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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources / Wind Energy Technology

Wind Energy Technology Associate Degree

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Program Code: 104821

The wind energy industry is the fastest growing segment of renewable energy production. The U.S. and Canadian commercial wind farms are experiencing annual growth of 25 percent. Employers seek skilled technicians for operation and maintenance activities in local wind farm settings. Within U.S. and international wind turbine manufacturers, there is also intense demand for upper-level technicians including installation technicians, quality control technicians, and warranty and commissioning technicians. Operation and maintenance positions remain with wind farm locations; other technicians travel extensively with the development of new wind farms and repair/retrofitting of wind farms around the world.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

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Employment Potential

• Wind Turbine Technician/Mechanic/Tower Climber

• Installation Technician

• Operation and Maintenance Technician

• Wind Farm Maintenance Manager

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Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application at Lakeshore Technical College - www.gotoltc.edu or (888) 468-6582.

Program Availability

FULL TIME Spring 2020 Summer 2020 Fall 2020
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Curriculum
The Wind Energy Technology Associate Degree is a two-year six-semester collaborative program between Lakeshore Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Students will attend classes on the Green Bay campus during the fall and spring semesters and will take part in summer semester courses at LTC. Students following the study plan below will complete the Wind Energy Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
FIRST SEMESTER
10-482-101 WIND SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION... prepares the learner to assess the global energy picture, analyze the causes of wind flow and wind flow properties, write a site assessment, explore small, medium, and large wind turbine designs, assess the environmental effects of wind turbines, perform business assessments for wind energy projects, plan a wind energy project, evaluate the operation and maintenance requirements of wind turbines and their components, and analyze the future of wind energy.
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10-482-104 WIND TECH 1-RESCUE & TOOLS ...prepares students for work at height and to perform equipment inspections on climbing and fall arrest gear; wear required PPE, PFPE, and apparel while working on wind turbine systems. Students will be SAFER certified in safe tower access, climbing, rescue, and confined space rescue, and will demonstrate proper knot tying and display professionalism and safe working habits during all tasks. Students are trained in the use of hand tools and torque tools. (Co-Requisite: 10-482-101 Wind Systems Introduction)
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10-482-110 ENERGY & SOLAR POWER ...provides learner with an overview of electrical energy generation and distribution and its relationship to the renewable energy industry. Various types of electric energy systems are compared and contrasted. Solar Energy and its differing applications, including solar hot water and passive solar, are explored. Students will measure the output of a photovoltaic array and learn how a PV system can be integrated into the existing infrastructure.
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OR
10-480-101 ENERGY-INTRO RENEW & SUSTAIN ...an overview of various renewable energy technologies and sustainable design practices and their current applications. Emphasis will be placed on policies, renewable energy production, green products and jobs.
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10-620-140 MACHINE WIRING AND SAFETY ...introduction to machine wiring, including basic documentation, labeling, and wiring practices; an overview of NFPA 79 machinery, safety and installation standards.
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10-620-100 FLUIDS 1: BASIC PNEUMATICS ...what fluid power is, differentiate between hydraulics and pneumatics, implement basic pneumatic circuits, utilize schematics, apply Pascal's Law, define properties of fluids, implement airflow control and hydraulics cylinder circuits.
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10-620-101 FLUIDS 2: BASIC HYDRAULICS ...hydraulic pumps, basic hydraulics actuator circuits, hydraulic schematics, apply Pascal's Law, summarize the effects of fluids friction, define properties of hydraulic energy, design hydraulic circuits with directional control valves. (Corequisite: 10-620-100, Fluids 1: Basic Pneumatics)
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10-620-165 FLUIDS 3: INTERMEDIATE HYDRAULICS ...design of cylinder actuating circuits with pressure-compensated flow control valves, how to control pressure, pilot-operated check valve applications, accumulator operation and application, hydraulic motor types and applications. (Corequisite: 10-620-101, Fluids 2: Basic Hydraulics)
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-660-104 DC 1: INTRODUCTION ...introduction to the concepts of DC electricity and simple series circuits. Voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law, power and Kirchoff's Voltage Law are defined.
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-660-105 DC 2: CIRCUITS ...analysis of parallel and series-parallel circuits. Application of Kirchoff's Current Law to parallel circuit combinations. Introduction of current sources and source conversions. (Corequisites: 10-804-118, Interim Algebra w Apps OR 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A; 10-660-104, DC 1: Intro)
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10-660-101 DIGITAL 1: LOGIC ...AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, logic operation using switch logic, ladder logic, and gate logic. Simplification methods using Boolean theorems and Karnaugh Maps, and timing diagram analysis.
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-804-113 COLLEGE TECHNICAL MATH 1A ...topics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Arithmetic score greater/equal to 65 AND Reading score greater/equal to 55; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)
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SEMESTER TOTAL
16
SECOND SEMESTER
10-482-106 WIND TECH 2-SAFETY & MAINTENANCE ...familiarizes learners with OSHA regulations related to the wind industry and proper methods to eliminate and control hazards. Students receive training in First Aid, CPR, rigging, and confined space and receive the 10-hour OSHA for General Industry and the Tools at Height certifications. Participants develop skills in repair and maintenance of commercial wind turbines. Industry standards, training manuals, and field experience are course standards. Co-Requisite: 10-482-104 Wind Technician 1 - Rescue & Tools
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10-620-166 FLUIDS 4: ADVANCED HYDRAULICS ...components of hydraulic pump power, characteristics of fluid conductors, issues of hydraulic system maintenance, basics of hydraulic flow and pressure in pipelines, design a hydraulic system from a specification.
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10-660-102 DIGITAL 2: SEQUENTIAL ...operation and connection of latches, RS flip-flops, JK flip-flops, and D flip-flops using timing diagram analysis, and some simple applications are studied. (Corequisite: 10-660-101, Digital 1: Logic)
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10-664-100 AUTOMATION 1: CONTROL LOGIC ...electric motor control components such as switches, relays, starters, transformers; and safely mount and install motor and motor control components and perform related wiring and troubleshooting of motor control circuits.
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10-664-101 AUTOMATION 2: MOTOR CONTROL ...electric motor control components such as sensors, timers and counters. (Corequisite: 10-664-100, Automation 1: Control Logic)
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10-664-102 AUTOMATION 3: PLC ...basic programmable logic controller programming and troubleshooting.
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10-660-107 AC 1: PROPERTIES ...introduction to the properties of capacitors and inductors including types and behavior in switching circuits. Inductor basics include a study of magnetic fields. (Prerequisite: 10-660-105, DC 2: Circuits; Corequisite: 10-804-196, Trigonometry w Apps OR 10-804-114, College Tech Math 1B)
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10-660-108 AC 2: REACTANCE ...study of the way inductive, capacitive and resistive components behave in a circuit excited by a sine waveform. Effective and average values of the sinewave are derived. (Corequisite: 10-660-107, AC 1: Properties)
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10-660-110 ELECTRONICS 1: DIODES-BASIC ...introduction to the characteristics and usage of semiconductor diodes in rectifiers and linear power supplies. Special diodes and diode circuits are also considered. (Prerequisite: 10-660-105, DC 2: Circuits; Corequisite: 10-660-107, AC 1: Properties)
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10-664-103 AUTOMATION 4: PLC ...troubleshooting a PLC system, applying Event Sequencing, developing PLC applications, applying timer instructions and counter instructions. (Corequisite: 10-664-102, Automation 3: PLC)
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10-664-104 AUTOMATION 5: PLC ...application, troubleshooting, and implementation of program control, math and data move instructions, analog I/O modules, and producing a PLC program from specification. (Corequisite: 10-664-103, Automation 4: PLC)
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10-605-158 POWER ELECTRONICS 2: DRIVES ...This course provide the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of the power and control circuitry of AC drives and application and troubleshooting of these industrial AC drives (VFD's) to AC induction motors. This course concentrates on the ABB ACS355 Variable Speed Drive.
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SEMESTER TOTAL
14
SUMMER SEMESTER
10-482-132 PHOTOVOLTAICS-DESIGN & SITE ...learn steps to performing a site audit prior to installation of a PV system. Focus on defining the solar window, system site placement, system sizing and design, load analysis and energy efficiency concepts. (Prerequisite: 10-482-126, Intro to Solar)
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OR
10-482-103 WIND FARM INTERNSHIP ...will allow learners to develop skill portfolios through hands-on training in the installation, maintenance and/or troubleshooting of wind energy systems. Students will work with their employers to ensure safe and proper techniques while working on and around wind turbines and fine-tuning their electromechanical skills. Internship opportunities vary in availability and location throughout the United States. Travel is required.
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SEMESTER TOTAL
2
THIRD SEMESTER
10-620-122 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS 2 ...mechanical drive system components related to multiple shaft drives, heavy-duty V-belt drives, synchronous belt drives, lubrication, and alignment. (Corequisite: 10-620-121, Mechanical Systems 1)
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10-620-123 MECHANICS 3: SYSTEMS ...application of correct couplings to mechanical systems, heavy-duty chain drives, maintenance of brakes and clutches, selection of brake/clutch mechanisms, and specification of linear ball bushings and ball screw drives. (Prerequisite: 10-620-122, Mechanics 2: Intermediate)
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10-620-161 POWER ELECTRICITY 1: MOTORS ...This course provides the opportunity for the student to develop the knowledge, skills, process and understanding of: Causes and results of magnetism and magnetic fields, laws of magnetic/electric interactions, DC Series, Permanent Magnet, Shunt, and Compound motor performance and operating characteristics.
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10-664-160 CONTROL 1: DISCRETE SYSTEMS ...applications and utilization of digital input and output devices through connection to and programming of PLC's. (Prerequisite: 10-664-101, Automation 2; 10-664-102, Automation 3: PLC)
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10-664-161 CONTROL 2: INTRODUCTION TO SERVO SYSTEMS ...introduction to components and operational functions of servo systems. Control of servo systems using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-160, Control 1: Discrete Systems)
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10-664-162 CONTROL 3: SERVO MOTION SYSTEMS ...creation of PLC programming to complete basic motion tasks. (Corequisite: 10-664-161, Control 2: Servo Systems-Intro)
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10-482-133 PHOTOVOLTAICS-ADVANCED ...topics include batteries, wiring configurations, system diagramming, National Electrical code, component selection, wiring, safety and system maintenance. (Prerequisites: 10-482-126 Intro to Solar; 10-660-104, DC 1: Intro; 10-660-105, DC 2: Circuits; 10-620-107, AC 1: Properties)
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10-482-135 ENERGY POWER & FORCE... studies laws and theories of electric power generation that govern motion and how to apply them to a range of concepts including rotational inertia, acceleration, velocity, lift, force, torque, etc. Studies the law of Conservation of Energy and basic atomic theory and how these concepts apply to electric power generation. The use and function of simple machines, and how they relate to electric power generator function, is also explored.
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10-482-136 ENERGY POWER & FORCE LAB... applies the laws and theories that govern motion to energy power and force concepts including rotational inertia, acceleration, velocity, lift, force and torque. Exploration of basic atomic theory and how it applies to electric power generation is conducted. In addition, the law of conservation of energy is applied in the lab activities. The use and function of simple machines, and how they relate to generator function is also examined. Co-requisites: 10-482-135, Energy Power & Force.
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 75; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND Eng greater/equal to 18; OR preparatory courses-contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
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SEMESTER TOTAL
16
FOURTH SEMESTER
10-482-126 INTRODUCTION TO SOLAR ...an overview of the use of sunlight to produce heat and electricity and the practical and economical use of solar power and solar thermal systems. Learn the importance of energy efficiency and the economics of solar hybrid designs.
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10-482-140 SOLAR TECHNICIAN 1 LAB... provides hands-on lab-based environment where you learn basic parts of photovoltaic systems, complete a solar site assessment, and learn how to size a solar system for desired power output, as well as to work safely around solar electric equipment.
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10-664-163 CONTROL 4: SERVO SYSTEM CAMMING ...introduction to components and operational functions of servo systems. Camming control of servo systems using PLC programming (Corequisite: 10-664-162, Control 3: Servo Motion Programming)
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10-664-164 CONTROL 5: SERVO SYSTEM REGISTRATION ...registration control of servo systems using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-163, Control 4: Servo Systems Camming)
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10-664-165 CONTROL 6: PROCESS CONTROL ...specification, calibration and application of process control devices using PLC programming. (Corequisite: 10-664-164, Control 5: Servo System Registration)
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Accuplacer Rdg score greater/equal to 55 AND Sentence Skills greater/equal to 60; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
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10-801-197 TECHNICAL REPORTING ...principles of report writing and correspondence, proposals, feasibility reports, progress reports, investigation reports, evaluation reports, meeting reports, memos, and correspondence. (Prerequisite: 10-801-136, English Composition I OR 10-801-195, Written Communication with “C” or better)
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Credit for Prior LearningCredit for Prior Learning Available »
10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)
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SEMESTER TOTAL
18
TOTAL CREDITS
66
Curriculum Note
. Refer to "LTC Summer" listings throughout Terms 1 to 4. Contact LTC Program Advisor Don Geiger to confirm dates and to discuss ability to complete in either 1 or 2 summers, which is determined based on completion of Term 1 and 2 coursework.
-Wind Tech 1-Rescue & Tools
-Energy & Solar Power
-Wind Tech 2-Safety & Maintenance
-Turbine Maintenance
-Wind Farm Internship
-Wind Technician 3 Lab
-Wind Systems Networking
-Wind Technician 4
-Wind Technician 5 Lab
-Solar Technician 1 Lab
. Students must be within safe-climbing, unequipped body weight of 100 to 275 pounds
. Students completing General Studies courses at NWTC must earn a "C" or better in English Composition to enrolling Technical Reporting.

Program Outcomes

• Install, test, service and repair wind turbine components.
• Troubleshoot and maintain control and PLC systems.
• Wear PPE for climbing and identify safety practices for climbing.
• Practice safe wind turbine tower climbing skills.

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