Classes for the new 12-week program start February 13, 2012.

The North American Wind Research and Training Center at Mesalands Community College is pleased to announce a new twelve-week program for an Occupational Certificate in Basic Wind Energy Technology. This program is grant funded for U.S. citizens that meet specific qualifications including, displaced workers, veterans and qualified spouses of veterans, or individuals who qualify as low income.

The certification program is the result of the Wind Center of Excellence grant the Wind Center recently received ($523,751) to provide workforce development for workers seeking a career in the wind industry. “The College is excited to be offering this twelve-week certification program in wind energy to individuals that meet the grant funding qualifications,” said Dr. Mildred Lovato, President of Mesalands Community College. “The program will educate students in the industry basics as they gain real-world training experience climbing our wind turbine. We also want to stimulate our local, regional, statewide, and national economy by preparing individuals for a rewarding career in a growing field.”

Students in the program will learn wind turbine technology, turbine maintenance, tower safety, and wind economics. Course topics include studies in electricity, hydraulics, and mechanics, along with hands-on training on the College’s 1.5 megawatt wind turbine located adjacent the new Wind Center.

“This new program allows the North American Wind Research and Training Center to better serve the nation by providing a grant funded twelve-week training course for the Wind Energy Technology Program,” said Jim Morgan, Director of the North American Wind Research and Training Center

Initial classes for this new 12-week program start February 13, 2012. For a list of the grant funding qualifications and admission information, visit www.mesalands.edu/wind or call (575) 461-4413, ext. 156, or toll-free at (800) 261-4877.

Mesalands Community College
www.mesalands.edu/wind

Windpower Engineering & Development

UMN’s Eolos is funded by an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. With an addition $3.4 million from private sector contributions, UMN has established a research and education consortium with a host of other universities, colleges, industry leaders, and government agencies. A key component of Eolos is the creation of a new research field station where new wind technologies can be studied, tested, and deployed. The field station in Rosemount, Minnesota is home to a new Clipper 2.5MW wind turbine and 420-ft tall meteorological tower, and will be used for researching foundations, structural aspects of the turbine tower and blades, aerodynamics of blades, ice mitigation, and other important topics. The Eolos turbine will also be used by UMN and Mesabi to train students in climbing, safety, and operation and maintenance of utility scale turbines.

Mesabi Range College (MRC) Wind Energy Technology Program is one of two Wind Energy Technician programs in Minnesota. Last month, MRC completed installation of a new Vestas V27 turbine and will be instrumented with nearly identical sensors as the Eolos turbine. This will let technician and engineering students compare and contrast operation and performance of turbines. The MRC turbine installation and a new program in Condition Based Monitoring is made possible by a grant from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence.

MRC also has training facilities such as a Sonic Wind Profiler that will be used by students from both institutions in training and research. Some items Mesabi and the U of M have agreed to work towards are:

• Involving Mesabi Wind Students in the regular maintenance and operation of the turbine alongside Clipper technicians. Likewise, University of Minnesota students will have access to Mesabi Range College’s V27 as an additional research tool.
• Comparison of data from Mesabi’s wind turbine with the U of M’s wind turbine will be a valuable asset to both teams. Mesabi is able to leverage the donation from OSIsoft that was received in 2010 to share data between schools. Advanced monitoring will provide the U of M with their research data and will provide Mesabi Range College with advanced curriculum associated with Condition Based Monitoring. The data from Mesabi’s SoDAR acoustic wind measurement instrument will be compared with the University of Minnesota’s meteorological tower and Lidar system. This will expose students from both institutions to multiple cutting edge technologies for wind measurement and to those data collection techniques.
• Develop pathways for Mesabi Wind Energy Technology students to transition into a four-year degree at the UMN. Mesabi Range College says it features an industry-leading curriculum for wind and renewable energy education. “Wind energy companies are growing rapidly and need skilled professionals,” said Dan Janisch, Wind Energy Technology Program Director. “The Wind Energy Technology Degree students learn to work with and troubleshoot actual large scale wind turbine equipment in the campus Wind Lab and on field trips to Minnesota Power’s Taconite Ridge Wind Energy Center. In addition to Minnesota Power’s many forms of strong support, we are grateful for a $300,000 equipment donation from Clipper and the program guidance provided by Clipper’s top management, a $225,000 software donation from OSI, a grant from Iron Range Resources that let us purchase and refurbish a used 225-kW wind turbine, and the grants we’ve received from the Minnesota Center For Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence. Students learn a wide range of skills that will let them go on to further education or get a good job in manufacturing, construction, or operations and maintenance in the wind industry or in the broader power generation field. We are one of the few renewable energy degree programs offering credit for prior learning for Military Vets.”

University of Minnesota
www.Umn.edu

Mesabi Range College
http://www.mr.mnscu.edu/

Windpower Engineering & Development

Research will be conducted near Marseilles, Illinois on a GE 1.5-MW wind turbine, like this one, operated and maintained by Invenergy.

GE says it is working with Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to investigate ways to improve wind-farm productivity and efficiency. Results of the study will directly contribute to future product and service designs. The project is part of a larger Department of Energy (DOE) investment of $9 million to an IIT-led consortium to enhance the leadership of the U.S. in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world.

The two-year project will focus on helping wind farms reduce maintenance costs and improve availability through predictions of impending problems. The project’s research will be conducted near Marseilles, Illinois on a GE 1.5-MW wind turbine operated and maintained by Invenergy, the nation’s largest independent wind power generation company.

“With skyrocketing costs, wind farms must know ahead of time what needs fixing—and what doesn’t,” said Stacey Kacek, GE Intelligent Platforms’ General Manager, Asset Intelligence. “If they have credible early warning of impending equipment problems, farms can prioritize tower inspections, optimize crane usage, and leverage resources in remote locations. Avoiding surprises and taking control of maintenance in a proactive way translates to significant cost savings for the industry.”

IIT students will be conducting research using GE’s Proficy SmartSignal software on the wind turbine to learn how to detect faults even earlier and more accurately than currently possible. The project includes adding more sensors than the industry standard to improve condition-monitoring precision, and enhancing the software model to include measurements of vibration, lube oil, and blade pitch motors. The IIT team will monitor the turbine remotely from the IIT campus and analyze the energy output and overall equipment performance.

“SmartSignal software essentially acts as a supporting experienced operator and technician, leveraging past experience and working 24/7,” said Dave Parta, Project Manager, GE Intelligent Platforms. “In the wind industry, the software monitors sensors on remote turbines and provides exception-based notifications when a turbine is not acting as it should. This is particularly challenging, given constantly changing wind speed, direction, shear, and turbulence. The software collects and analyzes tens of thousands of data points daily on wind farms across the country and provides early warning of impending turbine and instrumentation failures.”

“The project goal is to illustrate how advanced and automated Predictive Diagnostics can improve the availability, reliability, and cost performance of wind power generation,” said Mohammad Shahidehpour, IIT Bodine Professor and Director of the Robert W. Galvin Center for Electricity Innovation. Dr. Shahidehpour is serving as the principal investigator for the consortium. “As a result of this research, we hope to improve the sensoring and modelling of wind farms. We’ll also be developing wind energy courses to address the technical, operational, social, and environmental aspects of wind energy. This will ensure that we have not only the technology, but also the talent necessary to compete and further innovate in the global marketplace.”

GE.com/wind
www.ge-ip.com/smartsignal

Windpower Engineering & Development

Geared to students, professionals, and displaced workers, My Energy Gateway, provides users with valuable information on trade school, college, university and certification programs that focus on energy efficiency, green energy and alternative energy. This site will feature a description of each two-year, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as tuition, room/board costs, student/faculty ratio, and scholarship and internship opportunities.

An interactive blog and social media sites will also be integrated along with job descriptions of sample industry jobs and a link to average industry salaries. My Energy Gateway is designed to help users make informed decisions about acquiring the required skills, degree(s) and expertise to pursue a long term career in the energy field.

In July 2011, AESP published the results of a survey of its members in which nearly 60 percent reported a lack of talented workers in the field and more than half were actively recruiting for open positions. “Despite all the news about high levels of unemployment throughout the country, companies in energy efficiency are hiring. However they are having difficulty finding talented and skilled people for positions that range from engineering and product development to marketing and advertising,” said Meg Matt, President & CEO of AESP. “My Energy Gateway bridges that gap between employers and students who will now be able to better understand the numerous opportunities that currently exist for careers in energy efficiency.”

My Energy Gateway will officially launch in April 2012.

Windpower Engineering & Development

Orientation and career opportunities
Students will survey a broad range of career tracks and receive an overview of renewable energy wind turbine technician training and the program as a whole. Students will be expected to learn the rules and regulations that pertain to the Northwest Renewable Energy Institute. Topics will include, but are not limited to, teamwork, attendance, student services, conduct, dress and grooming guidelines, and employment assistance.

Introduction to wind energy
In this introductory course, students will examine various areas of wind energy. Students will become familiar with the history and development of wind as an energy resource, the terminology used in the wind energy industry, environmental concerns and economic issues. Students will also explore the future of wind as a resource and the many opportunities available in one of today’s fastest growing industries.

Wind industry overview
Develop an understanding of the mechanics of wind, the local effect on wind flow, and the skills to assess wind at a potential site. Students will become familiar with the system design of a wind turbine: aerodynamics, power control, grid integration, how wind is converted to energy, and energy generation. Study the many factors associated with wind farms and wind development: financial costs and obligations, land suitability, site design, planning, and contract preparation. Understand the operation and how to manage the wind turbine site. Learn the significance of monitoring the site, safety, proper maintenance procedures, and the importance of troubleshooting problems.

OSHA – 10 hour safety renewable energy certificate
Prepare yourself for a career in wind technology by obtaining the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10 hour safety certificate. Learn the requirements for rigging, basic inventory techniques, drug and alcohol awareness, employment requirements, and technical writing.

Wind turbine safety practices
Wind Energy Technicians are a unique and proud group. Developing an understanding of the day-to-day potential of field hazards and wind industry practices is paramount. Important elements include: driving and vehicle safety, proper tools and safety equipment, and necessary documentation requirements which makes this a vital part of renewable energy technical training. Students will learn to perform safely while climbing ladders at least 280 feet high and to work at this elevation. Students will prepare for and learn to work safely in confined spaces, work in adverse weather conditions, properly lift up to 75 pounds, and work with electrical hazards.

Rigging 1
Rigging skills are required in many industries and are used daily in the wind energy industry. Students will learn rigging concepts, load weight calculations, balancing, components inspections, hoists, slings and lifts, wire ropes and slings, chain slings, fiber ropes, industrial cranes, special lifting applications, and safe load turning using a variety of methods. Students will move and lift loads while following required standard safety practices.

Inventory
Maintaining proper tool inventory and personal protective equipment in an industrial environment is an important responsibility of any technician. An efficient wind energy technician works in a unique environment where conducting and maintaining a proper inventory is paramount. Students will be provided with tools, lab tools and equipment, and personal protective equipment. Students will demonstrate the purpose, importance, and procedures of maintaining a proper inventory.

Drug and alcohol awareness
The wind energy industry enforces strict drug and alcohol policies. Learn about these policies and procedures through guest speakers, videos, handouts and classroom discussion.

Employment preparation and the Internet
The ultimate objective of this course is to achieve employment as a technician in the wind turbine industry. Learn how to write an effective cover letter and resume, gain interviewing practices and techniques, and complete employment applications. Focus on career goals to help advance and move beyond entry level positions. Use the Internet to explore career opportunities, find housing and research potential employers in the wind turbine field.

Competent climber training
Learn fall hazard recognition, elimination and control methods as well as applicable fall protection and rescue regulations. Learn how to use written fall protection and rescue procedures and how to inspect equipment components and systems before use. Climb on our 75-foot climbing tower.

Northwest Renewable Energy Institute

www.nw-rei.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

Moog says its training facility will help customers to self-manage turbine deployment and speed repair and maintenance work.

A motion control company and developer of pitch systems for wind turbines, has opened a Wind Training Center in Unna, Germany. The 1,300 m² facility will provide technical training programs to Moog’s global wind energy customer base. A dedicated team of expert trainers will lead customer training programs ranging from a basic introduction to more advanced and focused engineering courses on products and systems. Hands-on technical training in Moog Pitch Systems, pitch motors, pitch servo drives, backup-systems and programmable logic controllers focuses on maintenance, performance analysis, repair and retrofits. To satisfy attendees with different backgrounds, basic, total immersion and expert levels will be available.

The training center will house interactive displays of complete pitch systems and a variety of products to facilitate hands-on practical instruction for participants. In addition to regularly offered courses, the company also offers specialized training courses tailored to specific customer needs, allowing trainees to effectively design their own training package. High quality and focused instruction is encouraged by limiting course sizes to small groups to provide more opportunity for participants to interact with the Moog trainers. Courses will be offered in both English and German as a standard, and are available in other languages on demand.

“Having qualified technicians especially in hard-to-reach areas and conditions that are difficult to work under are essential to saving customers time and ultimately cost,” added Jens Ograbek, Head of Services and Repair, Moog in Unna, Germany.
The opening ceremony included a number of Moog’s global senior executives as well as guest VIPs. Mr. Udo Paschedag, State Secretary, Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia delivered a speech on the importance of wind energy in North Rhine-Westphalia. Other guests include Mr. Werner Kolter, Mayor, City of Unna. In addition to the opening ceremony, Moog representatives and a number of leading industry experts sponsored a round-table discussion on “Safety, efficiency and skills in the wind energy market.”
Moog
www.moog.com

Windpower Engineering & Development

Capital Safety’s training structure will provide a variety of rescue and climbing training scenarios for the wind energy industry, and others that need to protect workers at height.

Capital Safety, home of the DBI-Sala, Uniline, and Protecta brands of fall protection equipment, today announces the opening of a new wind turbine training structure center at its North American headquarters in Red Wing, Minnesota. The new training structure will be used to provide a variety of rescue and climbing training scenarios for the wind energy industry, and a variety of others that need to protect workers at height.

“Construction and maintenance of wind turbines is accelerating throughout the world, and safety training must keep pace. We’ve made a significant investment in building a one-of-a-kind site where workers can learn the proper fall protection procedures before they go on the job,” says Jerry Falk, Global Product Director. “Now people and organizations from around the world can gather in a single, training location, complete with a wind tower, and learn from our experts and each other, which enhance the effectiveness of the training.”

The 70-foot structure was finished in June 2011 and has seen dozens of students complete training in four modules. It features multiple training areas to simulate actual wind turbine work, including the tower, nacelle and hub.

Capital Safety, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fall protection, confined space and rescue equipment, with 12 operating sites worldwide and a passionate commitment to quality, innovation and safety. All of Capital Safety’s fall protection and rescue systems are backed by extensive training, knowledgeable technical assistance, and professional customer service.

Capital Safety
http://www.capitalsafety.com/

Windpower Engineering & Development

Classroom can accommodate up to 12 students at a time and they have an indoor scissor lift demo area and outdoor boom lift.

Excel Rentals, Gary Riley of American Work Platform Training, Michael Kayes from PSE&G and industry consultant Bill Mackey. Through better safety education, The Institute aims to improve workers’ hazard awareness, thus increasing overall workplace safety and decreasing the potential for aerial-lift-related incidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death. A major benefit of their classification as a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, is that The Institute is able to seek grants from private and governmental sources to increase their educational offerings and provide scholarships to individuals unable to afford the comprehensive training programs.

Following a thorough review of the many training programs currently offered, The Institute selected programs from American Work Platform Training (AWPT), the North American training arm of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). The training programs offered by AWPT are based on the ISO-certified programs developed by IPAF and comply with all ANSI, CSA and OSHA requirements. Courses offered by The Institute include theoretical and practical hands-on training on scissor lifts, boom lifts, and truck-mounted aerials. Currently The Institute is the only organization in North America offering AWPT training for truck-mounted aerials. AWPT-certified instructors at The Institute include Katherine Hinkel, Mark Hinkel, Michael Probe, and David Heitz. In the future The Institute also plans to deliver familiarization specifically designed by Bronto Skylift for operators of their equipment.

Following the successful completion of an AWPT program, the student is awarded a Powered Access Licensed-Registration (PAL card) which identifies the student and notes the types of aerial work platforms on which they have been trained. The PAL Card is recognized in many countries as proof that the platform operator has been trained in the safe and proper use of a specific type of aerial device. More than 85,000 PAL Cards are issued annually through a worldwide network of over 450 IPAF-approved training centers like The Institute for Aerial Lift Safety.

Classroom can accommodate up to 12 students at a time and they have an indoor scissor lift demo area and outdoor boom lift and truck-mount demo area so trainees can operate equipment and receive hands-on training. Institute staff can also travel to a client’s site to administer the AWPT course with advanced notice. In the past few months The Institute has trained over 35 people in the safe use of truck-mounted aerials.
The Institute for Aerial Lift Safety
AerialLiftSafety.org

Windpower Engineering & Development

Platts Utility Data Institute predicts that over the next 10 years, more than 750 GW of new generating capacity will be installed worldwide, requiring a $500-billion investment. That represents a huge opportunity for plant manufacturers and energy services companies. (Source: Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSerc) public report, “Power Education at the Crossroads,” December 2008).

WPI is offering two online degrees—a Master of Engineering in Power Systems Engineering and a Master of Science in Power Systems Management—for the professional, degreed engineer. WPI is also offering online graduate certificates that compliment these master’s degrees by offering a subset of the courses.

“As a nation, we continue to seek reliable, safe and sustainable energy that support our economy,” says Stephen P. Flavin, VP of Academic and Corporate Development at WPI.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute
www.wpi.edu

Energy Providers Coalition for Education
www.epceonline.org

Windpower Engineering & Development

“We are extremely pleased with the response to the class,” said Jay Carpenter, Abaris trainer. “Over the course of five days we trained 10 people working in a multilingual environment involving three languages.” Abaris says it will be adding a Phase II class in November to its training schedule in Brazil. Phase II will build on the foundation laid in Phase I, concentrating on damage repair and hot bond technology.

According to Abaris President Mike Hoke, “Establishing this training center is a direct response to the rapid growth we have seen in the Brazilian composites industry. It is imperative that workers quickly develop sophisticated hands-on skills to meet the demands of the aerospace, automotive and windpower industries. Abaris is uniquely positioned to impart those skills in an effective, engaging way.”

Abaris is recognized as the global leader in hands-on instruction for the advanced composites industries, having trained nearly 17,000 students from 63 countries.

 Abaris www.abaris.com

Windpower Engineering & Development