Mechanical Engineering
ME 535 - Wind Energy Engineering
Description: Students will develop an understanding of the principles underlying design and operation of wind energy conversion systems (WECS), focusing on horizontal-axis turbines. The course begins with an overview of the wind industry, followed by study of the wind, its origin, magnitude and statistical description. Turbine efficiency and the Betz limit will be derived. Rotor blade aerodynamics will be addressed in detail including Betz-optimum rotor blade shape and rotor blade performance using blade element momentum theory. Following this in-depth description of the wind turbine rotor blades will be a survey of several of the most important aspects of WECS, including: mechanics and dynamics; moments and natural frequencies; electrical power generation and grid interconnection; materials and components; wind turbine control; wind power plant design; environmental and regulatory considerations; and wind energy economics. Students will become familiar with the meaning and importance of key parameters and equations and be able to perform basic calculations. Upon completing the course, students will understand the salient aspects of wind turbine performance and design and will have the background necessary for advanced study of wind turbine design, wind power plant design, and wind power development. Co-convened with ME 435. Cross-listed with WU@TTU 535, WU@UMA 535. Letter grade only.
Units:
3
No sections currently offered.
Requirement Designation:
Prerequisite: ME 395 with a grade of C or better