overview of the many fields of study including engineering, economics, etc. that are integral to wind energy, and to raise awareness of the issues involving wind energy.

Format: The course will consist of (1) lectures by the two instructors, (2) guest speakers from industry, government, and academia, (3) open forum discussions, and (4) student presentations. Several books on wind energy will be put on reserve in Shields Library. Copies of relevant publications will be provided. Time and funds permitting, the course will include a field trip to a nearby wind plant. Grading: Students will be assigned a letter grade based on the quality of the paper (50%), the quality of the oral presentation (35%), and participation in class discussions based on the assigned readings (15%).

About the Instructors: C.P. (Case) van Dam and Bruce White are long time professors in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Both have been active in the field of wind energy and are currently directing the California Wind Energy Collaborative (CWEC). CWEC was started in 2002 with financial backing from the California Energy Commission and the goal to address specific tasks in support of the California wind industry.