The Wind Turbine Technician CBT program is intended to prepare learners for career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing energy sectors in the world. Wind turbine technicians require specialized education and training in mechanical systems and green energy to maintain wind-powered generators. The CBT program is designed to address a global need for people who are skilled in servicing, diagnosing, repairing and installing wind turbines and related equipment. The CBT prepares learners to perform tasks such as preventative maintenance, inspections, and diagnosing and repairing any faults in order to maintain the ongoing safe operation of the wind turbine and the electrical grid. The training package has been developed for people pursuing wind technician training through independent study, specifically those who cannot attend college full-time because of work or family commitments.
The WT CBT program is delivered in an asynchronous "on demand" online format, which enables learners to start and finish modules entirely at their own pace. This format is based on Logic Design's other award-winning online technical training programs such as electronics, robotics and industrial automation. One of the main features of the program is the integration of theory with laboratory experiments and projects. The Wind Turbine program consists of 14 modules of interactive curriculum using text, video, 2D and 3D animations, photos, audio clips and state-of-the-art interactive electrical/electronic/PLC simulations. By purchasing the WT CBT you will receive licensed copies of CircuitLogix, which includes both 2D- and 3D-simulation, and PLCLogix 500 PLC simulation software.
The following links provide you with detailed descriptions of the modules contained in the Wind Turbine Technician CBT.
Module 1 - Introduction to Wind Turbines
This module offers a broad introduction to wind energy and the engineering principles underlying the operation of wind turbines. It covers the main components in the nacelle and yaw system and references the average lifespan of wind turbine components. In addition, this module describes the four types of wind turbines and outlines the most popular blade configurations. It will also introduce the learner to the principles of simulation software and its application in wind turbines and wind farms. The theoretical and practical aspects of rated capacity and efficiency are also presented along with the methodology to calculate power generation.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 2 - Safety, Maintenance & Repairs
This module describes safety equipment including fall protection systems. It describes the basics of safety when working with wind turbines, and covers first aid, fire prevention, electrical shock and hazards associated with working at height and in confined spaces. Students will gain a thorough understanding of wind turbine and wind farm safety including the key elements of safety systems, equipment selection and inspection, use of tools, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. In addition, this module includes a discussion of PPE requirements for troubleshooting wind turbines as well as safe troubleshooting practices.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 3 - Wind Energy Theory
This module introduces the principles of wind energy and the fundamental difference between wind shear and wind gradient. The various categories of the Beaufort scale are discussed as well as the primary forces that affect wind speed and direction. The purpose of a geographic coordinate system is described, and a comparison of angle of attack and lift to drag ratio is presented. The impact of the Betz limit on wind efficiency is covered, along with the fundamentals of Blade element momentum (BEM) theory. In addition, the learner will determine how to calculate the tip speed ratio of a wind turbine and how to determine the power coefficient.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 4 - Basic Electricity
This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of current, voltage and resistance and Ohm's law. In addition, the module introduces essential concepts such as the relationship between temperature and resistance, electron velocity, and the direction of current flow. The module also covers the difference between work and energy and explains the methodology of calculating power consumption.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 5 - Direct Current Circuits
This module is designed to cover the fundamentals of series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. A discussion of positive ground and negative ground is presented, as well as the effects of connecting voltage sources in parallel. The theoretical and practical aspects of basic circuit calculations using Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws are also presented in this module using a combination of video, animation, and laboratory projects using CircuitLogix simulation software.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 6 - Alternating Current Circuits
This module introduces the fundamentals of alternating voltages and currents. In addition to sine waves, the module also covers non-sinusoidal waveforms and harmonic frequencies. The phase relationships between alternating current and voltage are also described. The principles of transformers and transformer polarity are presented as well as the effects of inductive and capacitive reactance on AC circuits.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 7 - Power Electronics
This module will provide the learner with an introduction to power semiconductor devices including power MOSFETS and IGBTs. The module is designed to demonstrate the purpose of rectifiers, inverters and converters and their application in wind turbine high power circuits. A comparison of AC-DC-AC and back-to-back converters is also included. In addition, an introduction to troubleshooting power electronics devices and circuits is presented.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 8 - Transformers, Motors & Generators
This module is designed to present an overview of transformers, AC motors and the most common generators found in large wind turbines. The basic operating principles of transformers are presented along with their applications in wind turbines and wind farms. Also included in this module is the fundamentals of AC motors and AC variable speed control systems. In addition to the basic induction motor, the module also covers synchronous and asynchronous machines. Generator types, including the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) are discussed in detail along with an explanation of the necessity for power factor control.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 9 - Electrical Code & Blueprint Reading
This module provides an overview of electrical code and blueprint reading from an introductory level. Learners will be introduced to the National Electrical Code (NEC), and its importance within the wind turbine industry. An overview of blueprint reading, identification and use of symbols and lines and techniques commonly used in construction, design and maintenance drawings is presented. In addition, learners will examine typical electrical and mechanical drawings and blueprints and identify details of the drawings while learning of specifications, common characteristics, and industry standards.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 10 - Mechanical & Hydraulic Systems
This module will provide a detailed understanding of hydraulic principles along with the different types of hydraulic fluids and their features. In addition, this module also covers the components of hydraulic systems and their filters, pumps, piping, reservoirs, accumulators, hoses, control valves, and other essential mechanisms. An introduction to hydraulic power is presented as well as the five subsystems used in wind turbines. A detailed overview of wind turbine mechanical systems is also provided, including the gears and gearing mechanisms in large wind turbine drivetrains.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 11 - Monitoring & Communication
This module introduces the learner to monitoring devices such as displacement sensors, temperature sensors and vibration sensors. The applications of temperature sensors, such as thermistors, used in wind turbines are presented. The main types of displacement sensors are discussed, and the most common anemometers are described. In addition, it is in this module that the student learns the purpose of a communications bus, and the principles of condition monitoring systems. The main communication protocols in wind turbines and wind farms are also described including the IEC 61400-25 standard.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 12 - Programmable Logic Controllers
This module provides a general overview of PLCs and their application in wind turbines. An introduction to ladder logic is presented and the most common types of PLC signals are covered with an emphasis on practical application. This module also covers math functions, PID control and PLC communications, as well as maintenance and troubleshooting of PLCs. Laboratory projects are completed using PLCLogix 500 simulation software. This PLC software features a 3D wind turbine simulator that enables you to run, test, and debug ladder logic programs and simulate the operation of a PLC-controlled wind turbine.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 13 - Wind Farms
This module aims at providing knowledge about the wide area of technology that is needed for persons working in the wind farm industry. It covers all aspects of wind farms including offshore, nearshore and onshore operations. The basic principles of wind farm layout are described along with an introduction to site analysis and mesoscale sources. The learner will be able to determine the ideal location for a wind farm and the purpose of environmental impact assessments. This module also introduces the learner to collector substations, switchgear, and collector feeders.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
Module 14 - SCADA Systems
This module is intended to provide the learner with an introduction to SCADA using automation systems and peripherals. The principles of alarm management are presented along with an overview of the alarm management lifecycle. SCADA security and authentication methodologies are also discussed in detail. Practical examples of SCADA wind farm applications and architecture are presented.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you will be able to: