Alt./Ren. Energy and Ethics 12 PDH Discount Package

This online engineering PDH course discusses the various types of geothermal energy systems and their potential for providing for the energy needs of the country.

Geothermal energy is energy in the form of heat radiating from the Earth’s mantle. It is a sustainable, renewable, and practically inexhaustible energy source for the United States, potentially being used for electricity generation, heating, and cooling, while emitting only small amounts of greenhouse gases. Geothermal resources can be found nationwide, are “always on,” and represent a potentially vast domestic energy supply. Only a fraction of these resources have been used thus far, because of technical and non-technical barriers that constrain industry growth. In this course various types of geothermal energy systems are described, and the problems that must be solved before these systems can be widely implemented are outlined.

This online engineering PDH course provides information on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, and presents a series of steps that will help you reach a well-informed conclusion about making an investment in solar energy systems.

Solar PV technology is the process that converts sunlight into electrical current when it strikes suitable materials called semiconductors in a device. Sunlight is absorbed by semiconducting materials, such as silicon, releasing electrons from their atoms. The electrons flow through the semiconductor to produce direct current (DC) electricity.

The technologies associated with the building blocks of a solar array project may seem complicated; however, the system design and construction are relatively simple and straightforward. Familiarity with the design and construction procedures is beneficial in becoming a more educated consumer and owner.

This online engineering PDH course describes the “essential reliability” services (ERSs)—for example, operating reserves—needed to maintain the reliability and stability of the national electrical grid, and discusses how wind can provide these ERSs.

Wind’s ability to provide energy and capacity is well understood in concept even if industry practices vary by region. What is not as broadly understood is the ability of wind technologies to provide ERSs, even as modern wind turbines have necessary capabilities built in. While the cost of providing operating reserves is a small fraction of the total cost of grid services, this share could grow under increasing penetration of wind (or solar photovoltaics)—and the provision of operating reserves from wind could grow as well. In fact, in certain regions, wind is required to provide some of the reserve services even today. This course presents the service requirements and pricing data needed to evaluate the potential of wind energy to provide ERSs.

This online engineering PDH course provides an overview of wind turbine components and design considerations for optimization of power generation.  Typical power ratings and sizes for wind turbines are explained for various residential-scale, industrial-scale, and utility-scale applications.  Additionally, the components and considerations for a typical utility-scale wind energy project are discussed.

This 1 PDH online course is applicable to engineers interested in obtaining a basic knowledge of wind turbine design and applications to power systems.